When it comes to leadership books, we find a vast sea of titles. How is this book any different? The answer is simple. This is not a book for those who want a highly controlled environment. This is a book for those longing for the biblical reality of New Covenant-styled leaders. New Covenant leaders are servant-hearted, vulnerable, affectionate, openhearted and transparent. They don't talk about covering or being under spiritual authority, rather they are true mothers and fathers in the faith, and their churches are easily described as spiritual family. Jesus told us leading in the Church looks different than it does in the world. The question is, how? In what ways does it look different? If we ask ourselves, practically speaking, what it looks like to be an equipper, what images come to our minds? Do they involve fame and power or the opportunity to serve? Too often, we in the Church have viewed leadership as more akin to stardom than servanthood. Yet the reality of the role of an equipper-someone who trains others and leads them into maturity-inherently contains the idea of service. Like a good parent, a leader equips his or her followers through service, safety, and affection. These are the marks of the New Covenant Leaders which are emerging in the body of Christ. They do not use their authority to monopolize power and create (often unknowingly) an atmosphere of rules and fear. That is the world's way of leading.
Instead, their leadership looks a lot like the way Jesus leads:
1. They exhibit servant-based authority.
2. They create environments where people can be vulnerable and transparent.
3. They are affectionate and warm.
In short, they bring healthy family life to church and truly equip disciples instead of indoctrinating followers. In this short book, the author examines each of these Jesus-style leadership methods in detail. If you want a revolutionary book on leadership, this is it.
