Lead Like It Matters Workbook: Seven Leadership Principles for a Church That Lasts

The local church is the hope of the world, as it is the body of Christ. In this study guide, pastor and bestselling author Craig Groeschel shares seven factors that contribute to a church's success, including vision, divine focus, camaraderie, innovative minds, willingness to fall short, hearts focused outward, and kingdom-mindedness. He also unpacks three important realms that every leader must master: prioritizing mindset over model, creating systems that empower it, and finding a balanced way to lead to stay centered around it.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2022
Publisher: HarperChristian Resources

It is an indisputable fact that Jesus holds the utmost significance as the world's hope. While it is undeniable that the risen Son of God possesses immense power, it is equally true that the local church holds the same importance. After all, the church represents the very body of Christ. Jesus himself made his presence known through the church. As members of the church, we have been chosen and called by God to be beacons of light in the midst of darkness, offering hope to those who feel lost and hopeless.

For this reason, it is of utmost importance for both pastors and laypeople within the body of Christ to cultivate the skills necessary to lead with a sense of purpose and significance. In this study guide, which accompanies the book of the same name, Pastor and bestselling author Craig Groeschel shares his invaluable insights and experiences gained over more than twenty-six years of leading LifeChurch.

The journey of LifeChurch began in a humble two-car garage, adorned with worn-out furnishings and malfunctioning audiovisual equipment. Yet, people were drawn to this unconventional gathering place because they sensed a powerful, life-changing force that Craig refers to as "it." While the exact nature of "it" may be challenging to define, Craig reveals seven essential factors that contribute to its existence or, at the very least, prevent its demise:

Vision: A clear and compelling vision that inspires and guides the church toward its purpose and mission.
Divine Focus: A deep sense of connection with God and a commitment to align the church's activities with his will.
Unmistakable Camaraderie: A strong sense of community and unity among church members, fostering a sense of belonging and support.
Innovative Minds: A willingness to embrace new ideas and approaches to ministry, fostering creativity and growth.
Willingness to Fall Short: A recognition that leaders are human and prone to mistakes, but a commitment to learn from failures and grow in humility.
Hearts Focused Outward: A passion for serving others and making a positive impact in the community and beyond.
Kingdom-Mindedness: A focus on the kingdom of God and the advancement of his kingdom, rather than personal gain or success.

In addition to these seven factors, Craig delves into three crucial realms that every leader must master:

Prioritizing Mindset Over Model: Recognizing that a model or a specific approach to leadership is not the end-all-be-all. Instead, leaders should prioritize a mindset that values growth, adaptability, and servant-leadership.
Creating Systems That Empower: Building systems and processes that support and enable church members to fulfill their God-given roles and responsibilities.
Finding a Balanced Way to Lead: Striking a balance between being hands-on and delegating authority, ensuring that leaders are accessible and involved while also allowing others to take ownership and grow in their leadership abilities.

While adopting these seven factors and realms will not guarantee a church will possess that elusive "it" factor, it will undoubtedly serve as a guiding compass that will lead the church toward its desired destination. It will not only benefit the church but also empower all of us to lead with a sense of purpose and significance, making a positive impact in our communities and beyond.

Weight: 298g
Dimension: 188 x 232 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780310151210