OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "From The Pulpit To The Pew" by John K Lomax.]

From The PULPIT To The PEW: 7 Steps to Elevate Your Church Leadership by John K. Lomax is truly inspiring and worth reading. The author didn't just write the 7 steps just because he felt they were important, but because he has lived to embrace the steps through continuous experiences and learning. Personally, I've been a liturgical coordinator in the Catholic Students Association at university, and I've had a passion for being a choir leader and a pianist, as I do believe in singing: I get to pray and praise God. But the fear in me has always been a stumbling block. Reading the book has encouraged me to face my fears and to take up the roles by taking the road less traveled.

John K. Lomax found solace in scripture, prayer, and meditation, after being convicted of death by motor vehicle and sentenced to five years in prison. It became a turning point, and he found meaning in life by God's grace, which became the foundation of his redemption. Through his experiences, he has identified seven key steps to becoming the best religious leader who leads people in ways that align with God's will and teachings.


Supporting each principle with relevant scripture enhanced my understanding of the steps. Two scriptures I loved most were Philippians 4:6 and Matthew 7:3-5. I found them reassuring and spiritually enriching. The author sufficiently explained that we don't usually realize our blind spots, but by accepting criticism from people we trust, like his wife, and heeding the corrections, we are enabled to become effective and better leaders. I'm going to listen to my mentors from now onwards.

Religious leaders seeking to grow in faith and love and become the best and most reliable leaders will find this book really educational. I learned that trust, love, self-awareness, and humility are the best among many values that make us excel in our leadership roles. With my daily struggles, I do find it difficult to balance my leadership roles and my academics, but I now believe I can manage them well. The book enlightened me on the best ways to tackle it. How do we differentiate between what is good and bad as leaders? How do we know that we are doing it for God's glory and not our own comfort? Get a copy of the book to learn more.

The book is short and direct to the point. The author's personal stories and well-chosen scriptures enhance readers' understanding; therefore, I'm sure readers will appreciate the book. It also offered reflection questions at the end of every step, which allowed room for me to deeply resonate with the scriptures and lessons. I really couldn't find anything to dislike about the book. I found a few grammatical errors that didn't at all interfere with my reading experience, suggesting the book was well-edited. I therefore confidently rate the book 5 stars out of 5 stars.

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From The Pulpit To The Pew
View: on Bookshelves

Indeed, iron sharps iron, and the best way to grow as a leader, every leader, is to accept correction and positive criticism from others. I am happy that one of the focus of the books is the issue of grace, as it is the key pillar. Many thanks for the amazing, moving review, @Magdalyne chebet.

Kibet Hillary wrote: ↑23 Jun 2025, 00:55 Indeed, iron sharps iron, and the best way to grow as a leader, every leader, is to accept correction and positive criticism from others. I am happy that one of the focus of the books is the issue of grace, as it is the key pillar. Many thanks for the amazing, moving review, @Magdalyne chebet.

Thank you for the kind comment @Kibet Hillary

Church leadership is a significant task. Without a solid foundation in faith, self-doubt and fear can easily take over. The road is filled with opposition, both physical and spiritual. It's clear that this book has inspired you, and I'm confident it will be a valuable resource for those who need help in leading others to Christ. Lovely review!

To be a good leader one must be humble and know how to follow. This author encourages us to listen to our most important critics if we want to be a good leader. People want to follow a good leader. This book will show the way leadership is to be acquired. The scriptures add good examples and inspiration.

Gerry Steen wrote: ↑25 Jun 2025, 20:35 To be a good leader one must be humble and know how to follow. This author encourages us to listen to our most important critics if we want to be a good leader. People want to follow a good leader. This book will show the way leadership is to be acquired. The scriptures add good examples and inspiration.

Thank you @Gerry Steen

Creole wrote: ↑25 Jun 2025, 19:38 Church leadership is a significant task. Without a solid foundation in faith, self-doubt and fear can easily take over. The road is filled with opposition, both physical and spiritual. It's clear that this book has inspired you, and I'm confident it will be a valuable resource for those who need help in leading others to Christ. Lovely review!

Thank you @Creole

This isn't really a book for me, as my beliefs differ from those. However, I know this book will have a broad audience and it appears that it could offer a lot of assistance to those seeking those positions in the catholic church. Great review.

It's wonderful to hear how John K. Lomax's personal journey resonated with your own aspirations as a choir leader and pianist, encouraging you to overcome your fears. Highlighting the importance of scripture, self-awareness, and humility, along with the reflection questions, really showcases the book's value.It's lovely to see books impact positively on its reader. Thank you so much for the review.

I am glad to hear that you enjoyed this book and found it to be a helpful resource. I appreciate your note that the author was concise, as sometimes books of this nature can be repetitive and drawn-out.

It’s interesting how the book ties leadership with personal experience and faith. The mix of real-life stories, scripture, and reflection questions seems useful for readers looking to grow in that space. Thanks for sharing this detailed review.

I value it that teachings from religious books are interpreted beyond religious context and that leaders help followers comprehend the true essence of the message and apply them in day - to - day life to become better humans. I am happy that you could extract the message and apply it. I'll look out for the book as well. Thank you for the great review @Magdalyne chebet

Your deep analysis of the book is well-noted in your review. Even though this book is not for me, I believe it would be valuable for the desired audience. Thanks for your review!