The Eric Trap is a leadership fabel that reveals the 5 things every leader in ministry has to get right. Whether you are full time, part-time or a volunteer this practical book written by several highly respected leaders who have made it a habit to practice these 5 important principles will inspire you to a new level in your own life and ministry.
This is a great book. If you're a kids pastor, youth pastor, or involved in any kind of ministry where you answer to a pastor over you - I highly recommend it. I loved a Tale of Three Kings by Gene Edwards and feel it really hits it out of the park when it comes to working with leadership. With that said, The Eric Trap did a fantastic job of paraphrasing that entire book in about one chapter. Don't get me wrong, still like "Three Kings," and still recommend it. However, The Eric Trap is so much more.
It gives pointers on avoiding burnout, prioritizing your family and your job(s) while in ministry, your relationship with your staff and senior pastor, etc. To be honest, some of it is just common sense, but if nothing else it needs to be said. This book hits on things other books I've picked up skim over.
When I was at a point where I was struggling in ministry, all people seemed to do was recommend I pray more. Work harder. Honor my senior pastor. You know, all the cliches. This book was more practical, and hit a little closer to home for me. While I'm not convinced anyone that would have been in my situation may have lasted long, this book may have helped me last a little longer.
Or at least keep more of my sanity intact.
Again, I recommend you pick this up if you're involved in ministry.
Phenomenal book. Was scary how at first thought I found no similarities between myself and the main character. With a second though I didn't want to grasp how similar we really are. Great truths for leaders in kidmin and how we relate to family, volunteers and even our Pastors. A must read!
The Eric Trap is a story of a week in the life of a children's pastor, Eric Neuman.
I was excited to read this book as a volunteer in children's ministry hoping to get a peek into the life of a children's pastor. Instead what I came to realize as I read Eric's story is that...
I am Eric Newman.
You see, this book just isn't about a children's pastor. It is about a person who leads. I have walked in Eric's steps. Yes, even as a volunteer I have had some of those same challenges. These aren't just Eric's traps. They are mine as well. I would go as far to say they could be yours too.
One of the great things about this book is that you aren't left just identifying with Eric. Several wise people who have also walked in Eric's steps share what they have learned in their leadership journey to help you avoid these mistakes or to help you walk through the mistakes to the other side. And if you lead anywhere in any capacity, these principles are ones you need to hear. I know that I did.