If you are a young Christian leader who really wants to make an impact in our world and you are willing to go off the beaten path. The book is for you.
There are many books out there that focus on the how-to's of leadership and ministry but not many on how to actually BE a leader. What you are about to read comes from 40 years of hard won lessons and insights some of which have come at great pain and heartache. I want to offer them to you and hope you can avoid some of the pitfalls I have fallen into along the way. Throughout the pages of this book, I will share principles and life lessons from an OG (Old Guard/Original Gangster) in a "no holds barred" approach to leadership and ministry. My goal is to help you as a young leader not only survive but to thrive in ministry.
As I wrote this book, I experienced a wide range of emotions, the kind that come through reflecting on past struggles, failures, and regrets as well as some achievements and breakthroughs. It's a mixed bag for sure, but isn't that true for all of us? However, if my journey and story can benefit you as a young leader just starting out, it is more than worth the effort. The contents of the book came from a question a young leader sprung on me: "What would you say to yourself if you could when you were 23?"
People regularly ask me how long I have worked on writing this book. The short answer is the last eighteen months, but the real answer is over sixty years. My life is a story demonstrating how God can take a nobody from nowhere and use him to do unimaginable things. It's also a story about how God's love triumphs over the negative circumstances of your life. My life is living proof of what is possible if you dare to say yes to God over and over again regardless of your situation.
To Young Leaders
This book is NOT about you, but it is written TO YOU from my heart to yours! You will discover the underbelly of ministry and the realities of what it takes to be a leader who goes the distance. Through my own stories and others, I hope to express various perspectives about what leadership and ministry looks like. You will see the highs and lows that have come from a broken childhood, seven years as a high school teacher, coach and principal, and forty-five years as a church planter, a senior pastor with a congregation of two thousand, and a pastor to pastors.
A Word to the OG's
I believe we are desperate for this emerging generation to step up and take the lead. For that to happen, they need us OGs alongside them, offering wisdom and encouragement as they face the challenges of their "off road" journey. "Off Road" can also be a useful tool and equipping resource for those of you who desire to serve and mentor this "now" generation of leaders. OGs, young leaders need you and you need them. I get so fired up anytime I get to spend time with them. They remind me that I need to stay in the game, albeit more on the sidelines as a coach instead of a player. OGs, this generation needs spiritual fathers, mothers, grandfathers and grand mothers. Will you be one of them? It just might be part of God's redemptive plan for your life.
Lastly, whether or not you are a pastor in a church or a leader in the marketplace, the principles found here apply to any leader who is passionate about fulfilling the call of God in his or her life.