“Courageous Leadership” by Bill Hybels reflects what he has learned and continues to learn about Christian leadership in his many years as pastor at Willow Creek Church. His message takes on eternal significance as he recounts his belief that “the local church is the hope of the world, and its future rests primarily in the hands of its leaders”. One of the great tragedies in our church today, according to Hybels, “is its failure to recognize the importance of the spiritual gift of leadership”.
“Courageous Leadership’ helps readers unpack the tools, tasks and challenges of their calling. Chapter 9, which focuses on self-leadership, reminds readers that leading well means leading well in all directions. The compass provides a powerful image of the magnetic need for the 360- degree leader to develop effective relationships with their supervisors (north), with the people they supervise (south) and with their peer groups (those on the east and west). In addition to learning how to lead up, lead across and lead down, this chapter guides readers in the rigorous work of self-reflection and inner growth. Issues such as clear vision, passion, the development of gifts, character, pride, fear and the interior issues that undermine leadership, are explored insightfully by the author as he shares some of the victories and setbacks he has experienced in his own courageous leadership journey.
Reviewed by Pamela Bosworth