The Making of a Leader by Robert Clinton

After LeAnn and I emerged from Converge’s Church Planter Assessment, one of the recommendations I received was to read The Making of a Leader by Dr. J. Robert Clinton*.  I was familiar with the title, and knew it to be a standard among leadership books.

But something in me was a bit hesitant to read it.  I feared it wouldn’t be timely.  I assumed it would be stuck in principles that may have worked in the late 80s, but would fall short of what is needed for leaders in the early part of the 21st century.

How wrong I was.

Clinton has written a masterpiece.  This work is a surprising mix of analytical thinking on the subject of leadership with spot-on biblical and contemporary illustrations.  Clinton is extremely thorough, looking at all phases of leadership, making this book appropriate for young ministry leaders as well as seasoned vets.  (In fact, I plan to re-read this book again, going through it with my 15-year-old daughter who has displayed a lot of leadership gifts throughout her young life.)  Yet, despite at times seeming like an encyclopedia on the subject of leadership (complete with a glossary!), each chapter is incredibly readable.

While I wish I could have read this book in my first full-time ministry, I’m grateful to at least read it as we pray toward starting a new church.  I think the best way to gain from Clinton’s work is to read it about every 5-10 years.  It is timeless enough that it will feel “contemporary” to whatever stage of leadership you find yourself.

Rating: 5 Leadership Phases out of 5

 

*Note: Link to NavPress is to the 2nd edition - I read the 1st edition, thus this review is based on the 1st edition of the book

 

Posted via email from erin bird's web nest

Little Wolves by Thomas Maltman (Book Review)

As part of my goal to read 40 books while I am 40 years of age, I decided I should read at least one fiction book.  I enjoy fiction, but I rarely seem to make time to read it.  So when I read a glowing recommendation by Relevant Magazine in their Jan/Feb 2013 edition for Maltman’s second novel ever, I decided to put Little Wolves on my list.

40 Things To Do While 40

Well, today is my birthday.  And not just any birthday.  Today I turn 40.  Forty years since my poor mom spent 12 hours in labor only to have the doctors tell her I was breach and they were going to have to cut me out.  I came out all black and blue from the event (so if you wanted an excuse for why I am the way I am, there you go...).  But I've pinked up a bit since that day.

Since 40 is a bit of a "milestone" for most people, I've decided to make it an important year for me.  So I have compiled a list of the 40 things I am aiming to do while I am the big Four-Oh.  I've broken them up into 5 categories to keep them somewhat organized.  Some are things I have thought about doing for a LONG time and I just need to do them.  Some are to revive the creative aspect of myself that has been a bit dormant the past couple of years.  Some are simply to help me continue to do the things that I have felt called to do (mostly with my family and in ministry).  And some will require an act of God!

By the grace of God, I hope to complete all of these by Feb. 28, 2014, so I've got 365 days to get this list done.  And then maybe I'll rest while I'm 41. ;-)

Why am I sharing this publicly?  Two reasons:

#1: To hold myself accountable.  It's scary to post this for everyone to see, knowing they (you) will naturally judge the list and/or me.  But if I don't post it, it will be too easy to skimp, adjust, or avoid achieving these milestones.

#2: To inspire someone (you?) to make the next year of their life a significant one.  I don't expect you to do my list, but rather to come up with your own list.  And if you do, share it with me!  I'd love to know that someone else is setting goals that they otherwise wouldn't aim for.

So this is my list.  It's not open to input.  It'll stretch me, but it will make 40 a year I'll remember.

And no, when I turn 41, I don't plan to "rest".  I'll probably work on a degree!

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40 Things I Plan To Do While 40

Personal

• Read 40 Books
• Develop a Productivity System (GTD or something similar)
• Watch a foreign film
• Watch at least 4 films from the 100 Films list
• Get a tattoo
• Compose a song
• Edit / Update "Take Me Apart" book
• Release a Christmas EP for our financial supporters
• Memorize 40 Bible verses
• Host a party for those who built our house

Marriage/Family

• At least 40 dates with LeAnn (2-hours of 1-on-1 time)
• 10 "dates" with each kid (1-hour of 1-on-1 time with each kid almost each month)
• Read a book series with my 6-year-old son.
• Watch all 6 Star Wars movies with my 9-year-old son.
• Read the LOTR Trilogy with my 9-year-old son.
• Watch the LOTR Trilogy Movies with my 12-year-old daughter.
• Read a book and meet weekly for 8 weeks to discuss the content with my 12-year-old daughter.
• Read a book and meet weekly for 8 weeks to discuss the content with my 15-year-old daughter.
• Spend a weekend at a cabin with the whole family
• Spend a night away with LeAnn

Health/Fitness

• Swim 340,000 yards
• Swim 100 yards in 60 seconds
• Run a mile in 6 minutes
• Complete a triathlon
• Join the fall tennis league
• Weigh 150 lb

Financial

• Save $4000 dollars

Ministry

• Start a church
• Baptize at least one person
• Attend Exponential Conference
• Raise over $200,000 dollars for the new church
• Meet with 40 community leaders
• Find a ministry mentor
• Go on 40 prayer walks
• Start a small group
• Raise up at least one small group leader out of my own small group
• Hire a worship director
• Hire a children's director
• Find a Leadership Resident/Future Church Planter to work alongside me
• Lead the new church to do at least 4 service projects 

Posted via email from erin bird's web nest