BOOK REVIEW

by George Barna,

The title of this book refers to the need for leaders to be functioning in the way that God has shaped them if they are going to survive, thrive and bring glory to God. Barna strongly asserts that leadership is a calling from God and that it is not a calling given to everyone. The temptation to move into leadership because the opportunity exists must be resisted. Good intentions and overt skills do not qualify us to lead people; God’s appointment is the required credential. You can learn to act like a leader, but people will not follow you for long unless you are a leader.

Following a long preface and introduction which establishes the premise for the book are nine chapters that focus on Barna’s research into the common challenges faced by today’s leaders. Among these challenges are understanding what genuine leadership is, basic tools for leadership, converting limitations into assets, defining God’s vision for the leader’s activity, the importance of morals and ethics in getting people to follow, training effective followers, the leader’s function to (actually) create and then resolve conflict, the imperative for the leader to cultivate their relationship with Christ and understanding the life cycles of the organization and applying the type of leadership called for by the particular life cycle.

Some important distinctions drawn are the difference between habitual (called to lead) and situational leaders (thrust into leadership for a season or by circumstance) and among four distinct types (aptitudes) of habitual leaders (Directing, Strategic, Team-Building and Operational). Virtually all leaders possess one and only one of the four aptitudes of leadership. This concept is introduced in Chapter 3 and becomes a re-occurring theme in many of the chapters that follow.

The book is peppered with quotes of famous leaders of the past and present (in the margin of about every other page on the average).

The final chapter is the most pertinent of all in regard to Congregational Transformation. The final four pages prior to the Epilog outline a plan for avoiding the decline stages of the life cycle and the lessons to be learned from the life cycle.

Each chapter concludes with what Barna refers to as ‘Uncomfortable Questions’ intended to personally take the reader deeper into the subject matter.

The book closes with an epilog highlighting the importance of obedience to God over success – a call to lead as an ‘act of worship to God, a service to people and a source of joy within you.’

The book is available at www.cokebury.com for $16.51 plus shipping.