Andrew Seidel - Charting a Bold Course: Training Leaders for 21st Century Ministry

2003 by
ANDREW SEIDEL

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the New American Standard Bible, Copyright The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995. Used by permission.

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version. NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.

Cover and Interior Design: Ragont Design

Editor: Jim Vincent

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Seidel, Andrew.

Charting a bold course: training leaders for 21st century ministry / Andrew Seidel.

p. cm.

Includes biographical references.

ISBN-10: 0-8024-3422-3

ISBN-13: 978-0-8024-3422-7

1. Christian leadership. I. Title.

BV652.1.S45 2003

253dc21

2003012110

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For all the support and encouragement through thirty-seven years of marriage, this book is lovingly dedicated to Gail, a leader herself, who has personally influenced hundreds of women in their relationship with Jesus Christ

C HRISTIAN LEADERSHIP HAS ACQUIRED a bad odor in recent years as media spotlights have uncovered pockets of noxious self-proclaimed pacesetters of moral teaching. Our societys penchant for creating celebrities has diluted the true worth of leadership with a facade of fame, so that many sincere believers cannot recognize healthy and reliable influencers.

Consequently, a critical need exists for a plain-spoken, definitive explanation of what makes an effective Christian leader. We have had glimpses of greatness in our public political life and in our military prowess. Portraits of acclaimed battlefield strategists like Generals Dwight Eisenhower and George Patton walk the pages of our history books and line the halls of the Pentagon. Possibly the twentieth centurys most effective leader for positive political change, Ronald Reagan, defined his won statesmanship: To have a vision to dream of a better, safer world, and the courage, persistence and patience to turn that dream into a reality.

Former President Reagan fleshed out his belief of vision, action, and courage by his singular voice that demanded a response from the global community, and in so doing dismantled the oppressive gears of communism. Our present-day call for an army of clear-eyed leaders to model truly wholesome Christian livingand to be able to motivate others as wellin our complex international neighborhood demands a word from a leader of leaders, one who has been seen and who knows what it takes to attack and win against the forces of human suffering and injustice.

Emerging from his apprenticeship in the upper ranks of the United States military, from a significant urban pastorate of more than a decade, from a demanding stint of overseas missionary service to impoverished nations, and from the common angst of academia, Dr. Andrew Seidel steps into his literary classroom like a seasoned coach to tell it like it is. To his readers who are running the race of life, his quiet, confident voice speaks without a hint of condescension. His uncanny ability to instill resolve in his followers confirms instinctively that they will not fail if they engage his game plan. This study is not about winning medals, but the classic race, for the ultimate prize, described by the apostle Paul: Run in such a way as to get the prize.... We do it to get a crown that will last forever (1 Corinthians 9:2425 NIV).

Charting a Bold Course stands upon four pillars: character, vision, relationships, and skills. Without any one of these components, the reach for success is hobbled. The strategy is biblical, workable, and road-tested in real life.

It has been my great delight to instruct Dr. Seidel in the classroom and to serve with him as a colleague. I have witnessed firsthand how he fleshes out the framework of his teaching. His passion has been ignited by Jesus Christ, the Leader of all leaders, and his goal is now to develop durable, effective, and godly leaders for his generation. Every life which has been touched by the grandeur of Christs power yearns to communicate to others the indescribable peace and joy of knowing Him personally, and to recommend Him to others. But our world is no friend of grace, even though the need is critical. Therefore, the platform to win a hearing and to lead others toward eternal life requires a daunting and well-informed regimen.

Here is a blueprint, the way to accomplish what seems impossible. Here is the unvarnished reality of what it takes to craft a life worthy of divine commendation. These robust and demanding imperatives require rigorous self-appraisal and severe self-discipline.

My own decades of experience in Christian ministry echo this need for exhaustive training with a growing urgency; there is no greater need today than credible leadership. Men and women of character will win the ultimate reward if they are properly trained. This premier course-in-print belongs not only on the ready-reference shelf, but in the backpack of every student who wants to lead his generation into spiritual achievementsa book for regular, purposeful discussion and for private review. Like workout sessions in the gym, it yields the fruit of lasting excellence in the Christian arena.

HOWARD G. HENDRICKS
Distinguished Professor and Chairman
Center for Christian Leadership
Dallas Theological Seminary

L EADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT IS MORE THAN A COURSE or a workbookit is a lifelong process. God shapes and molds a man or a woman over the years to form the leader that He desires that person to be. The shaping curriculum is intense and varied. It is founded in the early experiences of family life, fleshed out in the learning experiences of education and relationships, and fulfilled in the many experiences of actual leadership.

Some of the lessons in leadership are simple; others are more complex. Some are satisfying and fulfilling; others are painful and puzzling. But through them all, God takes the raw material of the man or woman, adds unique gifts and abilities, and then builds the person into a leader through the experiences of life that mold the character, nurture the relationships, build the vision, and sharpen the skills. You can follow the process in the lives of many biblical characters, such as Moses, David, Jeremiah, Nehemiah, and the apostles.