A Must Read by Every Leader

Some writers just have knack of ripping you open in a surgical heart procedure only to bring the healing salve in the next paragraph.  That is how I felt when I read Paul David Tripp’s latest book entitled Lead:  12 Gospel Principles for Leadership in the Church where he addresses what he calls a leadership crisis in the church.

            Tripp is the author of several award-winning books including Dangerous Calling.  Many see this as a great follow to that book.  He is a pastor/teacher who brings the gospel to bear on every subject he encounters.

            In the chapters of this book the author causes us to look at what motivates us in ministry, to look at how we view the people that we serve, to see how we view the leaders that we have the privilege of serving with and how we view this great God that has called us.  In process he challenges us to contrast what we say we value with what we actually value.  He calls us to character in the pages of this book stating that above everything else you would want to be in a leader, that God values character and that character will trump performance.

            Tripp has broken his book down into 12 chapters.  Each one hits these ideas from a different side, but they all tie together. 

            I probably appreciated the most his chapter on identity which was a strong reminder to me of where I search for identity in my life.  It is so easy for pride to slip in as it has in my life.  Finding my identity in Him and separating it from me and my achievements is so freeing.  That is a freedom that I need and want.

            He ended the book with a chapter on God’s presence.  It was such a needed reminder to me that I need to practice God’s presence and practice it with my fellow leaders each and every day.  The work is His work, not mine. 

            Nestled in this book is the truth that at the end of the day all leaders are sinners in need of grace.   I was thankful for the reminder that we need to strive to restore those who have fallen.  I have been that person.  Thankful for those who did not give up on me.

            Seriously, any leader needs to read this book.  It is so needed in our churches as we see so much ego and not so much about Him.  This book just might make a few pastors mad and see it as threatening.  It is threatening because it cuts deep, but then again, it also heals.

            I received a copy of this book for an honest review.  I’m so glad I did.  You will too.