If you''ve ever raised questions regarding the practices of clergy and those in leadership positions within Christendom, you are not alone. With experience as a preacher, author, publisher and most recently, CEO of Higher Standard Publishers, LLC, William Owens addresses the problematic issues of church leadership and what has gone wrong in his bold, yet scripturally sound book, "Bastards in the Pulpit."

No newcomer to the Christian arena and the problems that stem from church leadership within the African-American community, Owens has 15 years experience as an author and preacher addressing this issue. In his book, he enlightens readers to the core of the problem.

Owens states, "There are problems due to the fact that many church leaders have assumed positions of leadership that they themselves have not been qualified for nor called to undertake. As a result, the place of relationship with God becomes secondary, if not all together lost, in the pursuit for ambitions that are not always pure nor spiritual. This book places these critical issues into perspective while providing understanding to those who have experienced this type of leadership. More importantly, it deals with the problem of why it happens, how to deal with it and further, how it affects our families. Though direct and bold, this is not a ''point-the-finger'' type of book accusing all pastors of being bastards. Far from it. It celebrates this coveted office while simply exposing those who have abused it. People need, want and deserve accountability from those that they depend upon for spiritual oversight and growth."

According to Owens, "The question most often asked is, ''Does the title say what I think it says?'' The title stems from a scripture in the Bible, Hebrews 12:8 which states that if a man refuses chastisement and purging from God, he is a bastard and not a son. That's the premise for the book and the scripture is part of the title. This book is a mandate for me. When people understand what the book is dealing with, many agree, including church leadership, and anticipate reading the book."

Owens is President and Founder of Higher Standard Publishers, LLC, an African-American publishing company which has developed its own method of distribution and marketing for African-American and multi-ethnic Christian authors. Currently, the company is undergoing a search for 101 authors to be published, marketed and distributed nationwide through bookstores and its online Affiliate Program.

"Bastards in the Pulpit" is consistently the company's number one selling book. A theatrical production based on the book is slated to debut in Orlando, Florida in March 2005.

For more information or to purchase the book, visit: www.bastardsinthepulpit com