Leadership from the Inside Out: Examining the Inner Life of a Healthy Church Leader

by Kevin G. Harney

You can serve God and his people for a lifetime and do it with passion and joy. You do not have to become another casualty in the growing number of leaders who have compromised their integrity, character, and ministry because they failed to lead an examined and accountable life. The road forward is clearly marked. Leaders must make a decision to humbly and consistently examine their inner lives and identify areas of needed change and growth. Also, wise leaders commit to listen to the voices of those who will love them enough to speak the truth and point out problems and potential pitfalls. Kevin Harney writes, “The vision of this book is to assist leaders as they discover the health, wisdom, and joy of living an examined life. It is also to give practical tools for self-examination.” Sharing stories and wisdom from his years in ministry, Harney shows you how to maintain the most powerful tool in your leadership toolbox: YOU. Your heart, so you can love well. Your mind, so you can continue to learn and grow. Your ears, your eyes, your mouth … consider this your essential guide to conducting your own complete interior health exam, so you can spot and fix any problems, preserve the things that matter most, and grow as a source of vision, strength, and hope to others.

Genres: Leadership, Christian

208 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2007

Reviews

[Nathan Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical & Tangible, great resource for leaders

Harney does a great job here providing both practical and tangible recommendations for leaders who want to serve well for the long haul. Ministry is a marathon, not a sprint and Harney offers personal illustrations and insights from others who have weathered the journey well; a rich resource for leaders young and old who want not only to be effective, but also lasting.

[Nathaniel Ace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book came as a reality check to me and it would be to any leader who sincerely wants to be a better person.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. It was an easy read and very honest approach to leadership. It makes me want to be a better leader and truly consider consistent daily reflections.

[Cain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one. It is written for Church leaders, but I was able to get a lot out of it. I would encourage people to pick one up for the there pastor. Since starting it, I have spent more time with God, increased time spent reading- a variety of genres- and committed to getting an accountability group started. Just a few things Kevin Harney challenges leaders to do.

[Ryan Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very practical in many ways. The book is born out of Harney's experience in ministry which is very helpful. Only drawbacks were that, because it draws on practical experience and testimonies the information is kind of dated. In a world where a new leadership book is printed every other week 2007 can make a book seem ancient. Still worth the read for any Christian leader though.

[Bledar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book. Why?

A lot of books on leadership have focused on spiritual formation. This book takes the metaphor of body and invites self examination as it relates to the parts of the body. Its internal features, discussion questions and prayer promters make it valuable to use for personal reasons or mentoring.

[Bobby Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this is a great book to read through for any pastor. So many godly principles to keep your staff & leaders spiritually healthy.

[Jt]

was ready to be done with it