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Derek Prince: A Biography
Derek Prince A Biography, Father, Statesman , Teacher and Leader. Foreword by John Hagee. Author Stephen Mansfield.
290 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2005
16 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Mansfield
97 books158 followersStephen Mansfield is a New York Times bestselling author and a popular speaker who is becoming one of the nation’s most respected voices on religion and American culture. He is also an activist in a variety of social causes.
Stephen was born in Georgia but grew up largely in Europe due to his father’s career as an officer in the United States Army. After a youth filled with sports, travel, and mischief, he was recruited to play college football but turned down the opportunity when a Christian conversion moved him to attend a leading Christian college.
He earned a Bachelor’s degree in history and philosophy and then moved to Texas where he pastored a church, completed two Master’s degrees, hosted a radio show and began acquiring a reputation as a popular speaker of both depth and humor. He moved to Tennessee in 1991 where he again pastored a church, did relief work among the Kurds in Northern Iraq, served as a political consultant, and completed a doctorate.
It was during this time that he also launched the writing career for which he has become internationally known. His first book on Winston Churchill was a Gold Medallion Award Finalist. He also wrote widely-acclaimed biographies of Booker T. Washington and George Whitefield as well as a number of other books on history and leadership. In 1997, the Governor of Tennessee commissioned Mansfield to write the official history of religion in Tennessee for that state’s bicentennial.
In 2002, Stephen left the pastorate after twenty fruitful years to write and lecture full-time. Not long afterward he wrote The Faith of George W. Bush, which spent many weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and won numerous national awards. The book also became a source for Oliver Stone’s internationally acclaimed film W, which chronicled Bush’s rise to the presidency.
This international bestseller led to a string of influential books over the following eight years. Stephen wrote The Faith of the American Soldier after being embedded with U.S. troops in Iraq. He also wrote about the new Pope in Benedict XVI: His Life and Mission. His book The Faith of Barack Obama was another international bestseller and was often a topic in major media during the presidential campaign of 2008. To answer the crumbling values of portions of corporate America, he wrote The Search for God and Guinness and soon found himself speaking to corporate gatherings around the world.
Stephen continues to write books about faith and culture—recently on topics like Sarah Palin, Oprah Winfrey and America’s generals—but beyond his writing career he has founded The Mansfield Group, a successful consulting and communications firm, as well as Chartwell Literary Group, a firm that creates and manages literary projects. Together with his wife, Beverly, Mansfield has created The Global Leadership Development Fund, a foundation that sponsors leadership training and networking around the world.
In recent years, Stephen’s popularity as a speaker has nearly eclipsed his reputation as a bestselling author. He is often to be found addressing a university gathering, a corporate retreat or a fundraising banquet and stirring his audience with the humor and storytelling that have become his trademark.
Mansfield lives primarily in Nashville, Tennessee, with his beloved wife, Beverly, who is an award-winning songwriter and producer. For more information, log onto MansfieldGroup.com.
Stephen was born in Georgia but grew up largely in Europe due to his father’s career as an officer in the United States Army. After a youth filled with sports, travel, and mischief, he was recruited to play college football but turned down the opportunity when a Christian conversion moved him to attend a leading Christian college.
He earned a Bachelor’s degree in history and philosophy and then moved to Texas where he pastored a church, completed two Master’s degrees, hosted a radio show and began acquiring a reputation as a popular speaker of both depth and humor. He moved to Tennessee in 1991 where he again pastored a church, did relief work among the Kurds in Northern Iraq, served as a political consultant, and completed a doctorate.
It was during this time that he also launched the writing career for which he has become internationally known. His first book on Winston Churchill was a Gold Medallion Award Finalist. He also wrote widely-acclaimed biographies of Booker T. Washington and George Whitefield as well as a number of other books on history and leadership. In 1997, the Governor of Tennessee commissioned Mansfield to write the official history of religion in Tennessee for that state’s bicentennial.
In 2002, Stephen left the pastorate after twenty fruitful years to write and lecture full-time. Not long afterward he wrote The Faith of George W. Bush, which spent many weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and won numerous national awards. The book also became a source for Oliver Stone’s internationally acclaimed film W, which chronicled Bush’s rise to the presidency.
This international bestseller led to a string of influential books over the following eight years. Stephen wrote The Faith of the American Soldier after being embedded with U.S. troops in Iraq. He also wrote about the new Pope in Benedict XVI: His Life and Mission. His book The Faith of Barack Obama was another international bestseller and was often a topic in major media during the presidential campaign of 2008. To answer the crumbling values of portions of corporate America, he wrote The Search for God and Guinness and soon found himself speaking to corporate gatherings around the world.
Stephen continues to write books about faith and culture—recently on topics like Sarah Palin, Oprah Winfrey and America’s generals—but beyond his writing career he has founded The Mansfield Group, a successful consulting and communications firm, as well as Chartwell Literary Group, a firm that creates and manages literary projects. Together with his wife, Beverly, Mansfield has created The Global Leadership Development Fund, a foundation that sponsors leadership training and networking around the world.
In recent years, Stephen’s popularity as a speaker has nearly eclipsed his reputation as a bestselling author. He is often to be found addressing a university gathering, a corporate retreat or a fundraising banquet and stirring his audience with the humor and storytelling that have become his trademark.
Mansfield lives primarily in Nashville, Tennessee, with his beloved wife, Beverly, who is an award-winning songwriter and producer. For more information, log onto MansfieldGroup.com.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 1, 2022
Fascinating man with plenty to teach readers handicapped by a leaden biographer.
If I hadn't just finished reading his wife's biography Appointment in Jerusalem, I probably would have given up. Prince deserved a better book.
If I hadn't just finished reading his wife's biography Appointment in Jerusalem, I probably would have given up. Prince deserved a better book.
August 12, 2015
The name of Derek Prince would be familiar to many Christians around the world. Many of us will have benefited from his Bible-based teaching as a pastor, writer, and broadcaster over the years.
Beginning with Prince’s birth in India in 1915, Derek Prince - A Biography follows his life for the next 87 years until he died in his sleep in Jerusalem in 2003.
The obvious rapport built up between author and subject has resulted in this God-breathed book that gives a moving insight into this man’s walk with God.
Prince was very open when interviewed by Mansfield and chose to include all details about his life; this only adds to the poignancy of his story as we learn of both the triumphs and tragedies of his life.
The was book was moving at times, particularly in its demonstration of the grace of God in Prince’s life as he was used to bring the saving word of God to many thousands of people over many decades of teaching.
Author, Stephen Mansfield, has done an excellent job in writing the life story of this remarkable man; in the mercy of God the final interviews took place only a short time before Prince’s death.
Beginning with Prince’s birth in India in 1915, Derek Prince - A Biography follows his life for the next 87 years until he died in his sleep in Jerusalem in 2003.
The obvious rapport built up between author and subject has resulted in this God-breathed book that gives a moving insight into this man’s walk with God.
Prince was very open when interviewed by Mansfield and chose to include all details about his life; this only adds to the poignancy of his story as we learn of both the triumphs and tragedies of his life.
The was book was moving at times, particularly in its demonstration of the grace of God in Prince’s life as he was used to bring the saving word of God to many thousands of people over many decades of teaching.
Author, Stephen Mansfield, has done an excellent job in writing the life story of this remarkable man; in the mercy of God the final interviews took place only a short time before Prince’s death.
April 30, 2014
Well written story of my favorite Bible teacher. I loved the honesty of Derek's rough times, his reflection of mistakes made and the wonderful way God worked in his life. I don't necessarily agree with some of Derek's doctrine but his love of The Lord and scripture is evident in everything he teaches. I have grown so much in my spiritual life listening to his podcasts on my way to work every day.
August 16, 2009
A very unusual and strange tale...its amazing that this is non-fiction...indeed God has different paths for all of us ..we are fearfully and carefully constructed to please Him in His own predetermined way. Very well written and easy to read...you wont drop this book until you finish reading.
July 1, 2024
I'm not very fond of biographies, as they are full of so much unnecessary information about a person. This one is no different - it is a slow view of the life of Derek Prince, with most focus on his early years - at leas that was my impression. Derek Prince is, to be fair, not that interesting of a person for me - but since I've read many of his books I wanted to know a bit more about the person. It does what it is supposed to, I suppose, so mission fulfilled - but it does not awe me in any way.
January 18, 2022
Very well written biography with spiritual insights and lots of history.
I was very aware of Derek Prince and his teachings when I became a Christian in the 70s. What a blessing this humble, obedient man of God was and remains.
I was very aware of Derek Prince and his teachings when I became a Christian in the 70s. What a blessing this humble, obedient man of God was and remains.
February 24, 2020
RE WRITE AND NEW AUTHOR
Why has Derek Prince ministries intl commissioned Stephen Manning to write Derek Prince's Biography. Its clearly a case of saving money! This is absolutely clear with the poor quality of Mansfields work. Derek Prince, Gods no.2 man, deserves far better than Stephen Mansfield and a complete re write is a good idea. The books body of text is good but this is seriously diminished with the following: On page 247 Mansfield has put Fourteen (14) full pages of fill into this Biography! Fourteen pages of complete nonsense which begins "a Friday night somewhere in America" and continues "it doesnt matter what the conference is about" etc. On page 112 Mansfield interviews Derek Prince but asks inappropriate questions about Derek Prince's sexual interest courting Lydia, Mansfield describes as "being older than your mother, and you!" The jacket of the book is ruined with the names of the likes of "George W. Bush." Also mentioned is "Winston Churchill" whose war mongering trouble making antics can be found in the excellent book "Churchills War." Stephen Mansfield writes and behaves like a pagan or unbeliever. Mansfields views are indeed Wordly or Humanistic! Derek Prince's Biography deserves a complete rewrite from another author.
Why has Derek Prince ministries intl commissioned Stephen Manning to write Derek Prince's Biography. Its clearly a case of saving money! This is absolutely clear with the poor quality of Mansfields work. Derek Prince, Gods no.2 man, deserves far better than Stephen Mansfield and a complete re write is a good idea. The books body of text is good but this is seriously diminished with the following: On page 247 Mansfield has put Fourteen (14) full pages of fill into this Biography! Fourteen pages of complete nonsense which begins "a Friday night somewhere in America" and continues "it doesnt matter what the conference is about" etc. On page 112 Mansfield interviews Derek Prince but asks inappropriate questions about Derek Prince's sexual interest courting Lydia, Mansfield describes as "being older than your mother, and you!" The jacket of the book is ruined with the names of the likes of "George W. Bush." Also mentioned is "Winston Churchill" whose war mongering trouble making antics can be found in the excellent book "Churchills War." Stephen Mansfield writes and behaves like a pagan or unbeliever. Mansfields views are indeed Wordly or Humanistic! Derek Prince's Biography deserves a complete rewrite from another author.
April 25, 2008
Leadership principles from the book
1. Learn to plan in the abstract but execute in the particular (p. 14).
2. No matter who you serve – let conscience rule your life (p. 18)
3. Know your weaknesses and know how to master them. (p. 25)
4. Don’t sacrifice your children (p. 27)
5. Know that God can take the experiences of your life and use them for His glory (Chapter: Cambridge: The Haunting of the Dead)
6. Don’t long for power, be ready to turn you back to the call of the world (p. 57)
7. “Destines are fashioned in brief and lived at length”. (p. 60). Yield to the momentum and to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
8. Don’t be a man who won’t change his mind but can’t change the subject. (p. 71).
9. Value Bible, pray a lot, share your faith publicly as often as possible (p. 86)
10. Value personal holiness and purity (p. 87)
11. Avoid religion and formulas. What is inside is more important than what is outside (p. 87-88)
12. Take most of you “desert times”. “Learn to sustain a vital spiritual existence without the aid of a church, a pastor, close Christian friends…” (p. 90)
13. Ask to be full of grace and wisdom (p. 91).
14. During difficult times try to lift the spirits of your followers (p. 91).
15. Value the preparation (p. 92).
16. Learn to discern the will of the Holy Spirit and obey it (p. 93).
17. Have a relationship with Jesus (p. 93)
18. “Dead people don’t complain. Be quiet and live the life of a new creature”. Don’t complain. (p. 94, 96)
19. Learn to fast. (p. 94).
20. Know that you are called (p. 95).
21. Learn to use your spiritual gifts (p. 96).
22. Don’t expect the good feelings to accompany the doing of God’s will (p. 98)
23. Be an intercessor. “Course of nations could be shaped by the prayers of God’s people.” (p. 100-101).
24. Value the Word of God(p. 104).
25. Learn how to apply the victory of Jesus on the cross to the condition of mankind (p. 105).
26. Teach scriptures in truth and faith and love (p. 123)
27. Learn to wait (p. 129).
28. Pray with your wife (and kids), p. 157.
29. “The meaning of life is a relationship. The future comes from pursuing Him, not pursuing the future.
30. Be part of a church. Be submissive to your leaders IN THE CHURCH. (p. 170…). Derek Prince didn’t seem to be strongly connected to any church. He had ministry, was part of a ministry, but lacked the spiritual protection and guidance of a church. For me, this seemed to be the reason for His greatest problems (Shepherding movement…). It seemes that He didn’t value a local church a lot (p. 186).
31. It is god to have intellectual and administrative gifts (p. 191).
32. Pray for the right timing (p. 200).
33. Use new technology when its serves God’s purposes (p. 206).
34. Be innovative (p. 208).
35. Learn to be a communicator (p. 214).
36. Have a balance in all you do (A Teacher of our Time: To Heal the Broken Stream. See especially the Shepherding Movement.)
37. Prepare you sermons well (p. 254).
1. Learn to plan in the abstract but execute in the particular (p. 14).
2. No matter who you serve – let conscience rule your life (p. 18)
3. Know your weaknesses and know how to master them. (p. 25)
4. Don’t sacrifice your children (p. 27)
5. Know that God can take the experiences of your life and use them for His glory (Chapter: Cambridge: The Haunting of the Dead)
6. Don’t long for power, be ready to turn you back to the call of the world (p. 57)
7. “Destines are fashioned in brief and lived at length”. (p. 60). Yield to the momentum and to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
8. Don’t be a man who won’t change his mind but can’t change the subject. (p. 71).
9. Value Bible, pray a lot, share your faith publicly as often as possible (p. 86)
10. Value personal holiness and purity (p. 87)
11. Avoid religion and formulas. What is inside is more important than what is outside (p. 87-88)
12. Take most of you “desert times”. “Learn to sustain a vital spiritual existence without the aid of a church, a pastor, close Christian friends…” (p. 90)
13. Ask to be full of grace and wisdom (p. 91).
14. During difficult times try to lift the spirits of your followers (p. 91).
15. Value the preparation (p. 92).
16. Learn to discern the will of the Holy Spirit and obey it (p. 93).
17. Have a relationship with Jesus (p. 93)
18. “Dead people don’t complain. Be quiet and live the life of a new creature”. Don’t complain. (p. 94, 96)
19. Learn to fast. (p. 94).
20. Know that you are called (p. 95).
21. Learn to use your spiritual gifts (p. 96).
22. Don’t expect the good feelings to accompany the doing of God’s will (p. 98)
23. Be an intercessor. “Course of nations could be shaped by the prayers of God’s people.” (p. 100-101).
24. Value the Word of God(p. 104).
25. Learn how to apply the victory of Jesus on the cross to the condition of mankind (p. 105).
26. Teach scriptures in truth and faith and love (p. 123)
27. Learn to wait (p. 129).
28. Pray with your wife (and kids), p. 157.
29. “The meaning of life is a relationship. The future comes from pursuing Him, not pursuing the future.
30. Be part of a church. Be submissive to your leaders IN THE CHURCH. (p. 170…). Derek Prince didn’t seem to be strongly connected to any church. He had ministry, was part of a ministry, but lacked the spiritual protection and guidance of a church. For me, this seemed to be the reason for His greatest problems (Shepherding movement…). It seemes that He didn’t value a local church a lot (p. 186).
31. It is god to have intellectual and administrative gifts (p. 191).
32. Pray for the right timing (p. 200).
33. Use new technology when its serves God’s purposes (p. 206).
34. Be innovative (p. 208).
35. Learn to be a communicator (p. 214).
36. Have a balance in all you do (A Teacher of our Time: To Heal the Broken Stream. See especially the Shepherding Movement.)
37. Prepare you sermons well (p. 254).
February 20, 2017
This book is a well written account of the life of Derek Prince. Stephen Mansfield is a master of works and has really done his research well. The book is interesting, inspiring and encouraging. I really enjoyed it.
January 5, 2017
Published in 2005, Derek Prince predicts that England will shift from a Christian country to an Islamic one. Eleven years later it would seem that England is certainly proceeding along that path. America began to turn away from Christianity in the 1960's. God equipped Prince to proclaim the power of the Holy Spirit across denominations. Mansfield brilliantly recounts that miraculous story of Derek Prince, his journey as a Chrisitan, and his involvement in the rise of the Charismatic movement.
January 26, 2008
Fascinating story of a remarkable man. The author does a great job telling the unusual story of Derek marrying a woman 20 years older than he.......as well as completing the story. He never leaves you hanging. Kudos to the author.
December 23, 2013
A well written and easy to read book. His time spent in Israel (he was there at creation of Jewish state) and his love of Israel are of particular interest. The book was produced by dp ministries after his death but it is a warts and all account of his life
August 13, 2020
Inspiring Christian teacher. Mediocre autobiography
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews