BOOK REVIEW: Every church leader should read this book … soon!
If you ask church leaders who they would rather spend time with, someone in their congregation, or other “leaders,” the honest answer in today’s church culture would probably be that of other leaders.
That’s because there is an ungodly obsession with the topic of “leadership” among many church leaders.
And sadly, not a biblical concept of “leadership” either.
Leonard Sweet does nothing short of a brilliant job exposing this near addiction to “leadership” in the church in his outstanding new book, “I Am A Follower,” published by Thomas Nelson.
Sweet writes, “Over the last three decades, there has been a seismic shift across the landscape of the church. The advent of church-growth theory, coupled with exponential advances in technology, has created a hyperpursuit for leadership muscle that has never been seen before.”
That shift has led to church leaders immersing themselves in an overabundance of leadership literature, flocking to the multitudes of leadership conferences available, and changing their focus to making other leaders rather than making disciples. Sweet does a straightforward job of highlighting how we’ve turned being a follower of Christ into something Jesus never intended it to be: a quest for leadership.
“I hope to convince you to quit defining yourself as a leader, stop aspiring after leadership, and instead set your sights on being a ‘Jesus follower’ or ‘fellow follower’ or ‘first follower’,” writes Sweet.
Sweet has a good goal for a very simple reason: Jesus never called people to come be leaders in His church. Instead, Jesus calls us to follow Him. And as we follow Him, we make other followers who join us in following Christ.
It was never about leadership!
It was always about followership!
But when was the last time you heard a “leader” talking about “followership”?
“I Am A Follower” isn’t a simplistic knock at today’s church leadership myth. While Sweet directly challenges the concept of leadership within the church, most of the book explores the answer to what would be better, and more biblical: the biblical concept of followership.
Yes, even for “leaders.”
From describing today’s addiction for leadership, Sweet challenges us to change our direction and focus on being followers of Christ. But what does that look like today? Using Jesus’ teaching that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, Sweet does a compelling, insightful, and brilliant job plunging the reader into a thorough exploration of what it means to follow Jesus Christ.
So compelling is Sweet’s examination of followership that I found the book to be a slow read. Not because it’s complicated; Sweet’s writing is clear and understandable for any reader. But because Sweet has loaded this book with such insight you will want to marinate in the ideas and thoughts pouring forth from the pages.
This is a book so vitally needed for today’s church leaders that I recommend, if possible, that you buy extra copies to share with church leaders you know.
Further, “I Am A Follower” isn’t just for leaders, but is a beneficial resource for all of us who desire to follow Jesus Christ.
Scotty
I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
February 13, 2012 at 2:18 pm
This is a dangerous expose'… how dare Sweet undermine the traditions of the church, a brazen attack on all the Phds, DDs, and would be certified leaders… are we to attempt to be the church without the certified leaders, appointed by men and women upon whom hands of sinners have anointed. This may close down preacher mills.
This may halt the practice of insured employment. And most devestating this could make the pew holders as perpetrators of a horrific myth that some are more righteous and due honor and praise than all others. The ordained among the institutional church will have to get a job.
February 13, 2012 at 5:52 pm
I usually don't allow comments made anonymously. However, I see your use of some hyperbole to make a point. There's nothing wrong with being ordained, that is biblical, and there are biblical roles "leadership" within the church. But what Sweet does a good job of bringing to our attention is that biblical "leadership" is still followership, radically different from the kind of "leadership" we have embraced and entrenched within the church today.
Sadly, I think the people who most need to read this book will have little openness to do so. I would be thrilled to be wrong about that. What an exciting prospect to consider today's leaders being willing to abandon the corporate concepts we've taken into the church and, instead, return to biblical Christianity … that of being followers of Christ.
February 20, 2012 at 7:21 pm
Looks like a good read. Thanks for the review Scotty. I'll be buying this one.
February 20, 2012 at 7:24 pm
Tom, I think you'll enjoy it immensely! If you read it, I would love to hear what you think about it, if you'd like to share any thoughts. Blessings my friend!