Facing the Wall

by Don Potter

This book is a collection of studies and stories on praise and reactions to leading it, accumulated over the past twenty years. Finding salvation later in life and spending many years in the mainstream music business has allowed me to see from a different perspective than someone with a longer church background. The similarities of the church and the world concerning music are looked at in this little book. The direction praise is starting to take, and the concern for our young people and the music they embrace is addressed as well.

“This book explores what the prophetic and praise can accomplish when in unity; and how praise and intercession are inseparable. Praise is a difficult subject to define or understand why it is necessary. I’m hoping not to over-complicate, nor understate such a spontaneous act. One would sooner define their feelings when falling in love.” – Don Potter

154 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Lulufrances · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I liked some general aspects and pictures painted in this book, all in all it had a somewhat depressive vibe to me which I can't place and I did not enjoy it too much. Sorry.

[Bridget Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so grateful for Don Potter - his life and his contributions to the worship/praise community. This book is small, yet spiritually dense. He speaks with authority because he has lived these things. It may not be the most eloquent writing (the only reason I gave 4 stars) but the content is something every person involved in the worship movement of today needs to read. We must take on the mantle of humility and learn from those who have gone before us. His words through this book have really stirred me to deeper questions.

[Rob Nero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely Insightful, relatable and applicable. From the perspective of a creative person, he relays his gained wisdoms from trial and errors, successes and failures, while steadily understanding scriptural passages that may not have been as "clear" to understand until put into situations that allowed the knowledge to be unveiled.
And even though he is a musician, the principles transcend that part as they can be applied to any skill, talent, gifting a person has or may be recognized as having.
I will be reading and re-reading this one over and over again.

[Karen R. Dickson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A difficult subject for sure. Potter is open and honest in his examination of the Scriptural basis for praise and worship, as well as where his writing switches from Scripture to his own experiences. Written especially for those called, or just taking on, the part of leading praise in corporate worship, I think this book should probably be read several times, with the help of the Holy Spirit. Great insights on how to better serve God through His anointing.

[chris broniste · Rating 3 out of 5]

A different exposition on the responsibility of leading corporate praise.

This is the second time I've read this book. It's both challenging and encouraging. But I wouldn't recommend it to those who are unwilling to step outside of their comfort zone when it comes to praise. It is as mystical as it is informative.

[Cherish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book for those living to worship and spend their time with Him. Don Potter has spent so much time in silence with the Lord, and this book is from his personal experiences with leading worship, studies, etc. etc. Read it! :D

[Sylvia Luscombe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good

I am not into music ministry re playing instruments or singing but this was a fascinating read on worship. I’m sure it would be excellent for anyone involved in the slightest way!

[Lina · Rating 5 out of 5]

👍👍👍Visiems šlovinimo lyderiams, grupės nariams, pastoriams. Lengvai skaitosi, daug praktinių patarimų, jo istorijų, daug vietos palikta Dievo žodžiui ir žvelgimui į Bibliją.

[Jeremy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I appreciate the author's perspective on worship and the big ideas in this book resonate with me. However this book could use a good editor. The theology is very awkward at times and the grammar/spelling is often distracting.

[Chad Stogner · Rating 2 out of 5]

The overall concepts are good and easy to get behind, and it serves as a reminder of the seriousness/reverence with which we should approach worship and drawing near to God. However, the author often tries to draw conclusions from of Old Testament stories that are either hard to follow or don't logically conclude from the text. Overall I was left longing for him to inspire me toward a greater desire to worship, and instead I walked away with a strong warning of how much we are in danger of doing worship wrong backed by sketchy theology.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thought-provoking book that will mess with the norms regarding worship and worship teams. A number of years ago, I had an opportunity to hear Don Potter speak at a weekend conference. He had a notebook with him that he referred to as his Book of Pain. And yes, much of what he talked about that weekend was painful - busting paradigms we've always believed. This book is much the same sort of thing. Not something to read quickly if you really pay attention to what he's saying. Several times (even though I've read it a number of times previously), I'd read one section within a chapter and have to stop. There's a lot of meat here to chew on and process if you're willing to read it with that outlook. It gives some biblical background on worship, worship in the church today and then practical information on building a worship team.