You listen whenever you meet a guy that looks a lot like the guy that you want to become.
Dave Kraft is one of those guys. He is a older (70), faithful, hungry, humble, Christian man who leads in his family, local church, and has a burden to train and impact leaders to do the same.
I am thankful that I have been able to meet him through the pages of his new book Leaders Who Last.
The book is right on time for me as a young church planting pastor. There are many responsibilities that press in, not the least of which personal devotion to Christ, leading my family, teaching & preaching, and discipleship. Dave comes in and brings focus, clarity, humility, and zeal from his years of experience and burden for kingdom impact.
There is really so much about this book that I like. But simply I enjoyed the author’s transparency and gospel burden. These are two things you really don’t find in leadership books. He talks about going running multiple times a week so he can think about Christ and his ministry. He talks about reverse-engineering his life so as to go where he wants/needs to go. He talks about being selective with those he impacts:
I want to leave footprints in the lives of people–not just any person, but leaders and influencers who are hungry for God. Many leaders I encounter are self-satisfied. they think they know enough. They aren’t hungry or thirsty for more of God, more growth, and more frutifulness.
I will not invest my time in them.
Some are hungry, but just for themselves with no intention of reproducing anything in the lives of others.
I will not invest in them.
I am looking for God-hungry leaders who are dissatisfied with the status quo…
Overall the book seemed short. I felt like I had coffee with Mr Kraft but would have liked to have a cookout. I will no doubt return to this book regularly to glean more from him. I am thankful that the Resurgence folks have shared him with the rest of us and hope that they continue to do so. Great stuff! Highly recommend it!
Discounted copies are available at Westminster Books or Amazon.
Below is a video interview with Dave Kraft and Mark Driscoll concerning leadership and this book.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tp6a4-_ceJ8]