by Andrew Watson (Author)
'Don't follow me. Follow Jesus!' runs a popular slogan. Yet the apostle Paul wrote, 'Follow my example, as I follow Christ.' Can we hope to echo Paul's words, or should we always be pointing away from ourselves to Christ? This book considers four of Jesus' commands to his disciples as the basis for four models of leadership in the church which may be appropriate in different seasons of ministry: come (a pastoral approach), follow (inspiring by example), wait (faithful in obedience), go (evangelistic and mission-focused). Above all, Andrew Watson concludes that developing individual character and discipleship is an essential aspect of leadership in the church.
Format: Paperback
Pages: 192
Edition: Unexpurgated
Publisher: Bible Reading Fellowship
Published: 22 Feb 2008
ISBN 10: 1841014354
ISBN 13: 9781841014357
Book Overview: Looks at how Jesus variously calls his disciples to come, follow, wait and go - and what these commands teach us about Christian discipleship and the call to lead. USP: Shows that leadership is a key part of discipleship - not just for 'special Christians' Author's expectations for the book: He says: 'I've been very encouraged by the feedback I've received on the Come, Follow, Wait, Go theme, and was prompted to write a book on the encouragement of Professor Ove-Conrad Hanssen, a Norwegian academic and author who also has a heart for the renewal of the church. My dream would be for this book to inspire and motivate many (lay and ordained, women and men) to grow in their discipleship and their ability to lead and encourage others.' What prompted this proposal? Author approached NS What is the competition? Other authors/titles/publishers? There are a very large number of leadership books on the market, including several that focus on Jesus. Of these James Lawrence's Growing Leaders (BRF) looks at the character, competence and calling of the leader, but is more a highly practical workbook than a developed reflection on the character of Jesus himself. Leighton Ford's Transforming Leadership (IVP) focuses on the leader as strategist, seeker, shepherd-maker and so on, with a particular focus on vision, values and empowering change. John Adair's The Leadership of Jesus and its legacy today (Pilgrim Press) is a helpful, occasionally quirky book comparing Jesus' leadership with that of other leaders, both Greek, Roman and Jewish. Leading Jesus-Style by Mark Ashton (Willow Creek) focuses on vision, strategy, team building and mission. These all tend to be directed towards a predominantly evangelical readership, whereas the aim of this book is to speak to a wider audience. Special edition potential: - Special timing? - Marketing suggestions: Author is involved with a number of different networks, including New Wine, HTB, the Church Army, General Synod, CPAS, the Philo Trust and the Lutheran churches of Norway and Sweden. He regularly speaks at conferences (generally on a leadership theme), and says he would promote his book with enthusiasm!