Building below the Waterline: Shoring Up the Foundations of Leadership

by Gordon MacDonald

Christian professionals and church leaders alike will find benefit in Gordon MacDonald's "Building Below the Waterline." In this collection of writings from the pages of Leadership Journal, he imparts wisdom to Christian leaders in all areas of ministry and encourages them to grow-- from the ground up--a strong, spiritual foundation. Anchored in Biblical truth, spiritual guidance, and life experience, his collection of essays covers a wide range of matters.

Articles from "Leadership Journal" included in this collection:
- Building Below the Water Line
- Finding Your Center
- Cultivating the Soul
- What I Want to Be When I Grow Up
- Searching Your Motivations
- Extreme Faith
- The Root of Leadership
- The 3:00 Phone Call
- Saying the Hard Stuff
- When Things Get Ugly
- The Cleansing Power of Public Prayer - Monday Morning Restoration
- The Private Times of a Public Minister
- Knee Driven Ministry
- Did Not Finish
- How A Mighty Church Falls
- The Right Way to Handle Church Conflict
- Sometimes You Just Need to Disappear
- Pastor's Progress
- Ten Conditions for Church Growth
- When It's Time to Leave

Genres: Leadership, Christian

256 pages, Paperback

First published March 14, 2011

About the author

Gordon MacDonald has been a pastor and author for over forty years. For many years he pastored Grace Chapel in Lexington, Massacusetts and continues to serve as Pastor Emertius. He has also provided leadership to influential ministries such as Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, which he served as President for three years, and World Relief, which he currently serves as Chairman. Gordon’s best-selling books include Ordering Your Private World, Mid-Course Correction and, most recently, A Resilient Life. He also writes and serves as Editor-at-Large for Christianity Today’s Leadership Journal. When not writing, leading or speaking at conferences, Gordon and his wife Gail can be found hiking the trails of New England.

Reviews

[Michael Hands · Rating 5 out of 5]

Build for the Future

Once again Gordon Macdonald’s work on the heart and soul of the leader gives practical insights into leading as a pastor in the church. Gordon MacDonald is one of the most influential leaders and thinkers in my leadership,journey. May not help in non-faith contexts though.

[Andy Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book that is written primarily for pastors, but the first 11 chapters (part 1) have to do with spiritual growth and disciplines. Then part 2 has to do with pastoral issues such as: prayer, when things get ugly, telling the hard truth, handling church conflict and when to leave.

One of the chapter in part one is the chapter titled "What I Want to Be When I Grow Up". What do your want to look like later in life? Questions to ask: Am I too defensive? Am I putting in free time to the schedule with family and spouse? What about the quality of my speech? Do I tell the truth or stretch the truth? Do I blame others for things that are my fault? Can I hear God speak?

Great book, thought-provoking and easy to read with questions at the end of each chapter.

[Merv Budd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Building Below the Waterline is a book written specifically for pastoral leadership. The author speaks out of a wealth of experience and knows exactly what issues to address and what question to ask in helping pastor's address issue of spiritual self-care and longevity in ministry. But better than the questions is the advice and counsel. This book is not for everyone, it's not intended to be, but if you are in pastoral ministry I would recommend you read this.

[Rick Stonestreet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is excellent for any pastor who is looking for some answers to the struggles and confusions of ministry. The author is a seasoned pastor and writer as he communicates all aspects of pastoral ministry. He gives wonderful tips on strengthening your spiritual life. This is a great read and highly recommended to any pastor. I loved it and hope he will write more on this subject.

[Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished this perspective & insights offered from MacDonald...wow! I feel like he could be saving me 10 years of dumb decisions & chasing my tail when it comes to ministry & leadership. Thanks for writing this book!

[Rick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I am not in the core audience for this book, there was something in every chapter which was helpful. This book, the third I've read from MacDonald, is aimed primarily at pastors although much of his contnet applies in a general sense to anyone on the journey of faith.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every pastor should read this book. Gordon MacDonald's heart shines through in every chapter, and even if every morsel of insight and advice isn't germane to your situation, you can still find encouragement from a fellow sojourner's experience.

[Dustin Bagby · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great wealth of pastoral wisdom.

[Scooter Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding Advice for Pastors/Church Leaders

This book, like many of Gordon MacDonald’s books, really take an authentic look at church life from the perspective of a senior pastor who has learned and loved out these truths and insights. It will certainly help develop a better, more healthy leader, which in turn, will grow a more healthy congregation. If our pastors are not healthy (spiritually, physically, and emotionally), they are not going to magically lead a healthy church. Great lessons learned and shared and time well spent reading this wonderful resource. I will revisit it often.

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super Buch, aus meiner Sicht eine Art Themensammlung verschiedener relevanter Themen, die einem vollzeitlichen Dienst/Pastoraldienst begegnen. Der deutsche Titel: "Warum Jesus kein Burnout hatte" ist leider wieder einmal völlig irreführend. Der Leitgedanke ist, ins persönliche geistliche Lebensfundament zu investieren, um im Dienst nachhaltig und dauerhaft tätig zu sein. Für mich hat sich das Buch aufgrund vieler hilfreicher Denkanstöße definitiv gelohnt.

[Nathan Schneider · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful for pastors and ministry leaders. The first half is about one’s personal spiritual growth and is applicable to any Christian. The latter half speaks specifically to issues in the pastorate. This second section encourages prayer, relationships, and accountability. The last couple of chapters seem out of place, but they are useful and end up leaving the book having covered a whole spectrum of pastoral issues. Loved the chapter on public prayers and soul deep sermons.

[Joe Oaster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved this book but the audience is more focused on people in Christian ministry. Though the book is written for that audience there a many good principles written here. I took a lot of notes on this book.

[Brandon Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book on Biblical Leadership. I would recommend to all desiring to go into church ministry.

[Patrick Hoppus · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for every shepherd!! What’s happening underneath and behind the scenes is important. Refreshing and encouraging.

[Josh Rambajue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most leadership books are written by leaders who haven’t faced challenges that define their lives. They drone on about systems, efficiency and quick tips. Gordon MacDonald’s life is a testament to faithful, humble pastoring driven by a love of Jesus and His people. Building Below the Waterline deals with issues of the heart that convict, and inspire you to do the deep work of shaping your life in a way that leaves those around you better.