UPDATE: The contest is now closed. Thanks to all who entered! The winners are:
Jimmy Davis, Noah D Lee, Justin (urban church plant), Dan Brubacher, and Nate Downey. Please email me your shipping address so I can have the book shipped your way. Thanks!
As a leader, I need all the help I can get, which is why I was excited to read Dave Kraft’s new book Leaders Who Last.
Although I wouldn’t agree with every principle in the book, I found some sections to be very helpful. The book helped me think through my priorities as a leader, the way I manage my time as a leader, who I invest in as leader, and how I do all this for the glory of Christ.
Because I enjoyed the book, I want you to enjoy it as well. So today I’m giving away five copies of the book.
To enter for a chance to win, simply answer the following question in the comment section:
What are you leading right now and why do you want this book?
You don’t have to be leading a church to enter. You could be leading a small group, or Bible study, or your family. All entries are welcome.
And…GO.
{ 57 comments… read them below or add one }
I'm leading a group of sophomore men. They are learning to become leaders themselves, and I want all of them to remain leaders for the rest of their lives. This book would help me lead them, and help me communicate truths of leadership to them as well.
I am leading a small group within my church right now and I would like this book because I have recently noticed my weaknesses in stimulating worth-while and probing conversation. Also looking to set goals for our group and see forward progress in the things we are reading and doing.
I am a youth and discipleship pastor, responsible for all of the discipleship ministries of our church, with a focus on the next generation. After 20 years in youth ministry, now in my 40s, and just seven months into a new call, I am aware of my need for lasting longevity here. A book like this may provoke some thoughts that I need to think.
I'm in a class/discipleship group at Covenant Fellowship focusing on discerning a pastoral call. Otherwise, I lead worship in our community group, and I lead my wife. I also lead important discussions on bringing back 90's slang. I'd like the book, especially since you enjoyed it, to help me think through pastoral ministry and leadership within the church in general. I think the book would be helpful to read, especially in thinking about a pastoral calling as to what the call and office of eldership requires – getting a view from a seasoned pastor while working through discerning if God is calling me to that. Word.
I'm leading my church's college and career fellowship, a Sunday school class and helping a lead a Bible Study Group. I want the book because I think need to rethink my goals as a leader and become more of a discipler.
Hey there! New-married husband here, seeking God's face with my new wife in an unexpected season of uncertainty. Also am a worship leader in various church contexts.
Overall, I am learning to be a leader in the home and make even bolder decisions in pursuit of honoring God, serving my wife, and putting aside hindering leisure (laziness, selfish use of time, etc.).
I'm currently leading my wife and in the near future I plan to be leading something at church.
Two areas of leadership right now: 9th grade small group of guys, and a couples w/ small kids small group. Two completely different sets of perspectives on life, and I'm always looking for ways to ways to provoke ideas and methods in leading them — along with, like you mentioned, keeping my priorities in check.
Currently a husband, a seminary student, full time Christian high school teacher, and active in many levels within the local church ministry- specifically directing our family ministry and children's outreach. I want the book (aside from me spending money) because I need to grow as a leader personally and professionally, both within the church, the school I teach in, and my own family. I never learned how to lead…. and as a new husband I am figuring that out. Marriage is not easy, nor is leading students/youths, or grown adults. I would like to grow in grace as I learn how to lead.
I'm a solo pastor in a church feeling overwhelmed. I love preaching, teaching, ministering the word and praying, but really struggle with the administrative/leadership aspects of the ministry. Hopefully this book will help hone my leadership skills. Thanks.
I'm a husband, father, and worship pastor / teaching pastor at our church, so I'm currently leading a family, leading worship, leading a small group, and about to start another small group for parents, using "Gospel-Powered Parenting" by William Farley.
I am always looking to grow in my leadership skills. But even on a personal level, my wife just said to me last night, "I really need you to be a better leader." Ouch! But she had good reason, and it was good to be reminded, in those few words, of my calling as a Christian man, a husband, and now a father, to humbly LEAD well. Feel free to hook me up with a book to that end! Thanks for all your blogging and tweeting goodness…
First, I lead my family and second, I lead my church as a deacon (we don't have elders yet). I'm also one of our men's ministry co-leaders.
Thanks!
I'm leading a family of four and two shepherd groups. I want this book because I've overspent my book budget on seminary books!
I am leading my family, our church, our church leadership, a sunday school class, and a few that i personally disciple. need more hours in the day and days in the week!
I lead a caregroup at our church, and my family.
Why do I want the book? I'm always in need of further equipping. And to be honest, I just love books in general.
I’m leading my family. Also, I’m supposed to get a promotion from production into management (web design) in the next six months. So I’m a bit concerned about that.
I'm pastoring a church in Canada, trying to lead my family well, and am always thankful for tools that can help me apply God's Word in ways that I have not thought about before.
I'm a lay leader of our youth and children's ministries, as well as the leader of my growing family. I would be grateful for another resource to sharpen my gift of leadership and further prepare me to step in to a full-time ministry role. Thanks for the opportunity.
I lead an Infantry Platoon and one day hope to lead a church. I want this book to help avoid failing the witness of the gospel in the future, a possibilty that weighs heavy on me as I consider Pastoral Ministry
i am assisting in leading a regular caregroup and a college caregroup as well as have aspirations for the PC soon.
i forgot to write why i would like the book and that is because i am at the beginning of leading and this would be good for helping to build a foundation of leadership.
I'm an elder in my church currently on sabatical. I'm also the Vice President of a large roofing company. This is not the best time to be in construction. I'm also the leader of my household, with a wife three boys and a Jack Russell Terrier! So I'd say I need all the help I can get!__
I lead vey lovely family.
I'm leading a crack team of ninja-trained special forces operatives on missions through wormholes in the spacetime continuum to protect reformation era church leaders like Martin Luther, John Calvin, from being neutralised retrospectively by covert eumenical terrorist organisations. And I also lead the Church banner making group.
I am leading a small band of God's people as their pastor and I would like to ensure that my leadership is pleasing to God and edifying for the flock.
I'm leading in my home, a couple of men I disciple, and on a volunteer basis in a college ministry. As someone who has already been through a couple of ministries, I want to be one who is used by God for the long haul.
I lead 2 Bible studies for young adults and teens, and I am a leader in my day job helping others to stay organized and motivated.
The day job gives me the funding to pursue teaching others about Christ in my free time.
I want this book because I love the Resurgence and what they do, I have watched the interview with Kraft and Driscoll and he seems like he would have some excellent insight on how to lead well for the long haul.
I lead the youth ministry Atmosphere and would love this book to help refine my leadership as we grow and as I seek to put the gospel first in my ministry.
Hi, my name is David Kruse and I am 17 years old. I am the oldest of 8 children. I could really use some more leadership skills; for now and in the future. I am young and have a lot to learn in life. This would be a great way to start leading people to and for Christ. There is so much more that I want to do for God. By the way, I also enjoy reading your blog. Hopefully, I can read your book some day. It looks very interesting too.
Thanks,
David
Two areas of leadership right now: 9th grade small group of guys, and a couples w/ small kids small group. Two completely different sets of perspectives on life, and I'm always looking for ways to ways to provoke ideas and methods in leading them — along with, like you mentioned, keeping my priorities in check.
I've just taken over as one of the leaders of the Bristol University Christian Union (in the UK). After leading one of the CU small groups for the last year I have realised how weak I am but how strong God is in my weakness! His grace has been sufficient and I have learnt so much. So I am excited but also nervous about this larger challenge ahead!
I would love this book because I feel God has called me to leadership in the future also and I want to get start early with good habits! (Especially in the area of time management)
Thanks for this blog!
I lead a program that pairs older college students with younger ones to form mentoring relationships.
I lead a church in Zeigler, Illinois and my family in my home. Leaders must never stop learning.
I am leading Children's Church in the church I am serving right now hoping to communicate the Gospel to kids through this ministry. I want to read this book because I want to be a better leader. I want to lead by being a gospel-centered person so the people I lead can truly embrace the gospel everyday of their lives. Plus I want to know how to finish well.
I am leading a church plant and I'd to read this book because Dave Kraft is a leadership ninja
By God's grace I'm leading my bride of 5 years and our 2 little girls, a new church plant in an urban context with young believers and many college students, and a bible study to a diverse group of business men and women throughout the metro area. A book on leadership might help me grow in the areas, by God's grace, I'm leading well in–a refocusing of the things I've already learned. Greater than that, a book on leadership would serve me well in the areas that I am neglecting or overlooking–a paradigm shift to see things through the lens of a humble, well-rounded leader.
having been a Jr. High Youth Leader at my church for the better part of 5 years, I understand all about burnout and wrong fits. I have seen so many leaders start coming and leave w/in 1 year, and even 1 month periods.
I, myself, have had to step back a few times to regain my breath and passion, but have been lucky enough, so far, to jump right back in head first. I would love to learn about leadership priorities, as well as other concepts that the book presents.
Thank you,
Wes
I lead my family, a small group that is working towards moving overseas as a group to do church planting, and, for my job, 25 contract workers (tutors).
Hey Stephen,
I'd like to win a copy, I'm an elder candidate at my church and I think that this book would be an excellent aid and would be a good book to go through with the other candidates.
Blessings
Ron Reffett
I am leading the music/worship ministry at my church. I want to continue to learn and grow as a leader, so I would just love to add another resource to the ones I have already.
I lead a ladies Bible study. I want to make sure I run this race with perseverance!
I’m leading my growing family, and I need this book because my family needs a better leader…
I'm leading a growing family. I need this book because my family needs a better leader…
I lead worship at a small church in a suburb of Seattle. My roster had been very unchanged for quite a while and things got easy. I had a small team, knew them all well, and while there were a few holes in the BAND, the TEAM dynamic was great and my job, as leader, was simple. Lately God is stirring the pot. I have some people only part of the time, and some new people available. It's great, unquestionably, but a lot more challenging. I want to serve then and my church well. But mostly, serve God in how I do so.
I have been a pastor for 30 years, planting one church 25 tears ago and still leading it. So many of my fellow workers who began in the ministry with me have given up. I am to lead a seminar for Eastern European church leaders on how to cope with discouragements in the ministry in a couple of months' time and would be grateful for all insights that this book could give me.
I lead an Infantry Platoon and I one day hope to lead a church. I want to read this book because I feel it may equip me to be a better witness for the Gospel, something I fear failing at as so many Christian leaders have.
Am reading Flavel on Keeping the Heart and I would like to read this book to see how I can last.
I'm leading our Ladies Bible Study at church and our monthly ladies fellowship. I'm also a homeschool mom. Sometimes being in ministry leadership is frustrating and discouraging. I'd like God to be glorified in my service to Him and it would be great to have another resource available as I run the race. But my husband may read the book first as He's an elder in our church.
I am pastor of a Baptist Church . . . the reason I need the book . . .. I am pastor of Baptist Church.
i'm involved in leading a city ministry, but i'm looking forward to leading my own home someday, too. i'm interested in reading this book to keep from making mistakes that leaders normally make…
I lead my church's Security Team. Yes, my church has a Security Team. We are in a battle and we need to protect our people and their children. I want to be an effective leader for my team and I want to be a servant to them so we will be successful together.
I am a full-time pastor and lead all of our adult small group/discipleship and outreach ministries. I would love this book for a couple reasons: (1) I am at the front end of my leadership lifetime (just turned 35) and hope to be a "leader who lasts. (2) I heard Dave Kraft speak several years ago at a symposium for small group pastors, and I was struck big time by his wisdom and passion, even after having led for many, many years. (3) My ministry is all done "through" other lay leaders, and I want to help develop "leaders who last" who will continue to build the kingdom long after I am gone.
I semi-leading a small group (there are four of us that rotate). I also lead the children's group on Wednesday Evening at my church. On Sunday's I help lead the college Sunday School Class.
As for why I want this book, I plan on being a leader of a church pastorally when I graduate from seminary. I would love to read this book and get a perspective on leadership.
I don’t want this book because I think there are too many people trying to be leaders and not enough being followers. I am determined to be the best follower that I can be and hope to one day be a lead follower.
I'm on staff for our youth ministry in San Diego, and am hoping to learn much from this book. There are many things I do not know, and am glad to know that, and am in need of growth in this area. I would hope to one day enter seminary and become a pastor, so I can see this as a great resource to be a blessing to others.
I am a pastor and oversee the life groups in the congregation I am in. Leadership is an area that I am always interested in, not just as an intellectual exercise, but as a way to grow to greater effectiveness for God’s glory.
I lead our School of Worship at Portland Bible College, helping raise up and equip worship leaders, musicians, and songwriters. This looks like a great read, I am always looking to grow in my own leadership skills as well as be able to teach to our students who will go back and lead in their church. Thanks for your posts, I enjoy reading them when able!