Leadership Essentials

It is said that leaders lead, but it is also said that leaders who are untested and untrained only lead themselves and others into trouble. Often those who are gifted as leaders are given leadership roles without any awareness of their character, training or maturity. This happens because we so often lack solid leadership.

The Bible tells us that without a vision the people parish or wander aimlessly. The leader who is given the vision will destroy him or her self along with the people following them in the pursuit of that vision if they are not of sound character and tested under fire.

We have all seen this in our culture, politics and within the Church. People are almost given a free ride if their gifts are large enough. The political figure, athlete or co-worker whose smooth ways, words, money or connections get them into power when another person is more qualified. All of this to say that raising up and equipping solid leaders is a challenge that we need effective resources to accomplish. Leadership Essentials is such a resource! The materials below are from the Intervarsity web site. Please click on the link to discover more. You will want to purchase this book it is a great tool!

Leadership is essential.
Maybe you've shied away from leadership because you don't know what it will involve, or you feel too unsure of your own abilities. But your leadership is needed! In every sector of society, from families to businesses to churches, leadership roles remain empty, waiting for people willing and able to step up and make wise decisions that bring positive change. And, in a world with priorities vastly different from Christ's, Christian leaders are especially needed to point people to him.

Preparation is essential.
As essential as the leadership itself is the preparation beforehand, which is why Greg Ogden, a seasoned leader himself, has created this interactive guide that will give you the tools you need to lead well, using your unique gifts and experience.

Divided into four sections, this workbook will help you develop character, postures, vision and skills as you participate in the following elements in each chapter:
1. a memory verse
2. a Bible study
3. a reading
4. a leadership exercise

By working through these multiple channels of learning you'll be equipped not just with head knowledge about leadership but with true character formation and awareness of your own abilities that will prepare you for the challenges and choices of leadership.

Designed to work well on your own, with a partner or with a group, Leadership Essentials by Greg Ogden and Daniel Meyer is the essential preparation tool for those who would be led and shaped by Christ to lead others with strength and wisdom.

Table of Contents

Introduction:The Art of Multiplying Influence

Part One: The Character of a Leader

1 Holy

Developing a vision of Christlike character

2 Habitual

Cultivating spiritual disciplines to sustain our leadership

3 Humble

Keeping watch over our souls

Part Two: The Posture of a Leader

4 Kneeling

Embracing servant love as our primary model

5 Teaming

Building teams to accomplish our corporate mission

6 Stewarding

Stewarding our gifts, passions and personality

Part Three: The Vision of a Leader

7 The Compelling Christ

Loving passionately the compelling Christ

8 Embracing the Kingdom

Engaging people in mission

9 Helping Others See

Lifting people out of lethargy and inertia

Part Four: The Shaping of a Leader

10 Taming Temptation

Facing the dangers of money, sex and power

11 Conquering Criticism

Handling criticism with humility and fortitude

12 Defeating Dragons Addressing disappointment, frustration, anger and depression

Features & Benefits
A follow up to Greg Ogden's bestselling Discipleship Essentials
Great for use in small groups, one on one, or in mentoring pairs or triads
1. Includes material for individual use as well as group discussion
2. Includes key readings on leadership
3. Includes inductive Bible study
4. Includes leadership exercises

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