Blessings for Leaders

Book excerpt: In Blessings for Leaders, Dan Ebener skillfully weaves an understanding of one of the most powerful and familiar Bible passages with insights drawn from his experience developing faith-filled leaders in churches and ministry organizations. Ebener reflects on how the paradoxes of leadership can be understood from a careful reflection on the Beatitudes: It takes wisdom, empathy, humility, justice, mercy, service, peace and courage to lead as a Christian. Each chapter begins with Scripture, reflects on the inward journey of leadership through the virtues associated with each Beatitude, and suggests how that might be extended outward in the challenges of leadership, such as mission, vision, core values, followership, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, communication and listening, team-building, meeting facilitation, innovation and dealing with change. Straight-forward, easy-to-read, and filled with illuminating stories, this book is ideal for individuals in search of greater insight or groups journeying to a deeper understanding of Jesus vision for leadership.