Jo Saxton - More Than Enchanting: Breaking Through Barriers to Influence Your World

I never set out to be a woman leader. I just wanted to use my gifts for the good of others and the glory of God. As it turns out, one of those gifts is leadership and I happen to be a woman. So here I am: a woman leader.

I didnt give much thought to this label until the first time a couple left our church because I was a woman in a position of leadership. It grieved me. Im one of those people who always takes disproportionate responsibility for everything and everyone within my sphere of influence. So I felt responsible. It must be me, I thought. If only I had led differently, or better. Insert self-loathing, insecurity, and every feeling of inadequacy. That one minor episode (and truly it was quite minor) rocked me and triggered a lack of confidence that plagued my leadership for many more years.

My leadership journey, while certainly challenging at times, has not been as difficult as many of yours. Too often I hear stories from women who have abandoned their leadership gifts because the resistance was just too much. Exhausted and feeling defeated, they have walked away and sidelined their gifts.

Leadership begins with influence, and influence by definition means the power to change or affect someone. Think about this for a minute: The power to change or affect someone. This is a huge responsibility! And yet women do this every day. Mothers, wives, sisters, and friendswe as women have tremendous affect on the lives of those around us, but time and again we shrink back from our influence and neglect to develop the budding leadership gifts within us.

More Than Enchanting is a resource I wish Id had years ago as a young leader. Jo Saxton is one of those rare leaders who has waded the murky waters of leadership and come through graciously resilient. She understands the fears, doubts, and challenges that plague us women as we peek around the corner to sneak a glimpse of our potential. She believes in us. She believes in Gods power to work through us and she has the wisdom to guide us to living out the purpose that God has designed us for.

Im praying ginormous prayers for you as you read this book. Im praying that God awakens within you every gift that has lain dormant. Im praying that the doors swing wide for your influence to flourish. Im praying that you catch a glimpse of the power and potential of Gods work in your life as you embrace your gifts of leadership and passionately use them for the good of others and the glory of God. You were made to influence the world in ways that no one else can, and Im quite confident that More Than Enchanting will be another tool that God uses to bring that influence to life!

Chris, my husband and mainstay. Thanks for supporting me, believing in me and encouraging me to fly. To our beautiful, girls, Tia and Zo. Im so proud of you and thankful that I get to be your mom.

So many great people have helped with this book. Thanks to Bry, Zan and Lorna, who were lifesavers when my laptop was stolen. Thanks to Blakely Page and Annwen Stone, who contributed to the manuscript with hard work, interviews, input and insightsamazing women! And to all the leaders who agreed to share their stories with honestly and vulnerability, thank you for your contribution.

This book has undertaken quite the journey to reach your hands. My heartfelt thanks to Hodder Faith who first published the book in the UK back in the day, and to the IVP team who first brought it to the US over five years ago. And Im especially grateful to Helen Lee and the current IVP team for giving this book a second life and the chance to speak to a new audience. Its a precious gift that I dont take for granted. Thanks also to the fabulous Jenni Catron for your wonderful foreword. I love your leadership and vision and Im grateful for your friendship.

Leadership is challenging sometimes, so its essential to have people cheering you on from the sidelines, encouraging you to keep going. On the hard days I look up and see that Im surrounded. Im thankful for my wider family and closest friends who are only a text away; you bring me to my feet. My thanks to Wendy, Jim and Rose; you are not only great agents, but supportive friends too! Love and thanks to the 3dmovements gang, both the board and the leaders across the movement who are the hands and feet of Jesus in their context daily. And so much love to our church community Mission Point Church, who are our family and inspiration all at once.

Im also thankful for the fellow women leaders (from every walk of life) who I meet when Im out there speaking, coaching and consulting. Your courage and example and passion are fuel to my fire.

Yes, Im surrounded, and my life and call is made richer because of all of you. Thank you all.

Finally I want to honor the One who called me by name, gave me new life and a whole new purpose. To my amazing, wonderful, loving Heavenly Father... Thank You.

Leadership is influence. Nothing more, nothing less.