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My Second Chapter: The Matthew Ward Story
How one family’s tragedy ultimately revolutionized contemporary Christian music.
Known for such classics as “Easter Song,” the Second Chapter of Acts was one of the major music groups in the forefront of the Jesus movement. But what happened, in the wake of personal tragedy, to bring together a brother and his two sisters to sing so boldly for their Lord? And what was life really like for a major contemporary Christian band in those early days?
In My Second Chapter, Matthew Ward tells his part of the storyfull of intriguing and humorous behind-the-scenes anecdotes and growing up in a large family…orphaned at age twelve…finding the Lord in the California Jesus movement… becoming a music star…traveling the world…battling cancer…raising his own family … and much more all revealing God’s faithfulness in every circumstance.
Join Matthew on his amazing personal journey from tragedy to dynamic faith that helped set contemporary Christian music on fire. And discover how God chooses whom he will to accomplish great and mighty acts.
Known for such classics as “Easter Song,” the Second Chapter of Acts was one of the major music groups in the forefront of the Jesus movement. But what happened, in the wake of personal tragedy, to bring together a brother and his two sisters to sing so boldly for their Lord? And what was life really like for a major contemporary Christian band in those early days?
In My Second Chapter, Matthew Ward tells his part of the storyfull of intriguing and humorous behind-the-scenes anecdotes and growing up in a large family…orphaned at age twelve…finding the Lord in the California Jesus movement… becoming a music star…traveling the world…battling cancer…raising his own family … and much more all revealing God’s faithfulness in every circumstance.
Join Matthew on his amazing personal journey from tragedy to dynamic faith that helped set contemporary Christian music on fire. And discover how God chooses whom he will to accomplish great and mighty acts.
240 pages, Paperback
First published August 15, 2006
12 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Ward
12 books17 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Matthew Ward was a Jesus Music pioneer who started in music with the recording of the single "Jesus Is" with his sisters Nelly and Annie on his 13th birthday. He is known for his high clear tenor voice and harmonies in the group Second Chapter of Acts, which produced 15 albums before it disbanded in 1988, and for his solo career (1979 to present).
He married his wife Deanne in 1983 and they live in Colorado.
Matthew Ward was a Jesus Music pioneer who started in music with the recording of the single "Jesus Is" with his sisters Nelly and Annie on his 13th birthday. He is known for his high clear tenor voice and harmonies in the group Second Chapter of Acts, which produced 15 albums before it disbanded in 1988, and for his solo career (1979 to present).
He married his wife Deanne in 1983 and they live in Colorado.
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November 24, 2023
This is a review of My Second Chapter, the autobiographical book by Matthew Ward. The Matthew Ward story, My Second Chapter, was published by The Crown Publishing Group and WaterBrook Press in 2006 and is available on Kindle and Paperback. For many Matthew Ward will be known for his work as a singer, songwriter, and producer. Most notably, Matthew Ward and his sisters performed in the early Christian and ministry music group, 2nd Chapter of Acts, which Matthew reflects extensively on throughout this autobiographical narrative of his life.
By 1970, the large nine-member Ward family experienced a traumatic upheaval as both of their parents died within two years of each other from incurable diseases. Nelly and Matthew, still in school, moved to Los Angeles to live with their older sister Annie, and her husband, a musical promoter and producer named Buck Herring. Annie and Buck Herring had only been married for about two years when they had suddenly become caretakers and parents for Matthew and Annie. Buck and Annie had also become followers of Jesus, as many were at the height of the Jesus Revolution, and were involved in a Spirit-filled church that would eventually help to lead Matthew and Nelly to Jesus as well.
Mathew and Nelly also began to write and sing with Annie, their sister, and Buck knew there was something special about their harmonies and ability. They would eventually form a group that would become known as 2nd Chapter of Acts. It was not very long, until 2nd Chapter of Acts rose to notoriety throughout the 1970s, at the height of the formation of the Jesus People and Jesus Revolution Movement, while Matthew and Nelly were still in school. These three siblings frontline their group, which through the influence and friendship of Pat Boone and Barry McGuire, would become recognized at a large scale for their tight and intricate harmonies. In My Second Chapter, Matthew Ward shares stories of his upbringing, coming to faith, and the early days that led to the formation of their musician group.
They are often listed as a forerunner of Contemporary Christian Music, which at the time of the Jesus Revolution was often referred to just as Jesus Music. Soon after becoming recognized at a large scale, 2nd Chapter of Acts began to extensively tour throughout the United States, and eventually the world. Until they disbanded in the late 1980s, they would consistently tour except for two sabbatical years. Their first three albums were released by Myrrh Records, and their scene and God’s leading allowed 2nd Chapter of Acts to create a tight friendship with early Jesus Music pioneers such as Billy Ray Hearn, Phil Keaggy, Keith Green, the Resurrection Band, and many others. In My Second Chapter, Ward unpacks his friendship with Phil, Keith, and others in a transparent but compassionate view through his experiences. As a fan of this early Jesus Music, these stories were worth the read alone. One of my favorite stories involved a Christmas Tree, while Matthew Ward was living with Keith and Melody Green at Last Days Ministries.
I feel that it is important to share that My Second Chapter could have used significant influence, editing, and direction from a more professional editor and publishing company. There were times in this My Second Chapter by Mathew Ward, that it seemed scattered, and the narrative of Ward’s story jumped around a bit. At other moments, there was some verbiage that felt confusing to the congruence of the story, and even distracted from it. Without knowing for sure, I would assume that most of the approach to the writing and publishing of this book was self-edited and published. Despite the low-budget publishing, I believe any reader should be able to push past these inconsistencies and discover a beautiful read that conveys countless stories, truths, and unforgettable moments of Ward’s life, musical career, and faith journey.
In their early writing sessions, Matthew Ward shared that this is when he first began to understand the presence of God's Spirit. Though they were new followers of Jesus, with little understanding of all they were experiencing, he shared at times that while they were singing "tears would stream down" his face, at other times he says, "I saw visions when we sang that way together.” At other moments in those days, Matthew Ward points out that "The Spirit of the Lord would fall so heavily some days that we would stop and take stock of what the Lord was revealing.” These sessions, moments of mere worship rather than just music creation, Ward says, "became wonderfully powerful to me because, for the first time, I saw the Lord as a living God who showed up as my heart was poured out before Him.” Matthew Ward shares that in these pioneering days of the Jesus People movement, they "saw the faces of people who had been delivered from demonic oppression, people who had been healed from one kind of illness or another, many who had called upon the name of the Lord for freedom in different areas of life.” He knew that God was doing something in that moment that Ward and his family, and their friends, could not fully understand.
The book begins with an introduction from Worship Musician Darlene Zscheck. This introduction is followed by a short preface from Matthew Ward. In the preface, Ward shares that the stories that he shares are "meant to expose God...[who] hardly ever does a thing the way I think He will, and His ways are rarely my ways.' ' In the first three chapters, Ward unpacks his earliest memories and stories of his upbringing. From Chapters 4 to 8, we begin to see the early days of the circumstances God used to call Matthew Ward to Jesus and Jesus' Church, but also to a new identity and sense of calling for ministry. From Chapters 8 to 12, we follow the band on the road, in the studio, and see glimpses of God at work in, with, and through the scene of early Jesus Music pioneers. Chapter 13, to the end (Chapter 18), follows Matthew Ward's life after 2nd Chapter of Acts, including his cancer journey and solo career. After 2nd Chapter of Acts, Matthew Ward became most known for his songs of worship and his collaboration with others. Additionally, in these last chapters, we get some important reflections and commentary on Matthew Ward as he looks back on his life and what he has learned as a Jesus follower.
Throughout the book, Matthew Ward shares transparently and vulnerably about his own story, but also his thoughts on what it means to be a follower of Jesus and a musician who is serious about following Jesus for ministry reasons. For some, these prophetic challenges might be alarming in his thoughts of what has become of worship and Jesus Music. I resonated with many and enjoyed hearing the way he has seen contrasts between now and the Jesus People Movement. In reference to being labeled a forefather of Contemporary Christian Music, Ward remarks in his days, "the term Jesus music was the accepted idiom....it wasn't until the Christian music industry started watering down the gospel to the point that many times it was impossible to tell Christian from secular music that a new descriptive term was needed (Contemporary Christian Music).”
In his reflections throughout My Second Chapter, Matthew Ward shares that he believes that "music has the ability to do what no other form of art can do - grab people by the soul and shake them up.” For this reason, those serious about being ministers of music should realize the call on their life and the sense of calling they must carry. Straightforwardly he shares that "if all you want to do is entertain, then the weight of responsibility is greatly reduced," but if you want to be part of something greater, if you want to see "God fall upon an audience," then that "requires a lot more form the individual takes the platform." To musicians and the scene today, Ward proposes the question "Where's our heart?”
Matthew Ward also laments in My Second Chapter, that "in the last ten years, the business of worship music has become such a huge money maker.” He shares that he has found that though he likes a lot about modern music, the "songs that touch me the deepest, whether they are old hymns or new songs" are songs that have been forged through pain, spiritual search, and authenticity. He has come to believe that in many modern worship songs that we are singing in the church today "there's something missing in them." That thing that is missing is not a style, but a posture of worship, to which I would concur with Matthew Ward's reflections and prophetic challenge. He shares how the early Jesus movement years were songs written not only from pain, search, and authenticity but also for and from a sense of a collective family and community. These early songs were not individualistic like worship songs today. They were about God’s honor, not our sense of blessing. During his time at a worship event in Europe, he began to realize that Western Evangelicism had developed an individualistic self-focus in our worship. Evangelicalism’s personalization of faith and relationship with Jesus in our churches led to a church, faith, and worship movement that was more after a personal Jesus who was interested mostly in our own fulfillment. As a result of our individualistic approach, Ward comments that "we gather on Sunday morning and find ourselves caught up in a slick, professional kind of experience" based on our wants and needs, fulfillment, and expectations. In Europe, there were still more "we and us" in their songs and this reminded him of the approach of early worship, the sense of community and spiritual pilgrimage, and the sense of God-honoring worship. Ward calls for us to discover deeper worship again, not songs of individualistic need for contentment and fulfillment.
I recommend My Second Chapter, the autobiographical book by Matthew Ward because it offers a captivating look into his life as a singer, songwriter, and producer. For many, they will particularly enjoy his experiences with the influential Christian music group, 2nd Chapter of Acts. For me, as someone who was a generation behind, but went on a similar spiritual sojourn and involvement through music as the Jesus People did, I appreciated Ward’s stories of his upbringing, his journey to faith, the formation of the group, and his interaction with other Jesus Music ministers and pioneers. Despite the need for better editing, the book conveys countless stories, truths, and unforgettable moments. Ward's reflections unpack a deep sense of calling and the need to prioritize a posture of worship over individual fulfillment. Overall, My Second Chapter by Matthew Ward serves as an enlightening and thought-provoking read for fans of early Jesus Music and anyone interested in the intersection of music and faith.
By 1970, the large nine-member Ward family experienced a traumatic upheaval as both of their parents died within two years of each other from incurable diseases. Nelly and Matthew, still in school, moved to Los Angeles to live with their older sister Annie, and her husband, a musical promoter and producer named Buck Herring. Annie and Buck Herring had only been married for about two years when they had suddenly become caretakers and parents for Matthew and Annie. Buck and Annie had also become followers of Jesus, as many were at the height of the Jesus Revolution, and were involved in a Spirit-filled church that would eventually help to lead Matthew and Nelly to Jesus as well.
Mathew and Nelly also began to write and sing with Annie, their sister, and Buck knew there was something special about their harmonies and ability. They would eventually form a group that would become known as 2nd Chapter of Acts. It was not very long, until 2nd Chapter of Acts rose to notoriety throughout the 1970s, at the height of the formation of the Jesus People and Jesus Revolution Movement, while Matthew and Nelly were still in school. These three siblings frontline their group, which through the influence and friendship of Pat Boone and Barry McGuire, would become recognized at a large scale for their tight and intricate harmonies. In My Second Chapter, Matthew Ward shares stories of his upbringing, coming to faith, and the early days that led to the formation of their musician group.
They are often listed as a forerunner of Contemporary Christian Music, which at the time of the Jesus Revolution was often referred to just as Jesus Music. Soon after becoming recognized at a large scale, 2nd Chapter of Acts began to extensively tour throughout the United States, and eventually the world. Until they disbanded in the late 1980s, they would consistently tour except for two sabbatical years. Their first three albums were released by Myrrh Records, and their scene and God’s leading allowed 2nd Chapter of Acts to create a tight friendship with early Jesus Music pioneers such as Billy Ray Hearn, Phil Keaggy, Keith Green, the Resurrection Band, and many others. In My Second Chapter, Ward unpacks his friendship with Phil, Keith, and others in a transparent but compassionate view through his experiences. As a fan of this early Jesus Music, these stories were worth the read alone. One of my favorite stories involved a Christmas Tree, while Matthew Ward was living with Keith and Melody Green at Last Days Ministries.
I feel that it is important to share that My Second Chapter could have used significant influence, editing, and direction from a more professional editor and publishing company. There were times in this My Second Chapter by Mathew Ward, that it seemed scattered, and the narrative of Ward’s story jumped around a bit. At other moments, there was some verbiage that felt confusing to the congruence of the story, and even distracted from it. Without knowing for sure, I would assume that most of the approach to the writing and publishing of this book was self-edited and published. Despite the low-budget publishing, I believe any reader should be able to push past these inconsistencies and discover a beautiful read that conveys countless stories, truths, and unforgettable moments of Ward’s life, musical career, and faith journey.
In their early writing sessions, Matthew Ward shared that this is when he first began to understand the presence of God's Spirit. Though they were new followers of Jesus, with little understanding of all they were experiencing, he shared at times that while they were singing "tears would stream down" his face, at other times he says, "I saw visions when we sang that way together.” At other moments in those days, Matthew Ward points out that "The Spirit of the Lord would fall so heavily some days that we would stop and take stock of what the Lord was revealing.” These sessions, moments of mere worship rather than just music creation, Ward says, "became wonderfully powerful to me because, for the first time, I saw the Lord as a living God who showed up as my heart was poured out before Him.” Matthew Ward shares that in these pioneering days of the Jesus People movement, they "saw the faces of people who had been delivered from demonic oppression, people who had been healed from one kind of illness or another, many who had called upon the name of the Lord for freedom in different areas of life.” He knew that God was doing something in that moment that Ward and his family, and their friends, could not fully understand.
The book begins with an introduction from Worship Musician Darlene Zscheck. This introduction is followed by a short preface from Matthew Ward. In the preface, Ward shares that the stories that he shares are "meant to expose God...[who] hardly ever does a thing the way I think He will, and His ways are rarely my ways.' ' In the first three chapters, Ward unpacks his earliest memories and stories of his upbringing. From Chapters 4 to 8, we begin to see the early days of the circumstances God used to call Matthew Ward to Jesus and Jesus' Church, but also to a new identity and sense of calling for ministry. From Chapters 8 to 12, we follow the band on the road, in the studio, and see glimpses of God at work in, with, and through the scene of early Jesus Music pioneers. Chapter 13, to the end (Chapter 18), follows Matthew Ward's life after 2nd Chapter of Acts, including his cancer journey and solo career. After 2nd Chapter of Acts, Matthew Ward became most known for his songs of worship and his collaboration with others. Additionally, in these last chapters, we get some important reflections and commentary on Matthew Ward as he looks back on his life and what he has learned as a Jesus follower.
Throughout the book, Matthew Ward shares transparently and vulnerably about his own story, but also his thoughts on what it means to be a follower of Jesus and a musician who is serious about following Jesus for ministry reasons. For some, these prophetic challenges might be alarming in his thoughts of what has become of worship and Jesus Music. I resonated with many and enjoyed hearing the way he has seen contrasts between now and the Jesus People Movement. In reference to being labeled a forefather of Contemporary Christian Music, Ward remarks in his days, "the term Jesus music was the accepted idiom....it wasn't until the Christian music industry started watering down the gospel to the point that many times it was impossible to tell Christian from secular music that a new descriptive term was needed (Contemporary Christian Music).”
In his reflections throughout My Second Chapter, Matthew Ward shares that he believes that "music has the ability to do what no other form of art can do - grab people by the soul and shake them up.” For this reason, those serious about being ministers of music should realize the call on their life and the sense of calling they must carry. Straightforwardly he shares that "if all you want to do is entertain, then the weight of responsibility is greatly reduced," but if you want to be part of something greater, if you want to see "God fall upon an audience," then that "requires a lot more form the individual takes the platform." To musicians and the scene today, Ward proposes the question "Where's our heart?”
Matthew Ward also laments in My Second Chapter, that "in the last ten years, the business of worship music has become such a huge money maker.” He shares that he has found that though he likes a lot about modern music, the "songs that touch me the deepest, whether they are old hymns or new songs" are songs that have been forged through pain, spiritual search, and authenticity. He has come to believe that in many modern worship songs that we are singing in the church today "there's something missing in them." That thing that is missing is not a style, but a posture of worship, to which I would concur with Matthew Ward's reflections and prophetic challenge. He shares how the early Jesus movement years were songs written not only from pain, search, and authenticity but also for and from a sense of a collective family and community. These early songs were not individualistic like worship songs today. They were about God’s honor, not our sense of blessing. During his time at a worship event in Europe, he began to realize that Western Evangelicism had developed an individualistic self-focus in our worship. Evangelicalism’s personalization of faith and relationship with Jesus in our churches led to a church, faith, and worship movement that was more after a personal Jesus who was interested mostly in our own fulfillment. As a result of our individualistic approach, Ward comments that "we gather on Sunday morning and find ourselves caught up in a slick, professional kind of experience" based on our wants and needs, fulfillment, and expectations. In Europe, there were still more "we and us" in their songs and this reminded him of the approach of early worship, the sense of community and spiritual pilgrimage, and the sense of God-honoring worship. Ward calls for us to discover deeper worship again, not songs of individualistic need for contentment and fulfillment.
I recommend My Second Chapter, the autobiographical book by Matthew Ward because it offers a captivating look into his life as a singer, songwriter, and producer. For many, they will particularly enjoy his experiences with the influential Christian music group, 2nd Chapter of Acts. For me, as someone who was a generation behind, but went on a similar spiritual sojourn and involvement through music as the Jesus People did, I appreciated Ward’s stories of his upbringing, his journey to faith, the formation of the group, and his interaction with other Jesus Music ministers and pioneers. Despite the need for better editing, the book conveys countless stories, truths, and unforgettable moments. Ward's reflections unpack a deep sense of calling and the need to prioritize a posture of worship over individual fulfillment. Overall, My Second Chapter by Matthew Ward serves as an enlightening and thought-provoking read for fans of early Jesus Music and anyone interested in the intersection of music and faith.
December 29, 2021
Context: I'm someone who has loved the music of Matthew Ward and Second Chapter of Acts for years. My first exposure was The Roar of Love which we had on record in the early 80s when I was a kid. We sang some Second Chapter music in my teen choir. I bought Fortress as a hot new release on CD because the earlier stuff I had was so good.
This is a very humanizing, personable, and genuine autobiography. The book is at its best relating personal anecdotes, stories from the road, and struggles. There's plenty of humor. Sometimes it's astonishing. It won't leave you completely disillusioned about the church like some Jesus Music biographies might.
It's a fast read. I read it in a day and a half.
The chapter Musing on Music, though, is a mess. I guess everyone from the early days feels pressure to make a statement about music and Christianity, but this one is not very cogent. It's 180 degrees from Steve Camp's carefully worded "107 Theses: A Call for Reformation" which also, incidentally, appeals to the Bible as the basis for its arguments.
Earlier in the book Ward explains his choice of nonChristian drummer Mike Beard. He says, "I simply wanted the best," and "what could it hurt to have this guy play on something that might speak to his life?"(p152) But in this chapter he criticizes Christians performing songs written by nonChristians (p208) as well as Christian musicians who can't point to an 'anointing of God' (p204) though without a precise definition of that.
In his discussion of what is appropriate for the Christian listener, I agree that a piece of music can be good without a certain number of mentions of "Jesus, God, or Lord." (p209) And I agree that music with integrity can be written by all kinds of people. I generally see works of art--music, literature, etc., as having an ontological value distinct from their creator, and feel they should be judged independently. But is this consistent with his other assertions in this section about who can and who cannot write or perform 'Christian music?' As a caveat, there is a danger of a spillover effect of reputation however. There's a reason people stopped listening to Bill Cosby comedy skits like they used to, or promoting Ravi Zacharias materials. People don't want to send the message that they are comfortable with the immoral choices of the artist/author.
He justifies his recreational listening to bands like Evanescence, and says 'I have a difficult time thinking of musical notes as having intrinsically evil properties' which seems to be a straw man to me. Is there really ANYONE out there arguing that C is a Christian note, but Eb is evil? I don't think so. But there is plenty of cold science out there looking at scales and chord progressions and the universal effects they have--regardless of the lyrics--on the listener. Music, even instrumental music, makes its listeners more--or less--angry, calm, fearful, sad, happy, etc. depending on the progression. Are these progressions inherently 'good' or 'evil?' Some HAVE argued yes to THIS; I won't go so far as to say that, but we should be able to agree that there is a healthy limit (which may vary by person) to the amount of angering, fear-inducing, or saddening music one should listen to. And there are certain progressions that are incompatible with certain lyrics.
The negatives out of the way, I totally agree with his plea that Christian music be an active force of originality and innovation, rather than only a reactionary attempt to mimic the culture. He is very much talking as Francis Schaeffer here. Does every Christian artist need to "sound like" a secular one? One hopes not!
I don't always agree with his theology on gifts either but I'm not going to go into that here.
I appreciated Matthew taking the time to put down these memories and context for the amazing music that he has produced over the years.
If a newly edited edition is produced, be sure to spell "Donna Summer" without the 's,' and add an index.
This is a very humanizing, personable, and genuine autobiography. The book is at its best relating personal anecdotes, stories from the road, and struggles. There's plenty of humor. Sometimes it's astonishing. It won't leave you completely disillusioned about the church like some Jesus Music biographies might.
It's a fast read. I read it in a day and a half.
The chapter Musing on Music, though, is a mess. I guess everyone from the early days feels pressure to make a statement about music and Christianity, but this one is not very cogent. It's 180 degrees from Steve Camp's carefully worded "107 Theses: A Call for Reformation" which also, incidentally, appeals to the Bible as the basis for its arguments.
Earlier in the book Ward explains his choice of nonChristian drummer Mike Beard. He says, "I simply wanted the best," and "what could it hurt to have this guy play on something that might speak to his life?"(p152) But in this chapter he criticizes Christians performing songs written by nonChristians (p208) as well as Christian musicians who can't point to an 'anointing of God' (p204) though without a precise definition of that.
In his discussion of what is appropriate for the Christian listener, I agree that a piece of music can be good without a certain number of mentions of "Jesus, God, or Lord." (p209) And I agree that music with integrity can be written by all kinds of people. I generally see works of art--music, literature, etc., as having an ontological value distinct from their creator, and feel they should be judged independently. But is this consistent with his other assertions in this section about who can and who cannot write or perform 'Christian music?' As a caveat, there is a danger of a spillover effect of reputation however. There's a reason people stopped listening to Bill Cosby comedy skits like they used to, or promoting Ravi Zacharias materials. People don't want to send the message that they are comfortable with the immoral choices of the artist/author.
He justifies his recreational listening to bands like Evanescence, and says 'I have a difficult time thinking of musical notes as having intrinsically evil properties' which seems to be a straw man to me. Is there really ANYONE out there arguing that C is a Christian note, but Eb is evil? I don't think so. But there is plenty of cold science out there looking at scales and chord progressions and the universal effects they have--regardless of the lyrics--on the listener. Music, even instrumental music, makes its listeners more--or less--angry, calm, fearful, sad, happy, etc. depending on the progression. Are these progressions inherently 'good' or 'evil?' Some HAVE argued yes to THIS; I won't go so far as to say that, but we should be able to agree that there is a healthy limit (which may vary by person) to the amount of angering, fear-inducing, or saddening music one should listen to. And there are certain progressions that are incompatible with certain lyrics.
The negatives out of the way, I totally agree with his plea that Christian music be an active force of originality and innovation, rather than only a reactionary attempt to mimic the culture. He is very much talking as Francis Schaeffer here. Does every Christian artist need to "sound like" a secular one? One hopes not!
I don't always agree with his theology on gifts either but I'm not going to go into that here.
I appreciated Matthew taking the time to put down these memories and context for the amazing music that he has produced over the years.
If a newly edited edition is produced, be sure to spell "Donna Summer" without the 's,' and add an index.
March 3, 2022
3 1/2 stars really. I really liked Ward's autobiography because I really liked the Second Chapter of Acts & Matthew Ward from the early days to now. I recently stumbled on Matthew's My Redeemer cd and pretty much listen to it all the time lately. I loved learning more of the back story of the band, the family, and Matthew specifically and therefore found the book to be very engaging and interesting. I loved that there is nothing too disillusioning, while at the same time it was honest and not at all self aggrandizing. All that said, Ward is a better song writer than book writer. The writing itself is okay, but isn't going to win a Pulitzer, which is just fine. Also, I really wish today's Christian music was as Christ focused as Second Chapter always was!
September 6, 2022
This autobiography is a pleasant literary walk 'behind the scenes' with a Christian performer along his life-long journey... the journey thus far, that is. From childhood family tragedies to sold out music performances, we join the author within his memories from his life, a life graciously joined with his Savior, Christ Jesus. Whether or not you observe in a mirror your own life in this work: doing similar childhood 'things', being part of the Jesus Movement of the late 60's and into the 70's, cancer and/or related health bouts, similar family situations, or not... this is a story of a life worth reading about!
- Another work that may be of interest to you:
World Shapers A Treasury of Quotes from Great Missionaries
ISBN: 0-87788-946-5
- Another work that may be of interest to you:
World Shapers A Treasury of Quotes from Great Missionaries
ISBN: 0-87788-946-5
January 25, 2024
As a HUGE Second Chapter of Acts fan, I was thrilled to find this book by Matthew. I enjoyed the stories, testimonies and thoughts that Matthew shared. Some of the writing was different in how it was presented, but I didn't loose interest. My favorite chapter (besides the history and testimonies he shared from the early days of 2nd Chapter) was the second to the last where he shared his views on modern worship. He reflected my feelings in that chapter and I encourage everyone who reads this book to really dig into that chapter and let God minister to you. don't be afraid to read this. I think you will "Rejoice" right along with him.
November 11, 2023
uplifting and informative
Matthew Ward has been a hero of mine and one of my favorite singers my whole life. Mathew in particular along with Second Chapter are to this day favorites of mine. I really enjoyed learning more about him and his journey. This book is well worth reading!
Matthew Ward has been a hero of mine and one of my favorite singers my whole life. Mathew in particular along with Second Chapter are to this day favorites of mine. I really enjoyed learning more about him and his journey. This book is well worth reading!
September 14, 2023
A compelling read
An authentic behind the scenes testimony from a convert from the Jesus Revolution days.
I relived many wonderful memories of my own life during hat period.
Truly inspiring
An authentic behind the scenes testimony from a convert from the Jesus Revolution days.
I relived many wonderful memories of my own life during hat period.
Truly inspiring
March 24, 2023
Interesting book if you liked CCM music and listened to the Second Chapter of Acts or perhaps still do.
June 22, 2016
As a collector of "Jesus Music" I really enjoyed this book. There are parts of the story that really stand out and others that felt a little flat. The tone and style of the book makes it feel like a fireside chat with a friend, filled with nostalgic and sometimes disjointed stories.
I really enjoyed the portions involving Keith Green as I had never heard them anywhere else and I am a huge last days fanboy. I also felt like the cancer chapter stood out because Ward was more vulnerable discussing his illness and treatment than in other subjects.
All in all I think this is a must read for the members of the Jesus Music 1969-1989 Facebook group and I would recommend it to others especially if they grew up on 2nd Chapter records.
I really enjoyed the portions involving Keith Green as I had never heard them anywhere else and I am a huge last days fanboy. I also felt like the cancer chapter stood out because Ward was more vulnerable discussing his illness and treatment than in other subjects.
All in all I think this is a must read for the members of the Jesus Music 1969-1989 Facebook group and I would recommend it to others especially if they grew up on 2nd Chapter records.
October 5, 2014
It didn't seem to be written very well -- it jumped around and told a few facts and stories about his life, but no real emotion about it; that is, until the final chapter when he talked about Contemporary Christian music and his views about that. I really felt his passion then. But his story was more detached. It was kind of hard to push through to the end of this book.
April 28, 2010
The music of 2CA has made a major impact on me, and reading Matt's bio was a walk down memory lane. Wish everyone could have seen them in concert.
The book nicely fills in the blanks as he describes his life. Sometimes a bit disjointed, but his personality shines throughout.
The book nicely fills in the blanks as he describes his life. Sometimes a bit disjointed, but his personality shines throughout.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews