Finished

I just finished a book, 'Courageous Leadership' by Bill Hybels, and I'm already making plans to read it again soon!
I'm not good at writing book reviews (my assessment results have assured me of this fact!) but I do want to leave you with a few thoughts that have lingered with me from this book.

The Final Chapter talks about Endurance, and staying the course to the end.
With over Thirty years of experience in ministry Bill Hybels humbly suggests that if we are to stay the course and complete our mission here on earth, whether that be; running strong, loving families, building great Churches or being successful in the business world, we must first learn to say 'NO.'
It's often hard to say 'No' to the things which may appear, on face value, to be great opportunities or big open doors but ultimately if these things do not align with your original calling, the calling God gave you then you will find yourself at the end very tired and frustrated.
Give yourself the permission to say no.

Secondly, 'Develop the Courage to Change.'
This includes making time to take time off. If your making plans to be involved in the specific thing your doing now for the long haul; church, family, or business, then you need to learn to enjoy time off. Find a hobby that you can invest your spare time into so you remain productive. And in all this learn to relax.

Thirdly, and my favourite, is to find 'Safe People.'
In doing ministry and family life, we often default to the 'I can do it all and don't need your help' setting, but this is not true at all.
Bill encourages every person to find people in their life which they consider 'safe people' and who they can share their struggles and questions with, knowing they have their full confidentiality.
This may also include seeing a Professional Christian Counselor.

It is also helpful to maintain a perspective of this life in line with Eternity, while we may feel to be in the deepest hole right now, viewed from Eternities perspective this is just a pot hole and well be out in no time.

Hope this encourages you, if you have any spare time and are at all interested in Church ministry then this book is a 'must read.'

Lk