I Am A Follwer.

Book Review.

Sweet, Leonard.  I Am A Follower.  The way, truth, and life of following Jesus.  Thomas Nelson.  2012.

Comment.  Henry.

As so often is the case, when a writer focuses in on a particular topic it comes at a ‘cost’ of other comparative topics.  Sweet focuses on ‘followership’, a word that he seems to have invented.  The leadership that he sees in churches and church organizations is in his opinion not biblical and/or is not demonstrated in Christ’s model of leadership.  There are some very strong endorsements of this book by strong, well recognized “leaders” of the evangelical community.  When Sweet declares that we are first and foremost followers and leadership must happen within that mindset, his message is clear and forceful.

Following Jesus is portrayed as a dance where we imitate Jesus and his ‘moves’.  “Following is the most underrated form of leadership in existence.” (14)  Sweet makes followership the thesis of this presentation.  “Followership is an identity.” (34)  Leadership within a followership culture is totally different from leadership within a leadership culture.  Jesus chose us.  That choice needs to be kept in perspective when we wax eloquent about our God-given ‘freedom of choice’. 

Discovering what it means to follow Jesus begins with an in depth look at what Jesus meant when he declared; “I am the way, the truth, and the life”.   The ‘way’ implies a pilgrimage alongside Jesus.  It is characterized by a discipleship that lasts a lifetime.  “Disciples of Christ can only be made –life on life, follower following follower.” (84)  A follower bears fruit, primarily the fruit of love in the form of “love casting”. (109) 

“Jesus is Truth” (142) and “Truth is the only way to life”. (149)  Our ‘way’ leads to the cross where we count the cost.  “We bless others naturally through our strengths.  But we bless others supernaturally through our weaknesses.” (162)  Categories e.g. clergy cf lay, that place some followers above other followers violate the unity of the body of Christ.

“Incarnational living (Followership) is a relational art.” (193)  The life of a follower should demonstrate a “spirit of trust” (228) more than a life of strategic planning.  The Spirit can be trusted at all times.  Joy should be the overwhelming mark of a Christ follower who is living incarnationally.  Joy to the world!  “In Christ, you become the music.” (259)

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The Mentor Leader.

Book Review.

Dungy, Tony.  Whitake, Nathan.  The Mentor Leader.  Secrets to building people and team that win consistently.  Tyndale Publishing.  2010.

T.D.- “has always learned from others on his path to success as a son, a football player, a winning coach, and an Emmy-nominated studio analyst.”

“Leadership is not an innate, mystical gift; rather, it is a learned ability to influence the attitudes and behavior of others.”  (intro)

“Relationships are ultimately what matters- our relationships with God and with other people.” (5)  “Doing the right thing at the right time in the right way” (16) requires a foundation of a strong faith.  “If you do it right, as a mentor leader, you may make it impossible for other people to give you credit.” (27)

It is important for leaders (mentors) to have visions and goals but they must be kept in perspective with the journey towards those goals.  Vision, mission and values become key factors in a successful organization.  A “service-directed leadership” (39) enhances these factors. 

The path to maturity involves “self-examination”.  (46)  “Character is the foundation on which all leadership is built.” (69)  Attributes of successful leaders are disgust.  There is no insignificant opportunity for mentoring.  Actions must always be consistent with words; the message.  “The culture you create permeates everything you touch.” (142)

There are seven “steps of progression” (166) that will cause a team to reach its potential; “Engage, educate, equip, encourage, empower, energize, and elevate.” (166-187)

“The mentor leader adds value to the lives of others.” (193)  “The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” Nelson Henderson.

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