Author Dave Kraft wrote his book Leaders Who Last in response to a disturbing statistic that only 30 percent of leaders finish well. He writes in the Introduction:
Too many are dropping out of the race, losing heart, and letting go of their dreams and lofty purposes. They are simply giving up and throwing in the towel. Due to the rapidly changing and fast-paced world we live in, it is increasingly difficult to lead and lead well with joy, clarity, and confidence. Some just hang on by their fingernails, waiting for retirement to rescue them from their disappointments, fears, and frustrations. What will it take for you and me to be leaders who finish the race well? What issues should we be aware of that could hold us back and keep us from finishing?
Kraft devotes the remaining 140 pages or so of his book exploring and explaining the principles of leadership he’s learned from his own leadership journey of over 40 years in various leadership positions. “Everything in this book flows from my personal experience and convictions,” he writes.
Kraft is a believer and writes from Christian perspective yet his book is not merely for the pastor but for anyone in a position of influence either inside the church or outside it. He defines a leader as a “humble, God-dependent, team-playing servant of God who is called by God to shepherd, develop, equip and empower a specific group of believers to accomplish an agreed-upon vision from God.”
The book is divided into 3 parts. Part One: Foundations explores the leader’s Power, Purpose, Passion, Priorities, and Pacing. Part Two: Formation discusses the leader’s Calling, Gifts, Character, and Growth. Part Three: Fruitfulness encourages the leader’s Vision, Influence, and Legacy.
Leaders Who Last offers some good, solid teaching on the critical importance of humble, passionate, dynamic leadership. I’m not certain that Kraft offers any new information necessarily; many of his points echo other books I’ve read on leadership and calling. Still, his call for men and women of God to use their gifts to influence others for the kingdom of God is one that ought to be heard and heeded.
Wife and mother, Bible teacher and blogger, Lisa loves Jesus, coffee, dark chocolate and, of course, books. Read more of her reflections at Lisa writes…. Lisa would like to thank the great folks at Crossway Publishing for providing the review copy of this book!
I agree! I thought this book was perhaps even more beneficial to the person sitting in the pew than the pastor. Because the people sitting in the pew seem to frequently be the ones saying, “I want, I want, I want!” and “I need, I need, I need!” It’s good to be reminded that the pastor is only human and needs us to observe and respect boundaries as well as offer encouragement.
Great review, LIsa!