Sunday, November 14, 2010

Where Would Jesus Lead?

Biblical leadership is hard to find today. There are so many seminars and books on leadership that could be renamed books that help you lead in a way that bends people to your will and worldview. They use the latest techniques and best practices to bring about the goals they have established. Sometimes they will throw in Christian ideals and even use scripture, but they do not represent the heart of God or the teachings of Jesus the Messiah.
Jesus made it clear that anyone who wishes to lead must do so by God's rules and not man's
Mark 9:35 And He sat down and called the Twelve [apostles], and He said to them, If anyone desires to be first, he must be last of all, and servant of all. AMP
Mark 10:44-45 And whoever wishes to be most important and first in rank among you must be slave of all.
45 For even the Son of Man came not to have service rendered to Him, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for (instead of) many. AMP

Jesus Himself came as a man among us who while he is both God and man he lived in a way that we could follow him to live by the father's authority or will and he was empowered by the Holy Spirit. 'Where would Jesus Lead', will help you understand leadership from the teachings of Jesus, who is the perfect manifestation and revelation of the father’s heart.

I would challenge you to ask yourself these questions as you read:
1. How does what is being taught compare to how I lead?
2. What must I do to bring my life and leadership into alignment with God's word?
3. Do I need to repent for the way I have lived and lead?
4. Are there people I need to go to and seek to restore godly relationships with as a result of my past leadership errors?

Where Would Jesus Lead?
A Study of Chaordic Leadership
Gary Goodell
Format: Paperback
Price: $14.99 Product # 1767
Length: 186 Pages

Product Review: from Arsenal Books
Jesus modeled leadership by living and walking with His disciples, everyday people, and the religious leaders of His day. You can emulate His leadership style by changing the traditional hierarchical, pulpit-based leadership model of most Western churches to a more relational form of leading from among the people. This leadership style involves participating in the chaos of real, to-way relationships, yet bringing order by training and discipling in the midst of chaordic interaction.

Where Would Jesus Lead? is about leading among rather than leading from, or leading over, or leading from titles, positions, or assumed roles. Author and ministry leader Gary Goodell believes it is time to transition to a more collaborative style of leading, one of coming alongside people, for the peoples sake, and empowering them to achieve their personal God-given destiny. Thinking prophetically, the author courageously contends that interactive relationships that are purposeful yet inherently chaotic are ones to be joyfully embraced.

Practical ideas and applications regarding how to carry out this vision in one-on-one relationships and in small groups are expertly presented. Emphasis on deeper, more effective relationships is Gods heart for the Church in America today.

Table of Contents
Foreword by Graham Cooke
Introduction to Chaordic Leadership
Chapter 1: Now, Heeeres, Johnny!
Chapter 2: Turning Down Celebrity Status
Chapter 3: Where Did Jesus Lead?
Chapter 4: Leadership or Followership?
Chapter 5: Practices or Principles?
Chapter 6: Leading by Listening
Chapter 7: Listening to Lead
Chapter 8: Discipling by Design
Chapter 9: Detailed Discipleship
Chapter 10: Chaordic Groups
Chapter 11: Chaordic or Chaotic?
Chapter 12: Keeping Small Groups Chaordic
Chapter 13: How Relationships and Small Groups Develop
Chapter 14: Is Our Future Chaordic?
Chapter 15: Discovery Questions for Leading Small Groups

Endorsements

James W. Goll, Encounters Network, Author
This book will stretch you! At least it does me. It takes me on a journey of what I really value most love for God and people and attempts to flesh it out in a real time setting. Gary Goodell marvelously and uncomfortably envisions the Body of Christ to be incarnational Christianity instead of ecclesiastical Christianity. True apostolic ministry is more about producing apostolic lifestyle and community versus just functional position. The content of this book is challenging and breathtaking at the same time. Someday I hope to live up to the security that is required to walk in leadership in such a manner. A new wineskin stretches as needed. Is your heart elastic? Read this book and find out!

Bill Johnson, Author
Where Would Jesus Lead? will challenge, encourage, and motivate spiritual leaders to pursue a more authentic expression of the Gospel. I found myself affirmed as Gary Goodell addressed things Ive believed for years but have not had the language for. I also felt very convicted as he addressed things I had overlooked: things that demand attention. This is a refreshing look at who we are and how we should live . . . no, how we must live.

About the Author
Gary Goodell has been involved in Christian ministry since the 1960s. As an evangelist, Bible college dean, former pastor, husband, father, grandfather, and one of the lead dreamers, he is an itinerate coach partnered with other innovative leaders through the international church planting network, Third Day Churches. Gary and his wife, Jane, live in San Diego, California.

Order this from Arsenal books at http://arsenalbooks.com/product/Where_Would_Jesus_Lead_Gary_Goodell/New_Release