What do you think?
Rate this book
He's Been Faithful
Carol Cymbala's ministry in a tough inner-city neighborhood in New York can be summed up in one unlikely. A shy girl who struggled through school and never learned to read music, she is the last person you'd expect to stand before a packed house confidently directing The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. But Carol's God is the God of the unlikely. This abridged audio download of He's Been Faithful is an honest story about the struggles we all face and the power of God to help us. We learn that our longings for God are satisfied when we come to him simply, seeking his glory rather than ours, telling him and the world around us about the great things he has done. 'For the throngs of folks like me who've been blessed by Carol's music, the release of her book is good news. May these pages warm hearts and touch lives.' ---Max Lucado
176 pages, Hardcover
First published August 28, 2001
20 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 23, 2022
Reviewed by: Mary Lou Codman-Wilson, PhD., Pastoral Psychology, Psychological Anthropology, Christian Education and Buddhism.
Review
Carol Cymbala’s autobiographical book He’s Been Faithful is an engaging story of a person who has been transformed by God from being an extraordinarily shy young girl to a woman who now leads the Grammy Award-winning 225 member Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir and teaches and ministers around the world with her pastor husband, Jim Cymbala. Her book contains innumerable stories of the power of God in her own life, as well as stories of transformation from members of the Choir. But the impact of her book transcends these stories as she challenges the western tendency for music performance in the Church and the ethnically homogeneous nature of most churches in the West. She says, “The Bible says nothing at all about one group of believers getting up on a stage to entertain another group of believers” (p.76). The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir model of ministry begins with an extended prayer time as part of choir rehearsal and the requirement that all choir members sing from a vibrant walk with God. The talent of their singing is not the first requirement to join the choir. Each individual’s walk with God is. In addition, the extraordinary blend of culturally diverse members who are learning how to serve by loving and accepting one another has created a vibrant cross-cultural repertoire and aids each one’s journey toward wholeness. That model is also reflected in the congregation’s life as a whole. Although this book was originally published in 2001, this model of the book desperately needs to be revisited in our polarized US society today. When you purchase her book, there is also a free CD of the song He’s Been Faithful, “a song of hope born in the midst of her pain” (p.141) that is included.
Excerpt
“We began to make prayer the primary focus of the church. We started a real prayer meeting on Tuesday nights, and as we prayed the church began to grow and old wounds began to heal. People started coming off the streets for prayer and many joined the church. God gave us a wonderful sense of love and unity. I was like seeing the first signs of daylight after a very long night. . .Instead of a church on life support, the Brooklyn Tabernacle was being transformed into a spiritual emergency room, a place of rescue for those who felt crushed by the darkness around them, by the violence, addiction, harshness, and despair that characterized the city,” (pp. 40-41).
Review
Carol Cymbala’s autobiographical book He’s Been Faithful is an engaging story of a person who has been transformed by God from being an extraordinarily shy young girl to a woman who now leads the Grammy Award-winning 225 member Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir and teaches and ministers around the world with her pastor husband, Jim Cymbala. Her book contains innumerable stories of the power of God in her own life, as well as stories of transformation from members of the Choir. But the impact of her book transcends these stories as she challenges the western tendency for music performance in the Church and the ethnically homogeneous nature of most churches in the West. She says, “The Bible says nothing at all about one group of believers getting up on a stage to entertain another group of believers” (p.76). The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir model of ministry begins with an extended prayer time as part of choir rehearsal and the requirement that all choir members sing from a vibrant walk with God. The talent of their singing is not the first requirement to join the choir. Each individual’s walk with God is. In addition, the extraordinary blend of culturally diverse members who are learning how to serve by loving and accepting one another has created a vibrant cross-cultural repertoire and aids each one’s journey toward wholeness. That model is also reflected in the congregation’s life as a whole. Although this book was originally published in 2001, this model of the book desperately needs to be revisited in our polarized US society today. When you purchase her book, there is also a free CD of the song He’s Been Faithful, “a song of hope born in the midst of her pain” (p.141) that is included.
Excerpt
“We began to make prayer the primary focus of the church. We started a real prayer meeting on Tuesday nights, and as we prayed the church began to grow and old wounds began to heal. People started coming off the streets for prayer and many joined the church. God gave us a wonderful sense of love and unity. I was like seeing the first signs of daylight after a very long night. . .Instead of a church on life support, the Brooklyn Tabernacle was being transformed into a spiritual emergency room, a place of rescue for those who felt crushed by the darkness around them, by the violence, addiction, harshness, and despair that characterized the city,” (pp. 40-41).
December 2, 2009
This autobiography is a great reminder for me that our Lord is at work at all points in time. He is the subject of this story as Carol Cymbala relates her move to Brooklyn from the Midwest and how she and her childhood friend and then husband were being groomed to revitalize an old spent church. As my friend Tony likes to say: "Church describes the people, not the building!"
I found Carol's accounts of leading a music/choir ministry extremely uplifting and helpful. Her focus remains on the Lord and she is very careful to do a spiritual audition of her singers before they can join the Brooklyn Tabernacle choir. I also appreciate the recognition that the Choir there is an integral part of the pastoring ministry, each one available to pray after every service and concert. That attitude solidifies and reinforces the main purpose of Brooklyn Tabernacle, which is to introduce Christ (glorify him) and make him known to all people.
I'm living on the West Coast and have found in our Book Club that Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir is not well known out here. This book would be a good starting point, followed by Jim Cymbala's account in "Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire."
I found Carol's accounts of leading a music/choir ministry extremely uplifting and helpful. Her focus remains on the Lord and she is very careful to do a spiritual audition of her singers before they can join the Brooklyn Tabernacle choir. I also appreciate the recognition that the Choir there is an integral part of the pastoring ministry, each one available to pray after every service and concert. That attitude solidifies and reinforces the main purpose of Brooklyn Tabernacle, which is to introduce Christ (glorify him) and make him known to all people.
I'm living on the West Coast and have found in our Book Club that Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir is not well known out here. This book would be a good starting point, followed by Jim Cymbala's account in "Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire."
November 12, 2009
“He’s Been Faithful” (song and book title) presents the sound truth that a person’s limitations are opportunities, not obstacles, for God to show his limitless power and unlimited love. No mater how difficult the circumstances of our lives, they never thwart His plan. Carol Cymbala elaborates on this truth through her own story as a preacher’s kid, a pastor’s wife, a woman chosen by God to serve Him, which she does by directing the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. The book includes life examples from many members of the choir; all speaking to the discipline of taking our eyes off of ourselves and our problems, and committing ourselves to loving God and serving others. In the process we follow him into uncomfortable places, encounter our fears, and grow in faith.
Throughout the book Carol underscore the grounding of fervent prayer, the role of worship leaders, the value of community, the importance of discipline, accountability, and commitment.
August 2, 2012
The Word of God instructs us that we will overcome by the blood of the Lamb, and the word of our testimony. This personal testimony is powerful, and builds the faith of all who read it, who minister in seemingly impossible situations. God always calls us to do things only HE can do, so He gets the glory. Jim & Carol Cymbala were called to Brooklyn, NY, literally to minister & pioneer a work where there was none. Now, music publishers are astounded at the success of Carol's music writing, even though she has no degree in music. They cannot understand the success, the awards, the secret of harmonic rhythm, what is it? They have sent people to study what it is that makes her music so special, and they cannot crack the code. Well, obviously, it is the favor of God, the anointing, the blessing of God. He loves to use the weak things of this world to confound the wise, and I can just hear him sitting back and laughing as they try to figure it all out.
July 17, 2019
I absolutely loved this. I related to a lot of Carol's story, how she was so shy and timid growing up, but thrust into a leadership role she had to depend on God for. There were so many amazing stories in this book from people in her church as well. I feel so encouraged and uplifted after having read this book, and I highly recommend it.
September 3, 2007
This book describes the ministry of the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir in New York. It's a great inspiration for Christian musicians to remind you why we do what we do. It's not about us - it's about God's glory.
July 1, 2012
I have sung the song with my choir for years and it always moved me. However, not until I read the story did I comprehend the miracle of grace that His faithfulness really is. Amen and Amen!!
November 22, 2014
This book made me dream of getting in that church someday and listening to the Brooklyn Tabernacle choir live, because of the special people there. And God made my wish com true! It's a very blessed book about blessed people and church, written by a blessed soul!
November 13, 2009
The author's life and the other people's she shares about are inspiring, reminding me to pray, to have faith in God.
February 26, 2011
I love testimonies about God's faithfulness and goodness!
September 6, 2012
I enjoyed the testimonies throughout this book and the strong stance Carol has toward her choir being one of ministry rather than performance.
February 6, 2018
I stumbled upon this book while looking for the preorder for Mercy Me lead singer's memoir. Audible didn't have it yet, but I found this one. For two hours you wouldn't think that paying a little over $10 is worth it. However, to me it was. Carol shares a little bit of what she and her choir have done and shared a couple of stories that will amaze you and make you cry.
July 7, 2018
One of my favorite books of all time. I’m not sure if it’s because Carol wrote “He’s Been Faithful,” one of my favorite songs of all time or if it’s because she tells her story in such an encouraging, faith-building way! I love reading about the early stages of The Brooklyn Tabernacle and some of the obstacles the Cymbala’s overcame. Simple read, simple truths, but so encouraging.
February 19, 2025
4 1/2 stars
This is a nice devotional to encourage you on your journey. The author not only tells you about her journey but includes inspiration stories from people in her choir from thier childhood and young adult lives from drug abuse to addiction etc. How they found their way to God. Nicely written and leaves you with a good feeling.
This is a nice devotional to encourage you on your journey. The author not only tells you about her journey but includes inspiration stories from people in her choir from thier childhood and young adult lives from drug abuse to addiction etc. How they found their way to God. Nicely written and leaves you with a good feeling.
May 13, 2018
Very encouraging book, especially how Carol saw the Lord work through the very areas of weakness, fear and inadequacy in her life.
September 25, 2018
I love Jim and Carol Cymbala!
January 24, 2019
O carte care iti atinge sufletul si te invata despre credinciosia lui Dumnezeu.
February 16, 2021
This was a very interesting book that had me believing more and more in God's presence in our lives, whether we're aware or not. Definitely a good read!
December 31, 2024
Stories about Brooklyn Tabernacle in New York City told from the point of view of the pastor's wife.
August 3, 2025
How to find Hope
Read this book which is all about God’s indescribable love & dedication to each of us! Your heart will be filled with His love.
Read this book which is all about God’s indescribable love & dedication to each of us! Your heart will be filled with His love.
March 4, 2024
This book was amazing. It really gave me good insights into being a good worship leader, and helped me realize how little God can work through.
August 15, 2021
"When I audition a new choir member, I do more than listen to that person’s voice. I try also to hear that person’s heart because I would rather have lesser singers with sincere and loving hearts than great voices singing merely to perform."
I decided to give this book a short after reading Jim Cymbala's Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire. I will admit that I was expecting a nice, feel-good book about lessons learned by a midwestern housewife who ends up accidentally conducting a choir in Brooklyn. But this was not it. No, this is a kick-in-the-pants manifesto on what true worship should be, and on the sacrifices required to make your life "match the lyrics" of the worship songs you sing. It was clearly not an easy journey for Carol to become the conductor of one of the most famous choirs in America, and she takes no credit for their success, but it is an eye-opening journey of realizing what true worship actually is--and making sure your community reflects that.
This is not just a how-to book for choir conductors or worship leaders, it is a how-to for the Christian life.
I decided to give this book a short after reading Jim Cymbala's Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire. I will admit that I was expecting a nice, feel-good book about lessons learned by a midwestern housewife who ends up accidentally conducting a choir in Brooklyn. But this was not it. No, this is a kick-in-the-pants manifesto on what true worship should be, and on the sacrifices required to make your life "match the lyrics" of the worship songs you sing. It was clearly not an easy journey for Carol to become the conductor of one of the most famous choirs in America, and she takes no credit for their success, but it is an eye-opening journey of realizing what true worship actually is--and making sure your community reflects that.
This is not just a how-to book for choir conductors or worship leaders, it is a how-to for the Christian life.
February 11, 2014
This book is AMAZING!!Not because of what the author has done, but because of what God has done in and through her!!!Great testimonies of how God has used a choir to change lives! I recommend it to anyone who seeks to honor God! Especially recommended to Church choir members, directors, worship leaders, etc.
September 5, 2013
This book speaks out the most honest and real testimony of various people of different colors which is encouraging me that there is a story written by God in everyone's life. It takes faith to come to realize it.
September 26, 2020
Meaningful
In this book, Carol Cymbala shared how God changed her from a timid young lady to a powerful worker for Him. She is completely focused on His faithfulness in her life and those of choir members. I like the fact that personal stories and songs were interspersed.
In this book, Carol Cymbala shared how God changed her from a timid young lady to a powerful worker for Him. She is completely focused on His faithfulness in her life and those of choir members. I like the fact that personal stories and songs were interspersed.
October 10, 2011
A bit repetitive after reading Jim Cymbala's book, but I did enjoy the autobiographical nature of the book from Carol's perspective.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews