What do you think?
Rate this book
Rise of the Servant Kings: What the Bible Says About Being a Man
The "how-to-get-it-right" book for today's Christian man--in marriage, family, work, friendships, with God in all of life.
Men are hungry for authenticity and for sound and bold biblical teaching on true masculinity. Every day men ask themselves questions about how to be better fathers, husbands, friends, and men, but it's difficult to find satisfying answers. Rise of the Servant Kings explains that true masculinity is found in absolute surrender to God, which always results in humble character and is expressed in courage and generosity. When a man truly understands God's desires, he will naturally express godly masculinity, Ken Harrison weaves together his experiences as a police officer in one of the deadliest areas of the country, with many years as a business executive and ministry leader, to share deep truths for men direct from God's Word.
187 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 7, 2019
38 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 7, 2019
Being a man in today’s world is interesting. The days of the John Wayne types have been replaced with tortured heroes and men that act more like women. Our current society seems to frown on men being men. The next generation is going to pay a price of for this lack of Biblical adherence for God created humans and He chose to make them male and female. Anything short of this is error and leads to confusion and loss.
Ken Harrison’s book – Rise of the Servant Kings, is an attempt to help men become men again. The Chairman of the Board of Promise Keepers has a great deal to share with men and he does an excellent job in this just-released book.
Mr. Harrison pulls no punches in his challenge to men to step up and retake the mantle of being a man. Not the harsh, dominating, controlling sort of man, but a man of God. One that is full of love, service, grace, and strength. All of these come from a deep relationship to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords – Jesus Christ.
The book issues a clarion call to men to understand that we are called to rule with Christ and that involves sacrifice, courage, humility and great strength. The Holy Spirit will provide us what is needed, but we must learn how to wait, seek, study, listen to Him, and die to our flesh. Again, all excellent advice for any man wanting to become a Servant King.
I love to pull quotes in my reviews because I believe this provides insight into the author’s thinking and skills as a writer. Consider these to whet your appetite:
• A man who is love with God is a man who is in love with other people.
• There are only two options; we must deny self or we must deny Christ.
• Jesus is a lover of the repentant. He has no tolerance for those living in defiant sin, but He has limitless patience for the struggling but repentant.
• A man takes responsibility. He understands that he and only he is accountable for what is in his charge.
• Pride shrinks the universe to a tiny world in which we are the god.
• Courage isn’t something conjured up at the moment that it is needed. It is the expression of your character at a moment of testing.
There are many, many more well-written thoughts to be digested, but these give you an idea of the flavor of the book and the talent of its author.
This former police officer turned evangelist for manhood is a great example of how God can get control of someone that yields to His call. The book is well written and you will enjoy the stories shared throughout!
The book was provided by the publisher for an honest review.
Ken Harrison’s book – Rise of the Servant Kings, is an attempt to help men become men again. The Chairman of the Board of Promise Keepers has a great deal to share with men and he does an excellent job in this just-released book.
Mr. Harrison pulls no punches in his challenge to men to step up and retake the mantle of being a man. Not the harsh, dominating, controlling sort of man, but a man of God. One that is full of love, service, grace, and strength. All of these come from a deep relationship to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords – Jesus Christ.
The book issues a clarion call to men to understand that we are called to rule with Christ and that involves sacrifice, courage, humility and great strength. The Holy Spirit will provide us what is needed, but we must learn how to wait, seek, study, listen to Him, and die to our flesh. Again, all excellent advice for any man wanting to become a Servant King.
I love to pull quotes in my reviews because I believe this provides insight into the author’s thinking and skills as a writer. Consider these to whet your appetite:
• A man who is love with God is a man who is in love with other people.
• There are only two options; we must deny self or we must deny Christ.
• Jesus is a lover of the repentant. He has no tolerance for those living in defiant sin, but He has limitless patience for the struggling but repentant.
• A man takes responsibility. He understands that he and only he is accountable for what is in his charge.
• Pride shrinks the universe to a tiny world in which we are the god.
• Courage isn’t something conjured up at the moment that it is needed. It is the expression of your character at a moment of testing.
There are many, many more well-written thoughts to be digested, but these give you an idea of the flavor of the book and the talent of its author.
This former police officer turned evangelist for manhood is a great example of how God can get control of someone that yields to His call. The book is well written and you will enjoy the stories shared throughout!
The book was provided by the publisher for an honest review.
March 22, 2019
This book, written by a former LAPD officer who worked in some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the country, takes a look at what it takes to be a man in biblical terms in all areas of your life. Work, marriage, relationships, etc.
The major theme is submitting yourself completely to God and living a life of obedience to Him so that your actions / reactions reflect Him. A man who loves God will love other people and become servant kings.
I was given a copy of this book for my honest review from the publisher.
The major theme is submitting yourself completely to God and living a life of obedience to Him so that your actions / reactions reflect Him. A man who loves God will love other people and become servant kings.
I was given a copy of this book for my honest review from the publisher.
January 15, 2024
Excellent read!! Highly recommended to anyone looking to grow in humility.
May 30, 2019
As a woman, I felt a little funny at first reading this book on what the Bible says about being a man, but I’m thankful that I did! It gave me a perspective that I’m not sure I would have known. Ken writes through the tough LAPD street cop he once was and the way that he has lived a life of listening to and obeying the gentle voice of God.
Ken’s stories will give you chills. They are vivid stories of how fallen the world is, how good God is, and how the Holy Spirit reminds us of our new nature in Christ. The Holy Spirit helps us increasingly become a true reflection of God’s image. Ken urges us to see the tactics that Satan has used for thousands of years appealing to our need for knowledge and our pride. He encourages us that this cannot have a hold on us because we will be shielded by the armor of God.
I especially enjoyed how Ken talks about how much of the damage done to God’s people and the unity of His church has come from people who genuinely love Him but haven’t learned to truly trust him to do the work. A big part of hearing the voice of God is learning to eliminate the other voices that take up space in our minds. There is so much noise in society today. God’s voice is gentle, patient, always working in our hearts ultimately to draw us closer to him. He has no other objective. Jesus has truly come to set us free (John 8:36).
It is our most unguarded moments that show us whether we walk in the Spirit or in the flesh. Pride can show up as arrogance or as self-loathing, because it always comes from a focus on self. As humility reaches maturity, our Lord is the only one whose opinion matters. Ken writes on humility, courage, and generosity and how these are distinct outward signs of a servant king.
Those who work diligently will increase their faith, allowing them to do more, hearing God’s voice, and having a vibrant prayer life. Ken urges his readers to repent and become a man of prayer. Don’t try harder or wallow in guilt, but instead empty yourself and repent. Passionately cry out to the Lord for the advancement of His Kingdom and everyone in it. Live in the present.
I was given an advanced uncorrected proof of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own! -HBR
Ken’s stories will give you chills. They are vivid stories of how fallen the world is, how good God is, and how the Holy Spirit reminds us of our new nature in Christ. The Holy Spirit helps us increasingly become a true reflection of God’s image. Ken urges us to see the tactics that Satan has used for thousands of years appealing to our need for knowledge and our pride. He encourages us that this cannot have a hold on us because we will be shielded by the armor of God.
I especially enjoyed how Ken talks about how much of the damage done to God’s people and the unity of His church has come from people who genuinely love Him but haven’t learned to truly trust him to do the work. A big part of hearing the voice of God is learning to eliminate the other voices that take up space in our minds. There is so much noise in society today. God’s voice is gentle, patient, always working in our hearts ultimately to draw us closer to him. He has no other objective. Jesus has truly come to set us free (John 8:36).
It is our most unguarded moments that show us whether we walk in the Spirit or in the flesh. Pride can show up as arrogance or as self-loathing, because it always comes from a focus on self. As humility reaches maturity, our Lord is the only one whose opinion matters. Ken writes on humility, courage, and generosity and how these are distinct outward signs of a servant king.
Those who work diligently will increase their faith, allowing them to do more, hearing God’s voice, and having a vibrant prayer life. Ken urges his readers to repent and become a man of prayer. Don’t try harder or wallow in guilt, but instead empty yourself and repent. Passionately cry out to the Lord for the advancement of His Kingdom and everyone in it. Live in the present.
I was given an advanced uncorrected proof of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own! -HBR
July 6, 2019
Review: The Rise of the Servant Kings
By Ken Harrison
I had the privilege to review the book title, “The Rise of the Servant Kings.” I must say that this book is truly impressive. As a woman, this book has blessed me and I have shared with the men in my family about this book. This book hits every nook and corner (lol) that men deal with. It is disheartening for any woman to think that men don’t have struggles. We all have struggles, but it’s how we respond to it that matters.
The author did a splendid job in writing, arranging and preparing this book for success. The book in its entirety stood out, I am going to share a few highlights from the book. “A man with a goal in life is active because he knows what he’s pursuing. Let’s live lives that the Savior deems “Well done!” (p.9)” There is so many interesting highlights in this book, which made it difficult to choose.
In this particular chapter, the author discusses the fall of man and what consequences we endure from the disobedience. The fall caused a separation between God and man. “People became hostile to one another. Adam blamed Eve. People became hostile to nature. Nature became cursed and became a source of labor for him. People became hostile to themselves. Adam felt shame and hid from God. People became hostile to God...Adam blamed God. (p.32)”
The subjects the author touched on, was a blessing and it even encouraged me to walk bolder in my role as a wife. It was once said that ‘we’re to compliment one another’. This book brought out truths that needed to be read and also seen in today’s marriages. “Be an encourager of your wife. Do things that let her know you are thinking of her. Know the ways by which she feels loved and seek to show her that you love her” (p.134).
I highly recommend this book. I receive this book from the publisher through their book launch program. @WaterBrookMultnomah #Partner
By Ken Harrison
I had the privilege to review the book title, “The Rise of the Servant Kings.” I must say that this book is truly impressive. As a woman, this book has blessed me and I have shared with the men in my family about this book. This book hits every nook and corner (lol) that men deal with. It is disheartening for any woman to think that men don’t have struggles. We all have struggles, but it’s how we respond to it that matters.
The author did a splendid job in writing, arranging and preparing this book for success. The book in its entirety stood out, I am going to share a few highlights from the book. “A man with a goal in life is active because he knows what he’s pursuing. Let’s live lives that the Savior deems “Well done!” (p.9)” There is so many interesting highlights in this book, which made it difficult to choose.
In this particular chapter, the author discusses the fall of man and what consequences we endure from the disobedience. The fall caused a separation between God and man. “People became hostile to one another. Adam blamed Eve. People became hostile to nature. Nature became cursed and became a source of labor for him. People became hostile to themselves. Adam felt shame and hid from God. People became hostile to God...Adam blamed God. (p.32)”
The subjects the author touched on, was a blessing and it even encouraged me to walk bolder in my role as a wife. It was once said that ‘we’re to compliment one another’. This book brought out truths that needed to be read and also seen in today’s marriages. “Be an encourager of your wife. Do things that let her know you are thinking of her. Know the ways by which she feels loved and seek to show her that you love her” (p.134).
I highly recommend this book. I receive this book from the publisher through their book launch program. @WaterBrookMultnomah #Partner
June 12, 2019
"Walking with God is a long process of going from the sinful nature's pride and the need to know to a place of complete faith. We're all on that journey, and God wants to bring us each closer to HIm. Sometimes it is through His gentle nudging as we read the Bible and pray. Sometimes, though, it takes a time of great pain because God must break us in some area so that we can really grow."
When thinking about life, many of treat it as if it were pre-season (Ken Harrison says), that most the things we do really aren't that important; however, the truth of the matter is that life is more like the playoffs - our time is short and impact is important and great. With that though Ken uses the rest of his book to impart wisdom and truth which should help us live a life more focused. Throughout the book, he tackles important topics such as: Sin, the Fall, Hurt, Holiness, Humility, Courage, Generosity, Masculinity, and more which are important and help us with our Christian world view. Ken uses scriptures, Bible stories as well as personal stories to help readers understand the principles that it takes to be a "Servant King." Although Ken Harrison does a good job challenging his readers to live for Christ, I feel he failed to establish what it means to be a "Servant King" and I wish he would have gone into more practical ways to implement some of the topics he discusses. Overall I thought that this was a really good book...definitely worth more than 4 stars but not great enough to be 5 stars (4 1/2 stars). I greatly appreciate his transparency in how he deals with each topic and even using personal stories that may show his failures to better others and I also appreciate his passion. It is easy to see that Ken Harrison desires for people to not only know Jesus Christ but to also be sold out for him.
When thinking about life, many of treat it as if it were pre-season (Ken Harrison says), that most the things we do really aren't that important; however, the truth of the matter is that life is more like the playoffs - our time is short and impact is important and great. With that though Ken uses the rest of his book to impart wisdom and truth which should help us live a life more focused. Throughout the book, he tackles important topics such as: Sin, the Fall, Hurt, Holiness, Humility, Courage, Generosity, Masculinity, and more which are important and help us with our Christian world view. Ken uses scriptures, Bible stories as well as personal stories to help readers understand the principles that it takes to be a "Servant King." Although Ken Harrison does a good job challenging his readers to live for Christ, I feel he failed to establish what it means to be a "Servant King" and I wish he would have gone into more practical ways to implement some of the topics he discusses. Overall I thought that this was a really good book...definitely worth more than 4 stars but not great enough to be 5 stars (4 1/2 stars). I greatly appreciate his transparency in how he deals with each topic and even using personal stories that may show his failures to better others and I also appreciate his passion. It is easy to see that Ken Harrison desires for people to not only know Jesus Christ but to also be sold out for him.
April 18, 2019
A great read for men and women..
Rise of the Servant Kings is filled with nuggets of great life lessons and principles.
Ken states, “God can work in you only to the extent that you are submitted to Him.”
If I had to pick a few statements as a standout statements, they would be these three:
“Your Father is training you to be a king, and kings don’t hold on to hurt.”
“Faith is the first step away from the need to know and toward true life.”
“Walking with God is a long process of going from sinful nature’s pride and the need to know to a place of complete faith.”
Reading Rise of the Servant Kings will create a hunger in the reader to become and develop the disciplines of Servant Kings. This book will also stretch you as you become the kind of man God intended.
I enjoyed the material presented. It is well written and obviously Ken’s life message.
I highly recommend Rise of the Servant Kings. It is a book for seasoned men as well as young men just getting started in their kingdom journey. Actually, I feel like this book is a must read for all men!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
May 8, 2019
When I requested an ARC of this book to read and review, I primarily thought that it would be a good book to pass on to my husband after I was finished. I was both right and wrong. Yes, it is a wonderful book for a man but I myself have gained so much from Rise of the Servant Kings. The author uses many of his experiences as a former police officer to illustrate the many issues that plague our society today. The different scripture selections throughout the book spoke directly to me and many of the topics were what I myself needed to see. Ken Harrison writes about Hurt, Holiness, Humility, Courage, Generosity. Marriage, and Prayer, plus several others The chapters are short but they offer a lot of encouragement and insight. I was especially touched by his chapter on Prayer and it has challenged me to increase my own prayer time. I am convinced that, no matter our gender, all of us should strive to improve and Rise To Be Servant Kings!
I recommend this book to all who wish to increase their obedience and strengthen their Christian walk.
I received an Advanced Reader's Copy from the publisher and a positive review was not required.
#waterbrookmultnomah #partner #PRHpartner
I recommend this book to all who wish to increase their obedience and strengthen their Christian walk.
I received an Advanced Reader's Copy from the publisher and a positive review was not required.
#waterbrookmultnomah #partner #PRHpartner
May 7, 2019
Bringing Men Closer to God
Ken Harrison, an ex-policeman in one of LAs worst areas, uses his experiences to illustrate and make real his relationship to God. Ken tells stories of encounters that affected him deeply and relates them to his experience of God.
The encounter I found most moving was Ken’s story of holding a dying girl in his arms. She was on her way to her brother who had suffered a motorcycle accident and was dying in the hospital. She was a passenger another motorcycle that was crushed under a car. She was thrown off and killed. This is a sad, but beautiful story and leads Ken to a discussion of death and evil.
The stories make this an easy book to read. It is also filled with discussions designed to give men an understanding of what it means to be the kind of man God intended you to be. In this day when men are being put down for being men, I think this is an excellent book. The stories and discussions illustrate how men can come closer to expressing the ideals of the Christian men living as God would like them to live.
I received this book from Penguin Random House for this review.
Ken Harrison, an ex-policeman in one of LAs worst areas, uses his experiences to illustrate and make real his relationship to God. Ken tells stories of encounters that affected him deeply and relates them to his experience of God.
The encounter I found most moving was Ken’s story of holding a dying girl in his arms. She was on her way to her brother who had suffered a motorcycle accident and was dying in the hospital. She was a passenger another motorcycle that was crushed under a car. She was thrown off and killed. This is a sad, but beautiful story and leads Ken to a discussion of death and evil.
The stories make this an easy book to read. It is also filled with discussions designed to give men an understanding of what it means to be the kind of man God intended you to be. In this day when men are being put down for being men, I think this is an excellent book. The stories and discussions illustrate how men can come closer to expressing the ideals of the Christian men living as God would like them to live.
I received this book from Penguin Random House for this review.
Read
October 19, 2024Written tough and rough as his days were so as a LAPD front line police officer.
Bare fisted accounts of street gangs, gun shot wounds and violent deaths - the author pulls out these experiences to tell of deeper dangers that street gang warfare- the warfare and fight to live holy and holistic lives as men.
The approach feels "American" - the leader is one with strong values and responsible courage.
Be aware of sliding into passive modes - and each day just drift along.
"The passive man doesn't get involved. He is often obessed with sports, golf or even politics. He complains but does nothing ..."
So what is the energy and direction that should keep us serving?
"Let this be our calling card as men - Pure and undefiled religion before our God is this : to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world (James 1:27&"
The book is written not as self help book to raise big tie corporate leaders but this : "Be her (wife's) servant king and the emphasis is on servant" .
Good quote at start of chapter 15 : Certainty is the mark of a common sense life; gracious uncertainty is the mark of a spiritual life ( Oswald Chambers)
Bare fisted accounts of street gangs, gun shot wounds and violent deaths - the author pulls out these experiences to tell of deeper dangers that street gang warfare- the warfare and fight to live holy and holistic lives as men.
The approach feels "American" - the leader is one with strong values and responsible courage.
Be aware of sliding into passive modes - and each day just drift along.
"The passive man doesn't get involved. He is often obessed with sports, golf or even politics. He complains but does nothing ..."
So what is the energy and direction that should keep us serving?
"Let this be our calling card as men - Pure and undefiled religion before our God is this : to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world (James 1:27&"
The book is written not as self help book to raise big tie corporate leaders but this : "Be her (wife's) servant king and the emphasis is on servant" .
Good quote at start of chapter 15 : Certainty is the mark of a common sense life; gracious uncertainty is the mark of a spiritual life ( Oswald Chambers)
February 8, 2020
The book is great because it is a call for men who are believers in Christ to live a life dedicated to a relationship to our Lord and Savior. Given the author has worked in some tough places while a cop in LA and have made some mistakes in his walk God has remained sovereign. He understands that as a leader and servant king it is not about what we can receive but what we can give away to help those in need. More men need to step up and pursue a relationship with Christ so they and be the leader, provider, and protector they have been Biblically rather than trying to conform to the standards of this world which changes constantly. The book has been a blessing to me and has made me want to pursue a deeper relationship with Christ and lead my family more biblically.
April 25, 2019
Ken Harrison is a man's man. For starters, hes a former police officer in LA, and a successful businessman. He addresses all the topics, characteristics, and qualities that modern men need to assume in order to live our best lives as husbands, fathers, as well as thrive vocationally. He does this in short, concise topical chapters using Biblical wisdom, and drawing off his life experiences. The stories of his days in the LAPD alone are worth the read! i highly recommend this book for any man desiring a deeper Christian walk and a fuller life and career.
Disclaimer: I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher
Disclaimer: I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher
May 9, 2019
In The Rise of the Servant Kings, Ken Harrison of Promise Keepers shares what he’s learned about being a man, a leader, and a servant based on his personal experiences as an LAPD officer and a Christian businessman and his knowledge and application of the Word.
He covers the basics of discipleship and discusses a variety of topics such as truth, holiness, humility and courage from a biblical perspective.
This book is well-written and easy-to-read. My husband enjoyed this book and considers it a good choice for men’s Bible study.
For more reviews, please visit Create With Joy.
He covers the basics of discipleship and discusses a variety of topics such as truth, holiness, humility and courage from a biblical perspective.
This book is well-written and easy-to-read. My husband enjoyed this book and considers it a good choice for men’s Bible study.
For more reviews, please visit Create With Joy.
May 9, 2019
From the first page to the end, this book spoke to me. As in the introduction, I'm hungry for the authenticity of true masculinity. This book taught exactly that. I now have a greater desire to surrender even more so to God.
The stories are interesting and add to the lesson. I found myself wanting to read more and more. This is one book I'll keep close to reread and reconsider. Great lessons.
I recommend this book to every guy. It'll challenge you like none other. And it'll change your life.
The author sent me this book for a fair review.
The stories are interesting and add to the lesson. I found myself wanting to read more and more. This is one book I'll keep close to reread and reconsider. Great lessons.
I recommend this book to every guy. It'll challenge you like none other. And it'll change your life.
The author sent me this book for a fair review.
May 13, 2022
I admit I was skeptical about this book at first, having been exposed to a chapter of it at a local Bible study. By and large, however, Ken Harrison surprised me. The author does an excellent job rooting his analysis and conclusions in Biblical principles, drawing on authentic and heartfelt experiences from his time as both an LAPD officer and later a businessman. There are one or two times some of Harrison's views pulled me out of the story but overall those times are few and far between. Overall, I found Harrison's thoughts on masculinity engaging and encouraging.
March 31, 2019
Ken Harrison is chairman of the board for Promise Keepers a men’s ministry. In this book Ken explains how men can rise up to be a man of action and faith to become servant Kings and how that looks in real life. In a world that often demands a man to be silent and soft, this book is a call for authentic masculine strength. Real men are designed to be proactive, courageous, and humble - not passive, fearful or arrogant!!!
May 2, 2019
Having short chapters makes this straight forward, honest book well written for men, according to my son. Ken Harrison lets us see the challenges he faces as an LAPD officer in one of the roughest neighborhoods of LA. He lets us see when he failed as well as when he succeeds. Ken Harrison challenges men to stand strong for their families and in so doing, greatly impact our communities. #PRHpartner
March 5, 2019
I received a complimentary ARC.
Perfect for men that falter from the word of God. The book is obviously very well designed to have males think , focus and fall back in love with the ideas of the Biblical aspects as well as times. The author shares, shows and feels his words in a way that will connect and make powerful the chapters.
Perfect for men that falter from the word of God. The book is obviously very well designed to have males think , focus and fall back in love with the ideas of the Biblical aspects as well as times. The author shares, shows and feels his words in a way that will connect and make powerful the chapters.
September 9, 2020
Well written. Easy to understand. Backed by scripture and peppered with fascinating personal experiences. This is a call to action for every man who is a follower of Christ.
December 27, 2021
I enjoyed the book. It had some very good points on what the Bible teaches us men to be. Mr. Harrison intertwined real-life scenarios from his life as an LAPD officer which definitely made the book more relatable for me. It kept me engaged.
May 6, 2019
I had the opportunity to read this book pre-release. I was impressed by the lessons that men can learn from this book. The snippet of real life police situations really allowed for the reader to apply what Ken was saying with the biblical points he was making. Overall I was happy with this book and believe it will be used for many years as a men’s devotional and small group literature.
May 13, 2023
I like that this author having seen some “stuff” realizes (rightly) that life is better done in obedience to our Maker. I enjoyed the examples he gives concerning courage, humility and leadership. We need men to step up in this society that encourages them to do nothing. Read this book and pay attention to how the author describes the right way to be a man and the wrong way to man up. Maybe we’ll pay attention men.
May 7, 2019
Such an excellent book- challenging to men and women alike. I was given this book to read for my honest review, and I truly wish every man would read it. Simple and straightforward, it gives practical truth and tangible examples.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews