Everyone's a Genius: Unleashing Creativity for the Sake of the World by Alan Briggs

by Alan C. Briggs

Believe it or not, everyone's a genius at something. We just need to uncover and release it for the sake of the world.

Every member of your church comes with a unique set of God-given skills and talents. As a church leader, you have the weighty task of uncovering and validating them. Your challenge is to help your members identify and unleash their gifts to bring glory to God. But in our selfie-focused society, this task can feel overwhelming.

God doesn't see two groups: his gifted children and the rest of us. He didn't give the Great Commission only to the extremely talented—musicians, writers, artists, pastors, and church staff. He gave it to all of us. To each of us. So, how do we help our members find their "sweet spots" of service in the kingdom?

In Everyone's a Genius, author, pastor, and leadership consultant Alan Briggs, shares his belief that bringing out the abilities of often overlooked Christians—those whose unique skill sets are not as easily identifiable—remains a key component that will determine the church's impact in this and coming generations. This is an inspiring look at how we can more effectively motivate Christians to leverage their personal abilities for Christ.

The truth is, reading this book is risky! It can change how you see every person you're leading. It can make you see your community differently. It can help you find gifts within your church family that will surprise you. It can also unlock something within you that you never knew mattered to God. It can expand your vision of the world, deepen your appreciation for "the least of these," and refocus the mission of your church.

Perhaps God will use this book to take you on a journey toward a more appropriate theology of creativity. Yes, it’s a risk, but a risk we simply must take to impact the world for Jesus.

Are you in?

Genres: Christian Living

249 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 19, 2017

About the author

Alan Briggs is a dude, a dad, an author, adventurer, involved neighbor, pastor and an accidental head of an elementary school board. He is a consultant, life coach, speaker, pastor and Director of Frontline Church Planting. He is also the Multiplying Pastor at Vanguard Church in Colorado Springs where he makes disciples and trains leaders to multiply.

His speaking and writing focus on equipping and unlocking the saints for effective ministry inside and outside the family of God. His books "Staying is the New Going" (2015) and "Guardrails" (2016) focus on the people of Jesus "making a scene" in the world. His next book, "Everyone's a Genius", releases in September.

He and his wife, Julie, have four kids, two adopted and two biological, and are growing roots in their city. He loves the church and is passionate about equipping leaders and churches to multiply through relational, experiential and formal learning. He loves climbing, camping, grilling and connecting with his neighbors.

Reviews

[Wendy Vaz · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a Christian who's not actively involved in church, I had many takeaways about how I can harness my gifts given by God to apply onto discipleship. Interesting concepts but I find there're just too much lengthy elaboration of testimonials that eventually got me kinda bored.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like that at the end of each chapter there are bullet points to refresh your mind on the information of the chapter. At the end of the book there are more questions to ask and a list to ask yourself to find your Genius gift from the Lord to use for the grace of God and his glory. I enjoyed the different perspectives this author takes on spiritual gifts from the test out there on spiritual gifts. I also liked how this book holds nothing back in addressing current flaws in the church as to how shutting off creative people is significantly affecting the body of Christ. All pastors would do well to read this book.

[Lane Corley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! All of Alan's books unleash creativity. They have each become resources I go back to over and over again. This book will help you see yourself and those you lead in a different light. Great encouragement for creating new things and empowering others to do so.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book makes me happy. It speaks a lot about the worth of people both directly and indirectly.

It teaches the readers how to be a Talent Magnet and gives the Biblical-Why about it. One word about this book : Encouraging!

[Alan Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This will help you unleash your genius. Yes, you ARE a genius!

Merged review:

I hope you'll take a risk and read my book!

[Jessalyn Foggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a powerful book! A must-read for leaders looking to unlock creative potential!