What do you think?
Rate this book
Leadership Essentials: Shaping Vision, Multiplying Influence, Defining Character
Leadership is essential. Maybe you've shied away from leadership because you don't know what it will involve, or you feel too unsure of your own abilities. But your leadership is needed! In every sector of society, from families to businesses to churches, leadership roles remain empty, waiting for people willing and able to step up and make wise decisions that bring positive change. And, in a world with priorities vastly different from Christ's, Christian leaders are especially needed to point people to him. Preparation is essential. As essential as the leadership itself is the preparation beforehand, which is why Greg Ogden, a seasoned leader himself, has created this interactive guide that will give you the tools you need to lead well, using your unique gifts and experience. Divided into four sections, this workbook will help you develop character, postures, vision and skills as you participate in the following elements in each By working through these multiple channels of learning you'll be equipped not just with head knowledge about leadership but with true character formation and awareness of your own abilities that will prepare you for the challenges and choices of leadership. Designed to work well on your own, with a partner or with a group, Leadership Essentials by Greg Ogden and Daniel Meyer is the essential preparation tool for those who would be led and shaped by Christ to lead others with strength and wisdom.
176 pages, Paperback
First published December 30, 2007
61 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
About the author
Greg Ogden
30 books13 followersGregory J. Ogden (DMin, Fuller Theological Seminary) lives out his passion of speaking, teaching, and writing about the disciple-making mission of the church after spending twenty-four years in pastoral ministry. Most recently Greg served as executive pastor of discipleship at Christ Church of Oak Brook in the Chicago western suburbs. From 1998-2002, Greg held the position of director of the Doctor of Ministry program at Fuller Theological Seminary and associate professor of lay equipping and discipleship.
Greg is the author of several books such as Unfinished Business, Discipleship Essentials, Transforming Discipleship, Leadership Essentials(with coauthor Daniel Meyer), and The Essential Commandment. He is a partner in the Global Discipleship Initiative (GDI), which trains, coaches, and inspires pastors and Christian leaders to establish indigenous, multiplying, disciplemaking networks, both nationally and internationally. Greg and his wife, Lily, have been married more than forty-five years and have one adult daughter and two grandchildren.
Greg is the author of several books such as Unfinished Business, Discipleship Essentials, Transforming Discipleship, Leadership Essentials(with coauthor Daniel Meyer), and The Essential Commandment. He is a partner in the Global Discipleship Initiative (GDI), which trains, coaches, and inspires pastors and Christian leaders to establish indigenous, multiplying, disciplemaking networks, both nationally and internationally. Greg and his wife, Lily, have been married more than forty-five years and have one adult daughter and two grandchildren.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 11, 2023
I know it’s gonna be a good time when I have a new Tracy Sumner ARC to read and this one is probably her steamiest yet. Holy cats this is caliente. The Lyon Who Loved Me is Sumner’s submission in the Lyon’s Den Connected World series. We have a second chance, scorned heroine, enemies-ish to lovers, and #fallsfirstfallshard hero. This amazing pastiche clocks in at 124 pages, so you are in for a quick and light enjoyable read.
Enter Whilamena Wright, spurned bride, left at the altar by scapegrace Griffin Beckett, Viscount of Kent (and Miss Dove-Lyon’s incorrigible nephew). Little does Mina know, discovering himself quite kidnapped he laments missing the wedding he was actually anticipating. Almost 8 months later, how can he convince Mina that she’s it for him, now that he doesn’t need her money - he wants her for her? (Cue that stupid "She Likes Me for Me" song that will now be an ear worm for you for the rest of the day, you're welcome). Could this convincing include spicy times? Maybe spicy times while in disguise?
There’s so much to love about this novella; we have an independent woman of means taking her independence in her own hands, a titled but hard scrabble gent who relates more to the rabble he associates than the society he was born into, and the introduction to a very young Tobias Streeter, which was a delight in itself.
I can’t say enough about Sumner’s writing. I love her prose and dialogue but most importantly, her characterization. She writes both male and female historical characters so well. When you’re reading from Griffin’s perspective, it feels real and relatable and the same goes for Wille. I find that no matter the time period Sumner writes, she has a knack for being able to draw characters that you sympathize, empathize, and celebrate with - a new work is always a delight.
Enter Whilamena Wright, spurned bride, left at the altar by scapegrace Griffin Beckett, Viscount of Kent (and Miss Dove-Lyon’s incorrigible nephew). Little does Mina know, discovering himself quite kidnapped he laments missing the wedding he was actually anticipating. Almost 8 months later, how can he convince Mina that she’s it for him, now that he doesn’t need her money - he wants her for her? (Cue that stupid "She Likes Me for Me" song that will now be an ear worm for you for the rest of the day, you're welcome). Could this convincing include spicy times? Maybe spicy times while in disguise?
There’s so much to love about this novella; we have an independent woman of means taking her independence in her own hands, a titled but hard scrabble gent who relates more to the rabble he associates than the society he was born into, and the introduction to a very young Tobias Streeter, which was a delight in itself.
I can’t say enough about Sumner’s writing. I love her prose and dialogue but most importantly, her characterization. She writes both male and female historical characters so well. When you’re reading from Griffin’s perspective, it feels real and relatable and the same goes for Wille. I find that no matter the time period Sumner writes, she has a knack for being able to draw characters that you sympathize, empathize, and celebrate with - a new work is always a delight.
September 12, 2023
The Lyon Who Loved Me is novella in the series called the Lyon Den. the series is written by many different authors, but I was eager to read this one because it was by one of my favorite author's Tracy Sumner!
Her main characters. Wilhelmina Wright and Griffin Beckett are both forces in their own rights. He is fighting to save his failing estates and she wants to build her business by adding the ton to her clients. The book opens with a bride waiting in the chapel for her arranged bridegroom who never shows. This sets the tone for the rest of the book. Their relationship is bumpy, with Griffin trying to protect Willie in her business choices. Danger, and closet leads to steam! He refers to her as my almost wife admitting that the marriage might have been a good one. Griffin has familial connections to Bessie Dove-Lyon, the owner of the gambling den that unites all the books in this series. This connection gives Griffin a advisor and a supporter as he is stumbling through his relationship with Willie. He is a charming, but lonely man who thought that he should never get married. Willie is a intelligent, wealthy woman who is attracted to Griffin but tries to talk herself out of falling for him. There is plenty of steam between these two and a sweet, final grand gesture involving shelves and reveals surprise! Tracy is such a clever writer, and this surprise was just for those of us who are readers of her other series.
I really enjoyed this novella and The Lyon Who Loved Me is a worthy addition to the Lyon's Den Series.
Her main characters. Wilhelmina Wright and Griffin Beckett are both forces in their own rights. He is fighting to save his failing estates and she wants to build her business by adding the ton to her clients. The book opens with a bride waiting in the chapel for her arranged bridegroom who never shows. This sets the tone for the rest of the book. Their relationship is bumpy, with Griffin trying to protect Willie in her business choices. Danger, and closet leads to steam! He refers to her as my almost wife admitting that the marriage might have been a good one. Griffin has familial connections to Bessie Dove-Lyon, the owner of the gambling den that unites all the books in this series. This connection gives Griffin a advisor and a supporter as he is stumbling through his relationship with Willie. He is a charming, but lonely man who thought that he should never get married. Willie is a intelligent, wealthy woman who is attracted to Griffin but tries to talk herself out of falling for him. There is plenty of steam between these two and a sweet, final grand gesture involving shelves and reveals surprise! Tracy is such a clever writer, and this surprise was just for those of us who are readers of her other series.
I really enjoyed this novella and The Lyon Who Loved Me is a worthy addition to the Lyon's Den Series.
September 5, 2023
Another home run hit for Tracey Sumner and the Lyon’s Den collection!
This was a great story. The characters had amazing chemistry together and were fun to “watch” circle each other as they figured out their relationship. I admired Willie’s strength of character and that she wasn’t an easy pushover. She actually succeeded in keeping Griff at arm’s length at times, which stoked his interest even more.
Griff was a fun hero. He is a rake truly seeking redemption so he can bear the responsibility of his family and title. Even in his fear of love, he is relentless in pursuing Willie. He doesn’t give up easily. Despite his persistence, he doesn’t come off as too arrogant, but rather playful.
Tracy Sumner is one of my favorite authors, and she did not disappoint! I love we even get a glimpse of her character Tobias Streeter in this book.
My final words - read it!
I received this ARC copy in return for an honest review.
This was a great story. The characters had amazing chemistry together and were fun to “watch” circle each other as they figured out their relationship. I admired Willie’s strength of character and that she wasn’t an easy pushover. She actually succeeded in keeping Griff at arm’s length at times, which stoked his interest even more.
Griff was a fun hero. He is a rake truly seeking redemption so he can bear the responsibility of his family and title. Even in his fear of love, he is relentless in pursuing Willie. He doesn’t give up easily. Despite his persistence, he doesn’t come off as too arrogant, but rather playful.
Tracy Sumner is one of my favorite authors, and she did not disappoint! I love we even get a glimpse of her character Tobias Streeter in this book.
My final words - read it!
I received this ARC copy in return for an honest review.
September 11, 2023
I really enjoyed reading this author's first contribution to the Lyon's Den series. The fact that Griffin is Mrs. Dove-Lyon's nephew through marriage, makes this story especially interesting. Griffin's family connection gives the reader an opportunity to see a new side of the widow. Contributing to the witty dialogue is Willie, the daughter of a wealthy cit. She is justifiably wary of Griffin because he left her at the alter when Mrs. Dove-Lyon had tried to set them up.
This novella has plenty of steam and it made me laugh quite a bit. Griffin was a charming hero and I really wanted Willie to forgive him. I don't want to give away a spoiler, but I will say that fans of this author will be especially pleased when they read the happy ending of this story.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest review.
This novella has plenty of steam and it made me laugh quite a bit. Griffin was a charming hero and I really wanted Willie to forgive him. I don't want to give away a spoiler, but I will say that fans of this author will be especially pleased when they read the happy ending of this story.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest review.
March 26, 2024
The Lyon Who Loved Me: The Lyon's Den Connected World
by Tracy Sumner
Left at the altar, arranged marriage gone wrong, and connections to the underworld – a perfect match
This was a unique take on the Lyon’s Den connected world series – and I’ll add that all authors’ unique takes make this an interesting series. I love the different ‘sides’ of Bessie Dove-Lyon we see. In this case, her matchmaking is not successful, or is it. You have to read this series. I have read so many of the Lyon's Den. You will love Bessie. Tracy Sumner is such a good writer I have read so many of her books and a few of the Lyon's
by Tracy Sumner
Left at the altar, arranged marriage gone wrong, and connections to the underworld – a perfect match
This was a unique take on the Lyon’s Den connected world series – and I’ll add that all authors’ unique takes make this an interesting series. I love the different ‘sides’ of Bessie Dove-Lyon we see. In this case, her matchmaking is not successful, or is it. You have to read this series. I have read so many of the Lyon's Den. You will love Bessie. Tracy Sumner is such a good writer I have read so many of her books and a few of the Lyon's
June 4, 2018
This is an excellent tool for leadership development.
November 6, 2023
Another great addition to the Lyons collection. Not quite like the others but a wonderful, steamy, short read.
September 13, 2014
I first read this as a college sophomore and first-time InterVarsity student leader, and I just read it again as a graduate student. It was amazing to read my old answers and see how much I've grown as a result of this book and the people with whom I read and discussed it, but also how much growing I need to do. I'd recommend this book to almost any Christian who wants to mature spiritually, whether or not they are in a formal leadership position. You will learn how to develop your character as one of Jesus's disciples, how to truly serve others and share a vision of God's kingdom, and how to deal with the inevitable temptations and disappointments that all Christ-followers experience, but which can be especially debilitating to leaders. This book will expand both your vision of Christ and His kingdom and your definition of a Christian leader.
January 19, 2016
After reading half this book, I stopped.
As an evangelical that places a high view on Scripture, I find this book coming up short; way short. Not only are the backgrounds of the authors concerning, but I found their explanations of biblical text and their ideas of leadership lacking as well. I find it to be more like the group-building advice found in the corporate world than biblically grounded truth. I have read other, better books which present a more biblically based approach for elders and church leadership.
As an evangelical that places a high view on Scripture, I find this book coming up short; way short. Not only are the backgrounds of the authors concerning, but I found their explanations of biblical text and their ideas of leadership lacking as well. I find it to be more like the group-building advice found in the corporate world than biblically grounded truth. I have read other, better books which present a more biblically based approach for elders and church leadership.
November 8, 2012
Great workbook to do with leaders in ministry!
September 16, 2015
Read this book with our men's bible study group. Really enjoyed how the authors structured this book and used easy to reference headings.
January 12, 2018
a really encouraging book. great insight into leadership.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews