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Leaders Who Last
If the Christian life is like a race, we must admit that too many Christian leaders stumble, burn out, or veer off the track. Clearly it is not automatic that a leader will finish well.
Based on Dave Kraft's thirty-five years of leading, teaching leadership, and coaching dozens of Christian leaders, Leaders Who Last moves through three stages of foundations, formation, and fruitfulness. Concise, anecdotal, and packed with wisdom, this book will help you aim your ambitions, refine your character, and position yourself to be an effective leader who endures.
Kraft's brief, down-to-earth guide to Christian leadership will inspire readers to finish the race well-to hit the tape in full stride with an energetic burst of speed and receive their commendation from God.
Based on Dave Kraft's thirty-five years of leading, teaching leadership, and coaching dozens of Christian leaders, Leaders Who Last moves through three stages of foundations, formation, and fruitfulness. Concise, anecdotal, and packed with wisdom, this book will help you aim your ambitions, refine your character, and position yourself to be an effective leader who endures.
Kraft's brief, down-to-earth guide to Christian leadership will inspire readers to finish the race well-to hit the tape in full stride with an energetic burst of speed and receive their commendation from God.
155 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
58 people are currently reading
766 people want to read
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April 19, 2021
In this brief book Kraft identifies the necessity of raising up more leaders in the church who last in their roles. The first part of the book is made up of five foundations that make a leader who lasts. The second part illustrates what a leader is to look like, and the closing part works through the continuation of building leaders up. This book is easy to read, and valuable for any Christian seeking to lead in a biblical manner.
June 28, 2011
A good book on some basic leadership principles. I found it a bit too motivational speakerish for my tastes. Also, he tended to emphasize the need to innovate and change, which is good. However, in pastoral ministry there is a sense in which you cannot innovate. You preach the word. There is no room for flex on that particular point. But he was not just writing to preachers, he was writing to all kinds of leaders, which meant the book was weak on those unique areas of leadership in pastoral ministry. I also felt he left courage out as a requirement for leadership. He has a list of leadership traits on page 102. They were all good, but he left courage out. The longer I am in ministry the more I feel the need for courage.
There were several sections that I really enjoyed and challenged by my thinking. The main area was who I spend my time with. Mr. Kraft said, "the people you spend the majority of your time with can and will determine whether you are an effective or ineffective leader." I have given this a lot of thought. It has adjusted the way I spend my time. He also mentioned the need to train more leaders. Finally, he chapter on continueing to grow was challenging. It is easy to stagnate in life and in the ministry. After reading that chapter I began to examine myself to see if was actually growing or just doing the same things the same way year after year.
There were several sections that I really enjoyed and challenged by my thinking. The main area was who I spend my time with. Mr. Kraft said, "the people you spend the majority of your time with can and will determine whether you are an effective or ineffective leader." I have given this a lot of thought. It has adjusted the way I spend my time. He also mentioned the need to train more leaders. Finally, he chapter on continueing to grow was challenging. It is easy to stagnate in life and in the ministry. After reading that chapter I began to examine myself to see if was actually growing or just doing the same things the same way year after year.
July 20, 2017
This is an incredibly simple, yet profound book. There isn't a bunch of fluff--unnecessary stories in order to get a bigger page count. Everything in it is extremely practical and useful for leading. There were a couple of ideas that he presented I haven't seen anywhere else, and they were really challenging to think through. Buy it and apply it!
May 22, 2019
Such a practical leadership book on how to stay a leader within any arena especially if you are a believer. Far to often Christian leaders fail but why? This book addresses that in a simple practical way and helps the reader understand common pitfalls that can be avoided
November 22, 2020
This is a pretty solid book on leadership. It has a lot of practical applications that I found were helpful and thought provoking. I’d recommend it.
March 14, 2011
I was excited when I got this book in my hands after many months of hearing nothing but good things about it. I still have many years until I dive into vocational ministry, but I believe all Christians are called to leadership in some form. Dave Kraft has written an excellent book on Christian leadership, focusing on foundational principals that, by God’s grace, will enable the Christian leader to last, to finish the race on a high stride.
For the book, Kraft uses this definition of a Christian leader: “a humble, God-dependent, team-playing, servant of God who is called by God to shepherd, develop, equip, and empower a specific group of believers to accomplish an agreed-upon vision from God.”
Kraft opens his book with the foundations of Christian leadership.
POWER
Power is the central component because it enables us to do everything else. The leader’s power comes from one’s gospel identity in Jesus where Jesus is the redeemer and leader. The leader’s power comes directly from Jesus, through the spiritual disciplines.
PURPOSE
Every leader needs a written down reason for being. A personal purpose statement guides every thought and action. A purpose statement gives clarity, which is essential to effective, lasting leadership. Dave Kraft’s purpose statement is: “To leave footprints in the hearts of God-hungry leaders who multiply.” I don’t know quite what mine is yet, but I do know that it involves making disciples. Every leader needs to develop a purpose statement.
PASSION
Passion is extremely important because it is what motivates the leader to strive for the vision, and it equips and empowers the followers. Passion is contagious. Passion is not linked to personality however; even an introverted person can display passion. Passion is essential because our ministries need to be on fire, not ice.
PRIORITIES
Every leader needs to guard their purpose and passion by having priorities set in place that will guide their actions. Society today places high value on being busy. However, often one can get loss in the rapid pace of things and lose sense of priorities. Kraft suggests writing out a daily “Do-List” and prioritizing them from most important to least important. Do the most important thing first, and don’t move on until it has been completed. This will find to be a very productive method of prioritizing.
PACING
If a leader is going to last through the entire marathon, they must pace themselves. Each individual has a God-given capacity and limits that come with that. Dave Kraft uses the illustration of a rubber band. We are all rubber bands, some are smaller and others are bigger. Each rubber band can only be stretched so far for so long until it snaps. Every rubber band needs to rest, but each rubber band has its own limits. Every leader must known their limits and be intentional about resting.
The rest of the book focuses on the formation of the leader through calling, gifts, character, and growth; the last few chapters dive into fruitfulness. This is essential in becoming a lasting leader.
A leader is only one person, so for the leader to have a lasting influence, they must somehow multiply their influence. This is done through raising up other leaders. Kraft suggests that a leader should select a few God-hungry people who are leading others to pour into. The leader’s influence is then multiplied, and the legacy is carried onward.
I definitely recommend Dave’s great book to all Christians, because we are all called to make disciples, which involves leadership. This book will inspire you and equip you to continue God’s mission for making disciples.
For the book, Kraft uses this definition of a Christian leader: “a humble, God-dependent, team-playing, servant of God who is called by God to shepherd, develop, equip, and empower a specific group of believers to accomplish an agreed-upon vision from God.”
Kraft opens his book with the foundations of Christian leadership.
POWER
Power is the central component because it enables us to do everything else. The leader’s power comes from one’s gospel identity in Jesus where Jesus is the redeemer and leader. The leader’s power comes directly from Jesus, through the spiritual disciplines.
PURPOSE
Every leader needs a written down reason for being. A personal purpose statement guides every thought and action. A purpose statement gives clarity, which is essential to effective, lasting leadership. Dave Kraft’s purpose statement is: “To leave footprints in the hearts of God-hungry leaders who multiply.” I don’t know quite what mine is yet, but I do know that it involves making disciples. Every leader needs to develop a purpose statement.
PASSION
Passion is extremely important because it is what motivates the leader to strive for the vision, and it equips and empowers the followers. Passion is contagious. Passion is not linked to personality however; even an introverted person can display passion. Passion is essential because our ministries need to be on fire, not ice.
PRIORITIES
Every leader needs to guard their purpose and passion by having priorities set in place that will guide their actions. Society today places high value on being busy. However, often one can get loss in the rapid pace of things and lose sense of priorities. Kraft suggests writing out a daily “Do-List” and prioritizing them from most important to least important. Do the most important thing first, and don’t move on until it has been completed. This will find to be a very productive method of prioritizing.
PACING
If a leader is going to last through the entire marathon, they must pace themselves. Each individual has a God-given capacity and limits that come with that. Dave Kraft uses the illustration of a rubber band. We are all rubber bands, some are smaller and others are bigger. Each rubber band can only be stretched so far for so long until it snaps. Every rubber band needs to rest, but each rubber band has its own limits. Every leader must known their limits and be intentional about resting.
The rest of the book focuses on the formation of the leader through calling, gifts, character, and growth; the last few chapters dive into fruitfulness. This is essential in becoming a lasting leader.
A leader is only one person, so for the leader to have a lasting influence, they must somehow multiply their influence. This is done through raising up other leaders. Kraft suggests that a leader should select a few God-hungry people who are leading others to pour into. The leader’s influence is then multiplied, and the legacy is carried onward.
I definitely recommend Dave’s great book to all Christians, because we are all called to make disciples, which involves leadership. This book will inspire you and equip you to continue God’s mission for making disciples.
April 7, 2023
Really great little book. So practical. Lots to process and digest from a man who has had a long life of ministry through Navigators.
January 27, 2011
Leadership books can be tricky to write. The few I’ve read have been extremely cliché, rah-rah-type books that were big on motivational language and soft on any real content that could help one become a better leader. Leaders That Last, the newest release from RE:Lit/Crossway doesn’t fit that mold at all. Dave Kraft, the leadership development pastor at Mars Hill Church in Seattle, has immense leadership experience (38 years in the Navigators before joining Mars Hill), and he draws on his experiences leading and training leaders to cast a beautiful vision for what the next generation of Christian leaders might look like.
The book is grouped into 3 parts: Foundations, Formation, and Fruitfulness. In Foundations, Kraft introduces the leadership wheel. This is a helpful construct with Power (from God) at the center, and the spokes of the wheel coming out of that – Purpose, Pacing, Passion, and Priorities. I really appreciated how Kraft begins with the gospel (Power). He explains how he can do nothing apart from Christ and that his identity is in Christ. He explains well the balance between effort as a leader and depending on grace. Quoting Dallas Willard, he states that “grace is not opposed to effort, but to earning” (34). The 5 aspects of the leadership wheel really do lay some great foundation for the rest of the book.
Part 2 delves into the development of leaders – determining calling and gifts, assessing character, and planning for growth. As someone considering some possible changes in my life, I found the discussion on calling very helpful. Finally, Part 3 examines how to be a fruitful leader by developing a powerful vision, influence, and ultimately, a legacy by training others to lead.
This was easily the best book on leadership I’ve read. Kraft clearly loves Jesus more than anything, so all of his discussion flows out of that. When he espouses leadership principles that might seem cliché and dry in other contexts, they feel alive, powerful, and vibrant in light of the mission he’s calling leaders to. While I feel that even non-Christians could benefit from much of the wisdom contained in this book, it’s clearly written for Christian leaders – pastors, elders, lay leaders, parachurch leaders, businesspeople, etc. While stating the case that not everyone should be a leader (and helping people determine where they might fall in the body of Christ), he passionately calls for gifted men of God to answer God’s call. As I said, I’m not big on rah-rah talk, but this book has me motivated.
Some will take issue with some of the examples Kraft chooses at times. For example, he uses a Communist leader as an example of having passion. I didn’t have a problem with the reference as he was clearly saying that passion needed to re-directed, but I can see some having issues with a couple choices like this. These are few and far between, however, and on the whole, this is a book that most Christian leaders and potential leaders should read. Kraft has run the race well (and is still running at 70) and has much wisdom to share. There’s nothing ground-breaking in the book, but his vision for what Christian leadership can look like is powerful and needed in the church today.
The book is grouped into 3 parts: Foundations, Formation, and Fruitfulness. In Foundations, Kraft introduces the leadership wheel. This is a helpful construct with Power (from God) at the center, and the spokes of the wheel coming out of that – Purpose, Pacing, Passion, and Priorities. I really appreciated how Kraft begins with the gospel (Power). He explains how he can do nothing apart from Christ and that his identity is in Christ. He explains well the balance between effort as a leader and depending on grace. Quoting Dallas Willard, he states that “grace is not opposed to effort, but to earning” (34). The 5 aspects of the leadership wheel really do lay some great foundation for the rest of the book.
Part 2 delves into the development of leaders – determining calling and gifts, assessing character, and planning for growth. As someone considering some possible changes in my life, I found the discussion on calling very helpful. Finally, Part 3 examines how to be a fruitful leader by developing a powerful vision, influence, and ultimately, a legacy by training others to lead.
This was easily the best book on leadership I’ve read. Kraft clearly loves Jesus more than anything, so all of his discussion flows out of that. When he espouses leadership principles that might seem cliché and dry in other contexts, they feel alive, powerful, and vibrant in light of the mission he’s calling leaders to. While I feel that even non-Christians could benefit from much of the wisdom contained in this book, it’s clearly written for Christian leaders – pastors, elders, lay leaders, parachurch leaders, businesspeople, etc. While stating the case that not everyone should be a leader (and helping people determine where they might fall in the body of Christ), he passionately calls for gifted men of God to answer God’s call. As I said, I’m not big on rah-rah talk, but this book has me motivated.
Some will take issue with some of the examples Kraft chooses at times. For example, he uses a Communist leader as an example of having passion. I didn’t have a problem with the reference as he was clearly saying that passion needed to re-directed, but I can see some having issues with a couple choices like this. These are few and far between, however, and on the whole, this is a book that most Christian leaders and potential leaders should read. Kraft has run the race well (and is still running at 70) and has much wisdom to share. There’s nothing ground-breaking in the book, but his vision for what Christian leadership can look like is powerful and needed in the church today.
February 18, 2011
Solid, clear stuff. I'd like a little more work done basing the ideas in Scripture, and maybe a couple of the inspiring stories and plaque-worthy aphorisms could be dropped, but overall, a helpful read.
I don't think Richard Baxter would take kindly to Kraft's suggestion that the pastor should focus more on the potentially influential than the soul-sick.
Another helpful section to add would apply some of these lessons to small churches that only have one pastor and a couple elders, and not a "leadership team".
Kraft helpfully emphasizes vision-casting as something that often gets overlooked. A charismatic leader can charge ahead on a wonderful project, only to see it melt away beneath him as soon as he can no longer make it his focus, because he was the only one who knew where he was going. A good leader, by contrast, will invest time in explaining the goal, and keeping it in front of his people, so that he can soon leave it in capable hands as he moves further on.
I don't think Richard Baxter would take kindly to Kraft's suggestion that the pastor should focus more on the potentially influential than the soul-sick.
Another helpful section to add would apply some of these lessons to small churches that only have one pastor and a couple elders, and not a "leadership team".
Kraft helpfully emphasizes vision-casting as something that often gets overlooked. A charismatic leader can charge ahead on a wonderful project, only to see it melt away beneath him as soon as he can no longer make it his focus, because he was the only one who knew where he was going. A good leader, by contrast, will invest time in explaining the goal, and keeping it in front of his people, so that he can soon leave it in capable hands as he moves further on.
August 12, 2012
I've been encouraged to read this book from several different quarters. Having done so, I am puzzled about why it was bandied about as it has been. While it did have some good things to say, the dominant sense I closed the book feeling was empty. Kraft kept promising and promising to get to the content and then never did. It really said very little, and what it did say was done so in such mediocre prose I struggled to keep reading. Luckily it wasn't that long. I'm still not sure why Doug Wilson recommended it. I felt like there was very little helpful content. Perhaps others got more out of it than I.
May 19, 2021
This book is a good example of why Christian leadership books have a bad rep. It is full of cliches and “inspirational” quotes - like what you would read on a poster in the doctor’s office. It also assumes the context of a large church/ministry with lots of support staff. Most of Kraft’s practical suggestions are completely unrealistic for the small church pastor. For help in organizing your work schedule to be more effective, read Cal Newport. For help in “vision casting” (whatever that is), read and teach the Bible.
November 20, 2015
This is a very good, practical, challenging, and powerful book on leadership. I would highly recommend it.
January 9, 2019
Kraft draws from decades of experience and study in writing "a personal and extremely practical account of essential leadership principles," motivated in part by the tragic number of Christian leaders he (and I'm sure most of us can relate) has seen start well, but then burn out, give up, or disqualify themselves (21). He divides the book into sections focusing on Foundations, Formation, and Fruitfulness, which respectively cover the most effective ways for a leader to begin, to grow, and to leave a legacy.
Personally, I found Kraft's Foundations section on purpose to be among the most helpful. He encourages readers to develop a brief, clear purpose statement for their lives. For example, Kraft's own purpose statement is "to leave footprints in the hearts of God-hungry leaders who multiply" (41). That assignment could strike some as overly simplistic and others as overwhelming, but Kraft provides easy to follow steps for crafting such a statement, as well as a compelling case for its efficacy. Having clarity about what God has specifically called you to and equipped you for will infuse your life with a sense of direction and purpose like a "due north on the compass of life" (43). (See also the quote Kraft provides from Jones below.)
Another lasting impression from this book is Kraft's emphasis on a Christian leader's call to leave a legacy by investing in new leaders. This is what differentiates a true leader from someone who is merely impressively skilled or who only has a desire to take on authority. In the process of leading towards a goal, truly effective leaders "see that those traveling with them are being shepherded, developed, equipped, and empowered...They need more than followers" (119). They need to raise up other leaders to pursue the vision alongside of and after them.
At times, Kraft's writing style feels a little disjointed. Some sections fail to flow smoothly as so much content is introduced ("Here's a story, now here's a quote, here's an illustration, now another quote..." You can see just a taste of how many powerful quotes he packs in below!). However, while this can be a lot for the reader to take in, this style does not prevent the author from getting his points across clearly. Through repetition of his main ideas and brevity in his chapters, he effectively labors to make this a concise, memorable primer on Christian leadership.
Kraft doesn't go incredibly deep, but provides a broad foundation for effective, lasting Christian leadership. That makes this quick read a great starting point that can be supplemented with other books that dive deeper into the elements he introduces. This book is a useful resource for any Christian leader; including those just starting to take on some responsibility, those struggling to lead in a healthy, sustainable way, and even those experienced leaders who could use a refreshing of their passion and purpose in leadership.
Key Quotes
"A Christian leader is a humble, God-dependent, team-playing servant of God who is called by God to shepherd, develop, equip, and empower a specific group of believers to accomplish an agreed-upon vision from God" (25).
"To leave footprints in the hearts of God-hungry leaders who multiply" (41).
"A purpose statement is, in essence, a written-down reason for being. Jesus' mission helped him decide how to act, what to do, and even what to say when challenging situations arose. Clarity is power: Once you become clear about what you were put here to do then 'jobs' become only a means toward accomplishing your mission, not an end in themselves" (Laurie Beth Jones, 45).
"The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire" (Field Marshal Ferdinand Foch, 48).
"Everyone has some gifts, therefore all should be encouraged. Nobody has all the gifts, therefore all should be humble. All gifts are from the Lord, therefore all should be contented" (Arthur T. Pierson, 86).
"When are we going to wake up and deal with ego and insecurity and humbly take roles that God intended for us, rather than those we desire for the wrong reasons?" (91).
"Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are while your reputation is merely what others think you are" (John Wooden, 98).
"Men of genius are admired. Men of wealth are envied. Men of power are feared, but only men of character are trusted" (Arthur Friedman, 98).
"A vision is usually birthed in isolation, but it is most effectively communicated and implemented in community" (124).
"The key to effective leadership today is influence, not authority" (Kenneth Blanchard, 126).
"I start with the premise that the function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers" (Ralph Nader, 138).
"Your greatest legacy as a leader is to leave other leaders in your wake that can carry on after you are no longer there" (143).
Personally, I found Kraft's Foundations section on purpose to be among the most helpful. He encourages readers to develop a brief, clear purpose statement for their lives. For example, Kraft's own purpose statement is "to leave footprints in the hearts of God-hungry leaders who multiply" (41). That assignment could strike some as overly simplistic and others as overwhelming, but Kraft provides easy to follow steps for crafting such a statement, as well as a compelling case for its efficacy. Having clarity about what God has specifically called you to and equipped you for will infuse your life with a sense of direction and purpose like a "due north on the compass of life" (43). (See also the quote Kraft provides from Jones below.)
Another lasting impression from this book is Kraft's emphasis on a Christian leader's call to leave a legacy by investing in new leaders. This is what differentiates a true leader from someone who is merely impressively skilled or who only has a desire to take on authority. In the process of leading towards a goal, truly effective leaders "see that those traveling with them are being shepherded, developed, equipped, and empowered...They need more than followers" (119). They need to raise up other leaders to pursue the vision alongside of and after them.
At times, Kraft's writing style feels a little disjointed. Some sections fail to flow smoothly as so much content is introduced ("Here's a story, now here's a quote, here's an illustration, now another quote..." You can see just a taste of how many powerful quotes he packs in below!). However, while this can be a lot for the reader to take in, this style does not prevent the author from getting his points across clearly. Through repetition of his main ideas and brevity in his chapters, he effectively labors to make this a concise, memorable primer on Christian leadership.
Kraft doesn't go incredibly deep, but provides a broad foundation for effective, lasting Christian leadership. That makes this quick read a great starting point that can be supplemented with other books that dive deeper into the elements he introduces. This book is a useful resource for any Christian leader; including those just starting to take on some responsibility, those struggling to lead in a healthy, sustainable way, and even those experienced leaders who could use a refreshing of their passion and purpose in leadership.
Key Quotes
"A Christian leader is a humble, God-dependent, team-playing servant of God who is called by God to shepherd, develop, equip, and empower a specific group of believers to accomplish an agreed-upon vision from God" (25).
"To leave footprints in the hearts of God-hungry leaders who multiply" (41).
"A purpose statement is, in essence, a written-down reason for being. Jesus' mission helped him decide how to act, what to do, and even what to say when challenging situations arose. Clarity is power: Once you become clear about what you were put here to do then 'jobs' become only a means toward accomplishing your mission, not an end in themselves" (Laurie Beth Jones, 45).
"The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire" (Field Marshal Ferdinand Foch, 48).
"Everyone has some gifts, therefore all should be encouraged. Nobody has all the gifts, therefore all should be humble. All gifts are from the Lord, therefore all should be contented" (Arthur T. Pierson, 86).
"When are we going to wake up and deal with ego and insecurity and humbly take roles that God intended for us, rather than those we desire for the wrong reasons?" (91).
"Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are while your reputation is merely what others think you are" (John Wooden, 98).
"Men of genius are admired. Men of wealth are envied. Men of power are feared, but only men of character are trusted" (Arthur Friedman, 98).
"A vision is usually birthed in isolation, but it is most effectively communicated and implemented in community" (124).
"The key to effective leadership today is influence, not authority" (Kenneth Blanchard, 126).
"I start with the premise that the function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers" (Ralph Nader, 138).
"Your greatest legacy as a leader is to leave other leaders in your wake that can carry on after you are no longer there" (143).
December 28, 2022
In general I agree with other readers who have given this book a two-star review.
It is a mediocre book at best, with long stretches of old, tired, cliched, seen-it-all-before, relatively shallow American Big-Eva leadership 'wisdom'. As an example, the tired formula of starting every chapter with a supposedly mildly amusing anecdote supposedly related to the deeper topic at hand was followed by Kraft throughout. As was the mention, two-thirds of the way through each chapter of some other person and some other key life moment. It's pretty formulaic. Even though the book was 'only' published in 2010, it has not aged well.
For a Christian book on leadership, Kraft is surprisingly, (worryingly) light on not only biblical references but also a thoroughly Christian worldview. His view of leadership is far-more informed by popular/business leadership insights from psychology and management theory than by the Scriptures and what they teach about men and women, the family, the church and society.
Having said all this, Kraft does include some good advice and some thought-provoking points in this book, some of them his own, others passed on from other sources he has read. His emphasis on the absolute necessity of a foundation of private spiritual disciplines, most importanly prayer and Bible reading is key and spot on, although by no means unique to him. His practical advice on a process of prioritisation is helpful. His advice on rest/pacing is, again, good, but not new. His encouragement to take calculated risks is well received, and the five characteristics of leaders who finish well, passed on from Bobby Clinton, are worth reflecting on. Finally, his advice on the types of people with whom leaders spend time is not without its problems, but includes much general wisdom.
In the end, there are far better books on Christian leadership, and this book, notwithstanding the positives listed immediately above, is too compromised by compromise and error and ultimately by it's being beholden to the shallow, gnostic, megachurch model of Christianity.
It is a mediocre book at best, with long stretches of old, tired, cliched, seen-it-all-before, relatively shallow American Big-Eva leadership 'wisdom'. As an example, the tired formula of starting every chapter with a supposedly mildly amusing anecdote supposedly related to the deeper topic at hand was followed by Kraft throughout. As was the mention, two-thirds of the way through each chapter of some other person and some other key life moment. It's pretty formulaic. Even though the book was 'only' published in 2010, it has not aged well.
For a Christian book on leadership, Kraft is surprisingly, (worryingly) light on not only biblical references but also a thoroughly Christian worldview. His view of leadership is far-more informed by popular/business leadership insights from psychology and management theory than by the Scriptures and what they teach about men and women, the family, the church and society.
Having said all this, Kraft does include some good advice and some thought-provoking points in this book, some of them his own, others passed on from other sources he has read. His emphasis on the absolute necessity of a foundation of private spiritual disciplines, most importanly prayer and Bible reading is key and spot on, although by no means unique to him. His practical advice on a process of prioritisation is helpful. His advice on rest/pacing is, again, good, but not new. His encouragement to take calculated risks is well received, and the five characteristics of leaders who finish well, passed on from Bobby Clinton, are worth reflecting on. Finally, his advice on the types of people with whom leaders spend time is not without its problems, but includes much general wisdom.
In the end, there are far better books on Christian leadership, and this book, notwithstanding the positives listed immediately above, is too compromised by compromise and error and ultimately by it's being beholden to the shallow, gnostic, megachurch model of Christianity.
July 19, 2019
A solid, practical book on Christian leadership. Kraft offers a lot of memorable insights gleaned from his 40+ years of ministry leadership, and I appreciated that he didn't waste too much time on anecdotes, statistics, or trends like a lot of other leadership books. He just went straight to talking about the principles that made the most difference to him personally. This book is a distillation of time-proven, battle-tested wisdom.
That said, I have two criticisms. First, it got a little repetitive toward the end -- especially in Part 3, which kept hitting on the idea that a leader should spend the majority of their time pouring into a small team of other future leaders. Even though it IS a good point, this topic dominated so many of the book's later chapters that it got old quick.
Second, the whole reason I bought the book was because the title made me think that I would find a lot of helpful advice on avoiding burnout -- which is a particularly common danger for many leaders, and one that I want all the help fighting against that I can get. But that subject actually wasn't addressed much at all. This book is more about what makes a good leader, not necessarily what makes a lasting leader, so I think the title is somewhat misleading.
Still, all in all it was one of the better leadership books I've read, and it was very to-the-point, which I appreciated. There were a lot of great quotes in it that I'll be chewing on, and much of the advice was practical and applicable. Definitely recommended for anyone involved in leadership/ministry (Now excuse me while I go search for a book that's actually about preventing burnout...).
That said, I have two criticisms. First, it got a little repetitive toward the end -- especially in Part 3, which kept hitting on the idea that a leader should spend the majority of their time pouring into a small team of other future leaders. Even though it IS a good point, this topic dominated so many of the book's later chapters that it got old quick.
Second, the whole reason I bought the book was because the title made me think that I would find a lot of helpful advice on avoiding burnout -- which is a particularly common danger for many leaders, and one that I want all the help fighting against that I can get. But that subject actually wasn't addressed much at all. This book is more about what makes a good leader, not necessarily what makes a lasting leader, so I think the title is somewhat misleading.
Still, all in all it was one of the better leadership books I've read, and it was very to-the-point, which I appreciated. There were a lot of great quotes in it that I'll be chewing on, and much of the advice was practical and applicable. Definitely recommended for anyone involved in leadership/ministry (Now excuse me while I go search for a book that's actually about preventing burnout...).
January 8, 2019
1 ★ – Terrible (Don’t read)
2 ★ - Okay
3 ★ – Above Average
4 ★ - Excellent
5 ★ – Amazing (must read)
This was a decent book on leadership. I would say there is nothing overly astounding about the book. However, there is solid leadership advice in this book. I especially him shared that around the age of 30 he had no idea what he wanted to do with his life, which can resonant with a lot of people. His tips on proceeding from this were helpful.
It would also behoove me to also acknowledge the glaring criticism that may or will be leveled against this book. Namely, the forward of the book is by Mark Driscoll. The coincidence is not lost on me, nor sadly is it probably lost on the author (Who was one of the primary elders that logged formal complaints against his former Pastor). One of the final chapters is about accountability and how leaders that do not have accountability fail, then various examples are given. Sadly, this is what occurred with Driscoll, he shunned accountability and was unable to last as a leader. It is sad that such a book, with such a title would have this attached to it.
2 ★ - Okay
3 ★ – Above Average
4 ★ - Excellent
5 ★ – Amazing (must read)
This was a decent book on leadership. I would say there is nothing overly astounding about the book. However, there is solid leadership advice in this book. I especially him shared that around the age of 30 he had no idea what he wanted to do with his life, which can resonant with a lot of people. His tips on proceeding from this were helpful.
It would also behoove me to also acknowledge the glaring criticism that may or will be leveled against this book. Namely, the forward of the book is by Mark Driscoll. The coincidence is not lost on me, nor sadly is it probably lost on the author (Who was one of the primary elders that logged formal complaints against his former Pastor). One of the final chapters is about accountability and how leaders that do not have accountability fail, then various examples are given. Sadly, this is what occurred with Driscoll, he shunned accountability and was unable to last as a leader. It is sad that such a book, with such a title would have this attached to it.
January 22, 2024
While Dave Kraft leaned heavily on Scripture and plenty from great leaders (John Maxwell, others), demonstrated good understanding of critical leadership principles like a leader's need to always be learning, etc. However, "Leaders Who Last" is not really as advertised. It's really just a book on leadership, not specifically on leadership that endures. It also doesn't help that Kraft mentored Mark Driscoll. Further I thought he could have done a lot more to emphasize humility. Instead, he concluded the introduction with something like, "If you read this, I promise you'll find it engaging and helpful," which is presumptuous. Ultimately, this book is really just a collection of what Kraft learned and gleaned and assimilated over decades of experience, and while that is not UNhelpful, but certainly nothing groundbreaking. In sum, nothing here that can't be found in other (often better) books. 4/10 stars
March 15, 2022
I started reading this book when our Hub Leader recommended it during one of his devotion sharing last year. I chewed the informations slowly and I especially love the part about the need to constantly remind ourselves of our vision in order to be a leader who'll last. As church leaders, we can get overfamiliarized with the vision God gave us. That's why we need to always think of creative ways to revive it to ourselves and to our team.
I also loved the reflection questions towards the end of the chapter and it's something I want to also go through during my date with the Lord. This book was really empowering! Praise God!
I also loved the reflection questions towards the end of the chapter and it's something I want to also go through during my date with the Lord. This book was really empowering! Praise God!
May 14, 2023
This was given to me in the beginning of the year as a recommended read by one of my leaders.
It's an easy to read book but it's taken me this long to read because I have had lots to ponder on.
He writes very straightforward and has lots of practical examples and ideas. There are reflection question at the end of each section and compared to other books with the similar concept, I actually found these questions quite helpful.
It's the kind of book that when I finished reading it I thought I should read it again because there was so much to implement and be challenged by. Would recommend!
It's an easy to read book but it's taken me this long to read because I have had lots to ponder on.
He writes very straightforward and has lots of practical examples and ideas. There are reflection question at the end of each section and compared to other books with the similar concept, I actually found these questions quite helpful.
It's the kind of book that when I finished reading it I thought I should read it again because there was so much to implement and be challenged by. Would recommend!
August 4, 2020
I read this book along with fellow leaders of small cell groups. We read it one chapter for a week or two. Our discussions on Kraft’s teachings on leadership have been powerful. Although his teachings similarly reflect those of other leadership gurus, taking a little dive on his plain explanation gives a refreshment and a reminder on what it means to be a leader. The book is full of biblical references as well as his testimonies. I will certainly recommend this to Christians who will soon be leaders or are starting their walk today.
July 5, 2019
This is a must read for anyone who is desiring to get into leadership at any level with the local church. The author presents principles that transcend all levels of leadership. As a pastor, I have seen many of my colleagues fall or leave ministry because of the absence of many key points Mr. Kraft mentions in this book. This book is easy to follow and put into practice. I will add this in my personal library and have my staff read it as well.
May 9, 2022
An okay book filled with lots of practical wisdom from a person who has mentored leaders for many years. The main element that I took away was the helpful advice on spiritual disciplines for not only leaders but Christians generally. If you are accustomed to reading books on Christian leadership, there is nothing new here per se however its specific focus on the causes of burnout and the trials involved pastoral ministry could be encouraging for leaders experiencing these seasons.
April 13, 2018
This book just changed my life. If you have this unrelenting desire in your soul to make an impact for Jesus and do something that matters for eternity’s sake I suggest reading this book.
True leadership is about pointing to Christ, not yourself. It’s about being a God-dependent humble team playing servant, not self reliant. It’s about making other leaders, not making followers and a fan club.
True leadership is about pointing to Christ, not yourself. It’s about being a God-dependent humble team playing servant, not self reliant. It’s about making other leaders, not making followers and a fan club.
June 19, 2018
Must have for every leader
Another powerful book on leadership. Every leader needs to have this in their library. The book goes through vital points on not failing, but also how to from future leaders
Another powerful book on leadership. Every leader needs to have this in their library. The book goes through vital points on not failing, but also how to from future leaders
May 30, 2019
Great short book on leadership/ personal productivity. Not the best book on the subject but a great one. Short and clear it is a good intro into the topic.
There are a few things I disagree with but the book reminded me of some core principles that are helpful
There are a few things I disagree with but the book reminded me of some core principles that are helpful
July 28, 2020
1 star - a lot of rehashed stuff like, just read your Bible every day
5 star - good challenges for a leader to do like write a vision statement
Hence, three stars.... at the end he really rambles....
5 star - good challenges for a leader to do like write a vision statement
Hence, three stars.... at the end he really rambles....
June 27, 2021
Good book on leadership from a Christian perspective. Kraft approaches leadership with a foundational model that includes Jesus Christ in the center as your power for four spokes: purpose, passion, priorities, and pacing.
Worth the read.
Worth the read.
October 25, 2021
This book was used as a resource for our church staff: reading a chapter a month before staff meetings and discussing each chapter at the beginning of the meeting. There were some good nuggets of information on developing leaders in the church, not just recruiting volunteers.
June 6, 2023
I was given that book by a good friend of mine as it gathers all the important things into one book, and it's a short paperback.
now, it's Introductory kind of book, but something I want to reread in the future. so, it's a keeper for me. just sweep aside Mars Hill stuff and you're good.
now, it's Introductory kind of book, but something I want to reread in the future. so, it's a keeper for me. just sweep aside Mars Hill stuff and you're good.
December 11, 2018
Nothing new here
If you want the same old quotes, same old stories, this is for you... otherwise, nothing to see here, folks...
If you want the same old quotes, same old stories, this is for you... otherwise, nothing to see here, folks...
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