DESCRIPTION
"The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between the two, the leader must become a servant and a debtor."
-- Max De Pree on leadership
This book unpacks business leader Max De Pree's famous definition of leadership -- originally given for the business world -- and applies it to the church. Eighteen theologians and pastors here offer essays echoing that definition.
The Three Tasks of Leadership is refreshingly free of jargon, full of practical and inspirational advice, and perfect for both pastors in the field and pastors in formation.
Contributors: David Augsburger
Robert Banks
James E. Bradley
Mark Lau Branson
Sherwood Lingenfelter
Richard J. Mouw
Nancy Ortburg
Richard Peace
Charles J. Scalise
Wilbert R. Shenk
Marguerite Shuster
Siang-Yang Tan
Dennis N. Voskuil
Linda Wagener
Howard Wilson
Walt Wright
REVIEWS
Lee Hardy, author of The Fabric of This World
"Organized around the themes of defining reality, servanthood, and gratitude, the contributions to this volume extend the sound practical wisdom of Max De Pree into the fields of Christian ministry. Each one of these thoughtful essays deserves the careful attention of those who would lead the church. The Three Tasks of Leadership represents a huge advance in our understanding of what leadership comes to in congregational contexts."
Kevin Ford, author of Transforming Church
"This exceptional book offers a rare combination of theological depth, practical wisdom, and a frontline awareness of the current issues facing pastoral leaders today. The range of the contributors' expertise provides a richness that is unusual in this genre. . . Eric Jacobsen, an outstanding pastor himself, provides thinking pastors with an insightful and invaluable resource."
Scott Cormode, Fuller Theological Seminary
"The church needs to hear the wisdom of Max De Pree. These pastors and theologians teach us how that wisdom can change the way Christians lead. This is a great book for pastors, church boards, and seminary students."
Lloyd Ogilvie, President of Leadership Unlimited and former Chaplain of the United States Senate
"This stunning book is jam-packed with biblical, scholarly, applicable, and practical insight on pastoral leadership. . . Here is a guidebook for a bold, brave breed of leaders!"