Book Review : Redefining Leadership

/ Steven Ruff / 2 Comments

redefineleadershipThere is certainly no shortage of books written on the subject of leadership. Everything from principles for dealing with people, strategies to better manage time and goals, and guidelines for developing new leaders has been covered, at least once. In his new book, “Redefining Leadership; Character-Driven Habits of Effective Leaders”, pastor or Cornerstone University president Joseph Stowell brings an altogether different approach and viewpoint to the leadership conversation. Instead of asking questions centering on success markers and who should and should not lead, Stowell deals with the heart of a leader and what motivates him/her toward their goals.

Stowell puts forward two different kinds of leaders: outcome-driven leaders and character-driven leaders. The primary focus of outcome-driven leaders, as Stowell writes is “on motivating others to achieve great organizational outcomes” and “the power of their leadership is leveraged by the authority of their position instead of the credibility of their lives.” The primary focus on character-driven leadership, as Stowell writes, is to “empower those within the sphere of their authority to achieve great outcomes personally, spiritually, communally, and organizationally” and whose power is “leveraged by their moral authority that comes from the credibility of their lives.” The remainder of Part One, “A Redefined Priority”, is given to fleshing out the dynamics of these two leadership styles. Stowell highlights certain delusions that character-driven leaders should avoid.

In Part Two, “A Redefined Identity”, which is the best in the book in my opinion, Stowell introduces the term “followership”. As he describes the importance of following well before leading well, the author writes, “This is the deal-breaker moment in this book. The question is, ‘Are you ready to accept the identity of a follower…to fully surrender to Jesus as the final authority on life and leading?’” Stowell gives the three markers of followership. He says that Follower-leaders count it an honor to follow Jesus, actively pursue Christ, and are found in the “Way” with Him. In Part Three, “A Redefined Leader”, Stowell redefines the two types of leaders in light of the kingdom of God. Outcome-driven leaders are referred to as “instinctive” leaders and character-driven leaders are referred to as “kingdom” leaders. It is in this section that Stowell examines Christ’s sermons and teaching on kingdom and highlights the core competencies of the leader in light of following Christ as their primary example. Such competencies include humility, mercy, and meekness.

Redefining Leadership is an absolute treasure. With other leadership voices such as Al Mohler, John Maxwell, and Stephen Covey regularly instructing on the merits of effective leadership, Joseph Stowell must be included in these conversations. Although covering a deep subject, the book flows easily and never becomes “professional”. Stowell’s use of personal stories of victory and defeat, as well as the Scriptures themselves give this book a solid footing. Humbly and passionately written, Stowell has a winner here and should be required reading for all who occupy leadership positions whether secular or spiritual.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers and BookLook Bloggers as part of their Blogger Review 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.”

No Place to Hide

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noplacetohideOur country has been locked into a war in Iraq and Afghanistan for going almost thirteen years. During this time, on a regular basis, we have been exposed to the reality of extended troop deployments, suicide bombers, and unspeakable acts of violence against innocent civilians on behalf of our enemies. At the same time, we have also been introduced to incredible acts of heroism, sacrifice, and love for our fellow man, regardless of the uniform. There has been one area that has had little to no exposure: combat hospitals. In “No Place to Hide; A Brain Surgeon’s Long Journey Home From the Iraq War”, neurosurgeon and US Air Force Major Lee Warren shares the stories of his four month deployment to Iraq in 2004. Warren chronicles his time at the largest American hospital in the region in gripping fashion. His book brings to light the horror and tragedy of war, as well as the psychological, physical, and emotional toll that war can take on the human body and mind.

No Place to Hide is actually a story of two wars. On one hand, there is the Iraq War with all the tragedy and death that comes with war. The other war is a personal one, with ties to the home front. As Warren arrives in theater, his marriage is falling apart and his personal faith is unstable at best. Warren, in vivid detail, tells the personal and professional stories of his fellow doctors, nurses, American soldiers, Iraqi civilians, and the terrorists that he comes into contact with. Warren’s book is a beautiful juxtaposition. Good and evil, compassion and anger, joy and misery are smartly laid beside each other in order to tell an engrossing and addictive story. Be prepared for an in-your-face and brutally honest look at life in the midst of war.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Blogger Review 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.”

Book Review : The Israeli Solution

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israeliAn almost ever-present segment in newspapers, twenty-four hour news channels, and news magazines is the crisis in the Middle East. Regularly we hear of a terrorist bombing in Jerusalem, new rounds of peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians, and calls from nations for Israel’s destruction. At the heart of all the hated, discussion, and confusion is one simple matter: Israel’s right to exist as legitimate sovereign nation. Caroline Glick, senior contributing editor to the Jerusalem Post and former member of Israel’s negotiations team with the Palestinians has weighed in on this matter in her new book, “The Israeli Solution; A One-State Plan for Peace in the Middle East”. It is here that she takes an “in the trenches” look at the often-touted two-state solution for Middle Eastern peace. She presents the fallacy of this plan and the shallow-thinking behind it when she writes, “Establishing a Palestinian state, so the thinking goes, would be a panacea for all the region’s ills. It would end the Arab world’s conflict with Israel, because the reason the Arab world is anti-Israel is that there is no Palestinian state. It would also nearly erase the Arab world’s anti-Americanism, because the reason the Arabs – and the larger Muslim world – are anti-American is that the United States supports Israel even though there is no Palestinian state. Based on this thought chain, most American policy makers across the ideological spectrum share the view that the establishment of a Palestinian state west of the Jordan River would remove the principal cause of the violent extremism that afflicts the Arab and the larger Islamic world.”

In the first part of her book, “The Middle-East’s Beloved Chimera”, Glick gives attention to a favored two-state plan by leaders of the western world and how that vision is only a pipe dream. We also see in this section the surprising and disappointing stance of the United States in favor of a two-state plan for the Middle East and the increasing hostility of the United States toward Israel. Case in point, President George W. Bush, “It is untenable for Israeli citizens to live in terror. It is untenable for Palestinians to live in squalor and occupation.” Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said there “could be ‘no greater legacy for America’ than to establish a Palestinian state. The U.S. goal was to lead ‘serious negotiations’ that would establish a Palestinian state ‘as soon as possible.’” Finally, President Barrack Obama, “A lasting peace will involve two states for two peoples: Israel as a Jewish state and the homeland for the Jewish people, and the state of Palestine as the homeland for the Palestinian people, each state enjoying self-determination, mutual recognition, and peace.” Glick also gives an entire chapter to President Bill Clinton’s failed attempts to secure a two-state plan, highlighting his uneasy closeness with PLO leader Yassir Arafat.

In part two, “The Israeli One-State Plan”, Glick discusses what a one-state plan would look like. She writes, “In essence, then, the main thing that the Israeli one-state plan – that is, the application of Israeli law over Judea and Samaria – requires of both Israel and its closest ally is that they embrace reality, with all its opportunities and threats, and stop chasing fantasies of perfect solutions. The mechanics of the policy are fairly straightforward. Israel will apply its laws to Judea and Samaria and govern the areas as normal parts of Israel. The military government will be dissolved, as it was in the Golan Heights in 1981, when Israel applied Israeli law to that area.” In this section, she defends her plan by refuting the claims that the demographic changes will result in an Arab majority in relation to the Jews. Glick calls attention to the historical claims of Israel’s legitimacy and how international law and principles of self-defense allow only for a one-state plan in the Middle East. In the third section, “Probable Fallout”, Glick shares what would be the likely repercussions of from the point of view of Palestinians, Europe, the United States, and other Arab nations in the region if Israel actually put forward this one-state plan. Although there will be some fallout, the plan would see the welfare of the region increase.

Glick has written a powerful and passionate book. “The Israeli Solution” is meticulously researched and developed. Her background allows her to write with authority, clarity, and passion. This is a book that national leaders need to pick up, read, and give serious consideration to. Glick concludes with these words, “The Israeli one-state plan provides an equitable, democratic means of resolving the conflict, and by safeguarding Israel’s national and legal rights, it secures Israel’s strategic posture. It neutralizes the Palestinians’ capacity to destabilize Israel domestically and delegitimize it internationally, and it strengthens Israel militarily, both from foreign invasion and from terror assaults.”

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers as part of their Blogger Review 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.”

What Happens When Leaders Abuse Their People?

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Every organization has a leader. Every organization, whether secular or spiritual, has an individual who gives guidance, sets vision and tempo, and looks out for the best interests of their people. I believe there are two main types of leadership: given and assumed. Given leadership means that an individual was is hired to lead. In this sense, power and authority to lead are given. Assumed leadership means that in the absence of a clear leader, or in light of a poor leader, steps forward to lead out of concern for the well-being of the organization.

With leadership comes entrusted authority. With leadership comes entrusted power. With leadership comes grave responsibility. The leader of any organization must resist the temptation to allow the authority and power entrusted to them to corrupt. They must constantly guard against what British historian Lord Acton believed when he said, “power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” From time to time, a strange thing occurs when an individual is given an opportunity to lead. Instead of respecting the organization and the people of that organization, they begin to abuse their people and hold that entrusted power over the heads of the people. Why would a leader allow themselves to become an abuser? I would say pride, arrogance, and self-promotion lead to such narcissistic behavior. This is tragic. What happens when leaders abuse their people?

1. When leaders abuse their people, credibility is weakened.

John Maxwell once said, “People buy into the leader before they buy into the vision.” Leaders must give the people a reason to follow. The organization has to see a reason to give their loyalty and trust to their leader. Credibility is built when leaders demonstrate, through word and deed that the people of the organization matter most. However, when leaders worry more about themselves and push personal agendas, the organization doesn’t have reason to trust and follow. Abusive leaders never get the “buy in”.

2. When leaders abuse their people, participation is discouraged.

A common trait with leaders who abuse their people is that they would rather “be right” than “do right”. When a leader wants to have the last word, have everything done their way, and criticize and belittle any opinions not their own, people within the organization begin to feel unappreciated and unwanted. If the abuse goes on long enough, those within the organization stop trying and stop participating and ask themselves, “why bother?” When any leader demands the final word and operates under the “my way or the highway” rule, they are silently saying, “you are not needed, nor wanted”. At this point, the only cure is a different leader.

When is a Missions Offering Not Really a Missions Offering?

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Disclaimer: The thoughts, beliefs, and conclusions drawn belong solely to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Port Royal Baptist Church. The concerns expressed here by the author have been previously discussed with associational leadership.

The Baptist association of which our church is a member of has an annual missions offering. This offering was established in 1992 in honor of a former Home Mission Board (North American Mission Board) missionary and Director of Missions. This namesake believed greatly in the importance of church-planting. Every year our association sets aside one week in order to promote and collect this offering. Sound good so far? On the surface, yes.

When is a missions offering not really a missions offering? The answer: when it is not used exclusively for mission work. Let me explain. When our current missions offering was established, the council recommending its creation did so with a troubling stipulation. The council wrote, “we further recommend that the proceeds of this offering be dedicated to the general associational missions budget to supplement the gifts of the churches.” Since 1992, except for the few years when a former Director of Missions arbitrarily designated portions of the offering, we have had, in essence, a “catch-up” offering that is counted as income toward our overall operating budget.

Why does this matter? Some would say that it doesn’t. I would dare say that to some of our member churches it does not matter at all. It matters because of our member churches deserve better. Allow me to explain further. The current method of promoting, collecting, and distributing our missions offering is flawed in at least two ways.

1. The current structure makes education and promotion at the church level problematic.

When I as the pastor of a church stand before God’s people and ask them to support and give to a specific cause or need, they deserve to know, to the very best of our ability, what their gift is supporting. Currently, our missions offering is forwarded to the general operating budget. It is true that portions of this offering do find their way to real missions needs. It is also true that portions of the offering support things such as lawn care, copy/printing, salaries, electricity, insurance, and other non-missions items. Our offering does not exclusively support missions and mission work. If one of my church member asks this question, “What does our associational missions offering support?” I have no choice but to give an ambiguous answer that has to be extensively qualified. Instead of an answer such as “our offering supports A, B, or C”, the answer looks more like, “our offering goes into A where it is disbursed to all budgeted items”.

2. The current structure lessens the importance of the offering itself.

The idea that a missions offering exists to “supplement” the gifts of the churches seems, at least to me, to be counterproductive. As a member church, we give a percentage of our receipts to our association for its general operation and existence. The majority of our member churches do likewise. This legal “double-dipping” seems to diminish and lessen the importance and impact of the offering itself. Some say that “it’s all missions”. Simply not true. Others say, “We need to have lights, or we need to have a building”. This may be true, but that is the purpose of our monthly contributions and not a missions offering. A missions offering should never be used to cover shortfalls or cover operating expenses. As those in the pews learn how the offering is distributed, I am afraid that they will see it for what it really is and choose not give at all.

When is a missions offering not really a missions offering? The answer: when it is not used exclusively for mission work. If our season Southern Baptist missions offerings were allocated the same way our associational missions offering is, I believe there would be fewer missionaries in the field and their work would be handicapped. In my opinion, there are areas of ministry within our association not being explored, at least in part, by a lack of funding. At a point in our associational history, many felt that the man for whom our offering was named had made such a lasting impression that a special missions offering should be created in recognition of his commitment to missions. I did not know this man. From what I have heard and read about him and his life’s work, he was not an office man. Rather, he was regularly in the field ministering to the member churches and to the unchurched. The spirit of our associational offering does not match this man. It should.

Good Friday : The Day Death Died

/ Steven Ruff / 1 Comment

Good FridayToday, the Christian community celebrates Good Friday. The Friday before Easter Sunday is the day that the Christian faith stops to remember the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. What makes it so “good”? It is the day that death died.

The Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans, “But God demonstrated His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” Romans 5:8. Paul’s words in verse eight sound so simple, “Christ died for us”. This verse is pregnant with truth, love, and forgiveness. It is not until we understand the manner in which Christ died that we can even begin to appreciate what He did for us. For six hours that Friday, Christ’s body hung on the cross bleeding with nails in His hands and feet. His blood spilled that we might be saved.

I don’t believe anyone would consider Roman crucifixion to be “good”.  At the time of Christ’s death, crucifixion was considered to be the most brutal and painful manners in which a person could die. The Roman soldiers were good at death; they ate it, they breathed it, they slept it; they even seemed to enjoy it. They seemed to think nothing of it. On one hand, the Jewish religious leaders claimed to be the spokesmen for God and knew what it took to please Him. They were “good” people. On the other hand, they hated Jesus because He spoke of God and for God. The leaders missed the fact that the Son of God was with them; He talked with them, He walked with them, He brought to light their sinfulness. If anyone should have known Jesus was the Messiah, it was them. The actions of both groups seem unimaginable.

What happened to Jesus was not “good”. However, a great good came out of it. Left alone and to ourselves, we are lost. Left alone and to ourselves there is a relationship that is broken. Left alone and to ourselves, there is a purpose in life we will never recognize. On the Friday Jesus died, the way for the sinner to know forgiveness and redemption was made straight; straight from the veins of Christ to the very throne of God. In our lost state, God still loved us. Paul said it so right back in verse eight, “God demonstrated His love toward us”. The good that happened on Friday was salvation, a rescue.

Jesus left us a command to remember Him. The purpose of the Lord’s Supper is for such a remembrance. We take to time remember His broken body and His shed blood. Isn’t it sad that we need to be reminded to remember the One who gave His life for us? The actions of that Friday were certainly not “good”. However, the results of that day are priceless. As a wise pastor once said, “It’s Friday, but Sunday’s coming.”

Book Review : What Works

/ Steven Ruff / 1 Comment

whatworksThere is no shortage of books espousing a particular political viewpoint these days. Whether you are a Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, or somewhere in between, someone has written about what you believe. Such a book has been written by syndicated columnist Cal Thomas. His book, “What Works: Common Sense Solutions for a Stronger America” is a strong summary statement of conservative Republican beliefs and viewpoints. Going one step further, Thomas also writes from the conservative Evangelical Christian worldview. He believes it is Groundhog Day in Washington, DC. What Thomas sees coming out of Washington are the same ideas, the same talking points, the same “fixes” that have never worked with simply a new name. He believes Congress is stuck in a loop that mirrors Bill Murray’s character in the movie Groundhog Day.

Thomas is a newspaper columnist. This book is certainly written in that vein. He is direct and to the point. He pulls no punches. His research is solid and allows our founding documents to demonstrate how far we have drifted from our traditional Judeo-Christian beginning. He smartly uses these documents, the verbal positions of lawmakers today, and the Bible to show where we truly are as a nation today. His book has four main parts with multiple sub-points. Part One deals with looking to the past at what did not work and employing common sense for future work. Part Two magnifies the importance of people and minimizes the importance of politics. Part Three gives practical steps on solving our problems today. Part Four gives attention to those things what make a difference going forward. If you are looking for a book that lays out the conservative Republican agenda, this is it. Smart. Timely. Educational. I highly recommend it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Harper Collins Publishers as part of their Blogger Review 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.”

Book Review : Killing Jesus

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killingjesusThis week is what is known as Passion Week within the Christian community. This week represents Jesus’ last week on earth. Within these seven days we see Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on what we know as Palm Sunday. We see Jesus observing the Passover meal with His disciples and the inauguration of the Lord’s Supper. We see His passionate and burdened prayer to His Father in the Garden of Gethsemane. We see His betrayal by one of His own and His subsequent arrest. We also see His mock trials before the Jewish High Priest Caiaphas and the Roman prefect Pontius Pilate. Within this week we also see His scourging, crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection. Questions surround Passion Week. Questions such as “Who was responsible for Jesus’ death?”, “Why did Jesus have to die?”, “What part did Rome play?”, and many others like these are asked, some deep within ourselves. In his new book, “Killing Jesus; The Unknown Conspiracy Behind the World’s Most Famous Execution”, New York Times Best Selling Author Stephen Mansfield has written a monumental work that sets the stage for the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Mansfield’s approach to this book is unlike any I have ever seen in this subject. In his introduction he writes, “The execution of Jesus was a crime born of the streets, the barracks, the enclaves of the privileged, and the smoke-filled back rooms of religious and political power brokers.” This simple sentence will be fully developed as the book unfolds and the reality of Mansfield’s conspiracy comes to light. He writes as if he is putting onto paper what the characters and onlookers might have been thinking. His brilliant symmetry of four different languages, three different calendaring systems, and lesser known historical accounts make this book work, and work well. In his twenty-one chapters, Mansfield introduces the players in the conspiracy, the cultural contexts and nuances, and the motives behind the conspiracy to put to death the Son of God.

Killing Jesus is an all-out assault on the senses. Mansfield employs a writing style that mimics that of a painter. He enables the reader to feel as if they are part of the crowds at the arrest, the trials, and the crucifixion. His style of writing lets the reader taste the disgust that the High Priest had for Jesus and see the disappointment in Jesus’ face at the betrayal. The reader can hear the bleating of thousands of lambs being slaughtered on Good Friday and the smell the blood that was subsequently shed. He writes, “Then, in that otherworldly voice that has come from him just moments before, he shouts, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit’. It is more than a shout. It is a scream, really. And since it is three in the afternoon on the Day of Preparation, his scream blends with the screaming of the lambs. And he is gone.” This book is more felt than read. Mansfield has a winner here. This book is powerful, convicting, sobering. I would dare say it is a must read for all who wish to better understand Jesus’ Passion.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Worthy Publishers as part of their Blogger Review 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.”

Movies of Faith : Don’t Throw the Baby Out With the Bathwater

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In the past decade or so, we have seen a rise in the number of faith-based movies coming out of Hollywood. Beginning with Mel Gibson’s Passion of the Christ, we have witnessed a steady stream of movies that highlight personal faith in Jesus Christ and how that faith makes a difference in everyday life. Sherwood Baptist Church has offered encouraging and inspiring works such as Flywheel, Facing the Giants, Fireproof, and Courageous. History Channels’ The Bible television mini-series offered a look at the life of Christ through the New Testament. Most recently, we have seen three movies that have done, and are doing very well at the box office. Those movies are Son of God, God’s Not Dead, and Noah.

The success and positive witness of certain movies have also been met with doubt and skepticism within the Christian community. There seems to be, at least to me, a disturbing trend developing among Christians and Christian leadership related to faith-based movies. The trend: when the film deviates from the biblical narrative in any way whatsoever, the film should be dismissed as having no value. Of all the movies listed above, all but one were produced from an unapologetic Christian worldview. They have enjoyed very little criticism and doubt.

The movie that is causing a firestorm today is Darren Aronofsky’s Noah. According to the press release, Noah is an “epic biblically-based fantasy film” and is “loosely based on the story of Noah’s Ark. The Christian community seems to be in an uproar because a Hollywood movie about Noah does not resemble the Sunday School story and look of Noah. There is some heartache that the movie takes some liberties as it relates to the person of Noah, the historical record of the flood, and the nature/character of God. As a pastor and Christian, I do not like to see a biblical narrative skewed and distorted. To be honest, I have not seen Noah at the box office. My thoughts are based on what I have read about the movie. I would point you here and here for a solid review of the movie by Dr. Jerry Johnson, President of the National Religious Broadcasters. As you try to decide whether or not you will see Noah, or any other faith-based Hollywood film, let me offer a few things to consider.

1. It is unrealistic to expect a Hollywood producer or director who is not a follower of Christ to produce a biblically-accurate, true to the gospel narrative film. Priorities and motives are different for Christians. I can only assume Noah’s director wanted to make a movie that made money.

2. It is critical that every Christian know what the Bible teaches for these reasons:

a. Your understanding of the Bible will keep you from being misled and pulled away toward any falsehood.

b. Your understanding of the Bible will allow you to hold a conversation with the person who believes the Hollywood movie is the truth.

3. Any conversation, whether positive or negative, that focuses on Jesus Christ, faith, the Bible, or redemption is better than no conversation at all. I’ll take a “biblically-inspired fantasy” and a “loosely based story of Noah” any day of the week if it will begin a conversation about God and His plan and love for this world.

Book Review : Mission Drift

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missiondriftEvery business or ministry had a reason for its beginning. In the mind of the executive or ministry leader, there was a specific reason for launch. At the root of their existence was a service to be provided; whether it was for profit or not. In the beginning, it is very clear what the purpose and mission is. It is very easy to hold onto it. Over time however, the organization begins to make decisions and set priorities that pull them away from the original mission which causes a blurring of the lines. In the military community this phenomenon is known as mission creep. It is the broadening of the mission beyond the original goals and objectives. In the secular world it goes by a different name: mission drift. Peter Greer and Chris Horst, both serving with HOPE International have written a new book dealing with this very issue. “Mission Drift; The Unspoken Crisis Facing Leaders, Charities, and Churches” is their contribution to the defeat of this silent killer.

Mission Drift can be defined as the gradual movement of a business or ministry away from its founding principles and mission. This is the natural tendency of any business or ministry. The authors begin their explanation of mission drift by providing a case study. They highlighted Harvard and Yale. Both Ivy League schools were, at their inception, schools dedicated to the training and equipping of pastors in the proclamation of the gospel. Fast forwarding to the current day, we see these two institutions have drifted from their distinctively Christian founding. Greer and Horst smartly weave stories of other companies who drifted from their original mission. Mission Drift organizations include Harvard, Yale, Big Idea® (Veggie Tales), Child Fund®, YMCA®, Pew Trusts®, and United Airlines®. The authors introduce another phrase into the discussion early on: mission true. Mission True organizations protect their identity and remain faithful to their founding principles/mission. In an attempt to educate organizations on how to remain true to their mission, Greer and Horst offer thirteen characteristics of Mission True organizations. A sample of those characteristics are that these organizations make hard decisions to protect and propel their mission, assume they will drift and build safeguards against it, and boldly proclaim their core tenets to protect themselves from drift. At the end of each chapter, there are steps to carrying out the given instruction. Examples of Mission True organizations are HOPE International ®, Intervarsity®, Young Life®, Cru®, and Buck Knives®.

As a pastor, I can see the reality of this book. Knowing our true purpose, it is a challenging task to keep society and culture from dictating what we do. Greer and Horst have written a book that will serve organizations positively in their pursuit of remaining mission true. The authors close with this statement, “Today, you have the privilege of choosing which path your organization, church, and ministry will take. Will you follow the path toward Mission Drift or will you have the intentionality, courage, and resolve to follow a path of faithfulness?” A solid, helpful, and much-needed work. I would recommend this book to all organizational and ministry leaders.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers as part of their Blogger Review 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.”