Follow Me to Freedom: Leading As an Ordinary Radical

Eye opening! 2010-02-27

Reviewer: W. Wolfe

Great insight to both leaders and followers from two who are both leaders and followers. Highly recommend

Incredible 2010-02-27

Reviewer: Not who you think I am

This is simply a beautiful book. I'm starting the process to become an ordained minister and I read this book. It has encouragedm me and challenged me to be a better leader so I can then become a better pastor. I felt I was getting a clear image of Jesus' heart as I read this conversation. Amazing. Truly a must read for anyone in a leadership position.

Practical, brilliant leadership for today's church 2009-12-17

Reviewer: Harrison, Wallace

Most books used in church leadership today come from the market place, which can work, but this book is laser focused on church leadership. To me, most of the other leadership books drift away from being the church and find their strongest points in small circles of leadership that take place behind closed doors. This book, by two people leading from the streets, takes us into the hearts and lives of the people who desire to be the church if the church would just lead. The reader is invited to be a great, learned follower as we learn to be a great leader. Who we are following is as important, and can be more important, than who we are leading.

Shane and John take you right into their context with personal stories, which help give the reader very practical insights and lessons for our own church communities. You will find leadership in a grassroots way, living among the people and yet constantly empowering the people to learn to lead. For myself, leading in an impoverished, small church, this was a much needed read. In a time when it is sort of the trendy thing to do, church planting in an impoverished area, John and Shane call churches far beyond trends and into the grittiness of deep leadership. This book helps remove the rock star pastor from authority and moves them in with the people, where leadership can be raw and painful, but so necessary. More than in the highs and lows, leadership takes place in what seems mundane, the daily journey with people.

I would recommend that this book be placed in the hands of each person considering church planting, or any church leader who is looking to take their church out of the palace and into the streets. John and Shane's knowledge and experience is honest, helpful, and at times painful in stripping you of pride. Freedom indeed.

A call to action 2009-10-05

Reviewer: David A. Baker

The Christian community has several talented members and I was reminded of that when I read this book. I am glad that these two guys found each other, for together they demonstrate faith in action. This book comes highly recommended for a variety of reasons. Let's consider who they are quoting. Examples included Gandi, St. Benedict, Henry Nouwen, George Barna, Tony Campolo, Mother Teresa, Billy Graham, Harold Reed, Rick Warren, Bob Lupton, Tertullian, MLK, Jacque Ellul, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, C. Peter Wagner, The Pope (see pg. 174 in reference to his conversation with St. Francis) The Apostle Paul and Jesus Christ. Also noteworthy are many scripture references in the book. (I think I stopped counting after twenty).

Over time this book will serve as the social justice handbook for a new generation of activists. Read it in conjunction with the NIV Stewardship Bible and Fasting, by Scot McKnight. Both John and Shane are experts on this subject and the book leaves me with a variety of questions. Namely, what should we do? With that I am just recycling the Liberation Theology question but it is still relevent. I would encourage those who read it to join the Christian Community Development Association and network with like minded Christians. After that, buy some new clothes for a homeless person and sponsor a child through Compassion International. Reread the book then give it to a friend.

B.T.W. let's remember to count our blessings too. I have met John Perkins and I am looking forward to the day when I meet Shane Claiborne. I appreciated his stories from the Simple Way. I didn't know much about that community until I read this book. Maybe someday in the future the three of us can take the day off and go to the circus. Shane and John are to social justice what Tom Brady and Randy Moss are to the New England Patriots offense! (i.e. a winning combination)