Comments on: Review: The Present Future (rated 3 stars)

By: Rick White

Rick White — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 16:22:36 +0000

True. In fact, I believe I had this very conclusion in speaking with someone about McNeil’s books. So I agree with recommending it to those that would never read the many books he synthesizes.

No blogging recently. I’m buried right now in facility relocation details. More blogging to come when those things get settled. I promise! Until then, I don’t just “stop by”…I actually read via my google reader feed…so I’m always in the loop on all-things Jeff. ;)

Which…by the way…praying for your wife…and have been.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 03:05:26 +0000

He seems to synthesize and boil-down others’ original works and build a book out of it. He makes me feel like I’m reading the cliff notes from his reading list from the previous year.

I totally agree, but I don’t mind recommending it, simply because I know most folks won’t go read the source materials. I also loved your point about the book being for leaders who “don’t get out much.” Too true. Thanks for stopping by! You blogged lately?

By: Rick White

Rick White — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 19:14:05 +0000

Bro…while I did not formally give this book any stars, I would give it a 1 if I were reviewing. Reason? As seems to be McNeil’s calling card, this book seems specifically targeted at pastors/leaders of traditional baptist churches that don’t get out much. Both of his first two books were laced with information that had been written about and treated in a more thorough fashion elsewhere…long before his books came out.

For instance, in his “Practicing Greatness” book, he writes a chapter on emotional intelligence that would have been better served by Mr. McNeil simply keeping a blog where he encourages leaders to read “Primal Leadership” by Goleman. He seems to synthesize and boil-down others’ original works and build a book out of it. He makes me feel like I’m reading the cliff notes from his reading list from the previous year. Scathing…I know. :/