Gary D. Kinnaman - Leaders That Last: How Covenant Friendships Can Help Pastors Thrive

2003 by Gary D. Kinnaman and Alfred H. Ells

Published by Baker Books
a division of Baker Publishing Group
P.O. Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287
www.bakerbooks.com

Ebook edition created 2011

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meansfor example, electronic, photocopy, recordingwithout the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews .

ISBN 978-1-5855-8498-7

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Genuine friendship is one of the most important elements in lasting ministry. Finally we have a book that teaches this eternal principle for longevity . Leaders That Last is a godsend to ministry leaders. Gary Kinnaman and Alfred Ells use lessons form their personal friendship and ministry to make a compelling case for acquiring and maintaining healthy pastoral relationships. Readers will be challenged to pray for friends who can help them survive the rigors of ministry.

Ted Haggard, senior pastor, New Life Church, Colorado Springs

I practice what they preach and believe it to be the single best idea to preserve pastors because it is pragmatic and effective. Read and apply to stay in the race.

Dr. Alan Nelson, founder, Leading Ideas; author , Spirituality and Leadership

Jesus defined life as relational, and it is in relationship with him and others that we find the abundant life he promised . Leaders That Last gives the account of one successful pastor who has actually found the enjoyment of this life in ministry. This book will be a great encouragement.

Darryl DelHousaye, senior pastor, Scottsdale Bible Church; president, Phoenix Seminary

Dr. Gary Kinnaman combines a humble heart and a remarkable comprehension of other cultures beyond his own. His ministry is a treasure of God that will profoundly enrich the Hispanic community. I recommend him with all my heart.

Alberto H. Mottesi, evangelist

One of the great needs in the world today is summed up in the title Leaders That Last . Gary Kinnaman and Al Ells have examined this subject from the unique vantage point of having dealt personally with both leaders that have lasted and, tragically, those who havent. Their collective insight, wisdom, and advice in this work should become required reading for todays leadersand tomorrows.

Tommy Barnett, pastor, Phoenix First Assembly of God

Large-church culture is full of frequent, predictable, painful problems (small churches have their own). In Leaders That Last , Gary (a megachurch pastor) and Al (a therapist and consultant) open up about these faults. Their thoughtful candor is sane advice (especially their tips for groups) for healing insane, unsafe church cultures and the people whoin spite of a pastors best effortscreate them.

Todd Hunter, director, Allelon Fellowship of Churches; former national director, Vineyard-USA

Covenant groups for busy and drained leaders is a win-win idea, and this book is a vital resource for pastors considering accountability with relationships. It is a great book with awesome stories and will be used to save many ministries from extinction.

Frank Damazio, senior pastor, City Bible Church, Portland, Oregon

The local church has a vital role to play in contemporary society, and its leaders are often the determining factor for success or failure. For too long weve seen many leaders going at it alone or dropping out of the race prematurely. This book is a clarion call to church leaders to begin cultivating the kind of friendships that will help ensure that they are leaders that last.

Mark Conner, senior pastor, Waverley Christian Fellowship, Melbourne, Australia

This book comes at a very critical time of transition for the church. Without a doubt the contents of this book bring a voice of stability and hope for many pastors and leaders across America. Both Gary and Al are personal friends and mentors whose teachings have greatly influenced my life and ministry. The message within this pages will challenge you to take the next step for a kingdom vision that will transform your life and your ministry.

Hector Torres, Hispanic International Ministries

I love to learn from leaders I trust. In Leaders That Last , Gary Kinnaman has given us the treasures of his life. If we ponder these words and walk in this wisdom, our lives will be rescued from great folly and set on paths of joy.

John Dawson, president, YWAM International

Every leader of a growing ministry and every pastor of a local church will immediately identify with the heartfelt insights of Gary Kinnaman and Alfred Ells . Leaders That Last goes right to the heart of the pressures leaders face, coping mechanisms that can undermine our ministry, and how to develop the health and skill necessary to finish well. It is the most effective and insightful book I have read in many years on the heart of a spiritual leader.

Floyd McClung, director, All Nations; senior pastor, Metro Christian Fellowship, Grandview, Missouri

Church leaders carry enormous loads, and all too often they do it alone. Without close friends, trusted confidants, or genuine supporters, many of them eventually wear out under the pressure of ministry. This book provides wise, practical, and biblical advice on how to build the safe relationships and godly accountability that church leaders need in order to persevere and thrive in pastoral ministry.

Ken Sande, president, Peacemaker Ministries

Contents

Introduction

The walls are coming down! As Howard Snyder predicted nearly two decades ago in his landmark book Foresight , the church has made an enormous shift away from denominational and institutional traditions toward kingdom mission.

This book is about the next shiftfrom unity movements and ministry partnerships to genuine friendships and relational accountability among diverse leaders who represent the Christian faith in a given city.

Although C. Peter Wagners term postdenominationalism has not been well-received, its a fact that denominations, both mainline and conservative, are reeling from the massive social upheavals of the last several decades. Driven by globalization and technological revolution, the times, well, they are a-changin. New apostolic movements are emerging worldwide, and the influence of entrepreneurial megachurches like Willow Creek and Saddleback often transcends denominational models and influence. The huge and influential Promise Keepers mens movement is another sign of transdenominational times.

A parallel trend has been a widespread interest in city-reaching, in which churches and ministries in cities across America are coming together to work for spiritual renewal and community transformation.