Mistakes Leaders Make (Re:Lit) [eBook]

You Don’t Have to Learn This the Hard Way…

Anyone involved in leadership knows that it’s tough and mistakes are bound to happen. But some mistakes are more costly than others and can result in the end of effectiveness, the loss of important relationships, and disqualification from ministry.

Using the story of a fictitious church team to demonstrate the problems, principles, and practice of finding solutions, leadership expert Dave Kraft uncovers the top 10 critical mistakes leaders make and shows you how to avoid them so you can have ministry and relationships that last.

Dave Kraft served with the Navigators for thirty-eight years before joining Mars Hill Church in Seattle. As leadership development pastor at Mars Hill, Kraft recruits, trains, and places leaders for the church’s seven campuses. His first book, Leaders Who Last, was published in 2010. He and his wife, Susan, have been married for forty years and have four adult children and four grandchildren.

“As I speak and consult with all types of leaders around the world, I personally encounter these mistakes time and time again. The lessons in Mistakes Leaders Make are timeless, and this book should be required reading for every ministry leader. Keep it on your desk and read it at least once a year.”
—Patrick Lencioni, President, The Table Group; best-selling author, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team and The Advantage

“Far too often among those with strong theological conviction the idea of ‘leadership’ is filed under the banner of pragmatism and discarded instead of studied. I am grateful for men like Dave Kraft who hold strong biblical beliefs and still are deeply tapped into the leadership principles that are both biblical and essential for those who have been called to lead and shepherd the people of God as undershepherds. You can make these mistakes yourself or you can learn from those who have made the mistakes and avoid spilling your own blood.”
—Matt Chandler, Lead Pastor, The Village Church, Dallas, Texas; President, Acts 29 Church Planting Network

“Some of our most teachable moments come when we have made a mistake. When we blow it, we are hopefully most vulnerable, most exposed, most humbled, and most teachable. Coach Dave Kraft has devoted his life to helping ministry leaders fully live out their calling and to finish well. Learn from his insights and experiences as you dive into this gem, Mistakes Leaders Make. It could provide you with some of the great learning without having to suffer the pain.”
—Daniel Harkavy, CEO, Building Champions; Founder, Ministry Coaching International; author, Becoming a Coaching Leader

“In Mistakes Leaders Make, Dave Kraft tackles the difficult problem at the center of many leadership tangles: the unsettling fact that many leaders don’t want to admit that they make mistakes, or at least not serious ones. This book addresses some basic mistakes on a basic level. A lot of leadership teams would profit by reading this together.”
—Douglas Wilson, Senior Fellow of Theology, New St. Andrews College; Pastor, Christ Church, Moscow, Idaho

“‘Leaders are born, not made’ . . . not necessarily. Individuals are placed in leadership and, unfortunately, often learn from their mistakes on-the-job. Some would say that experience is knowing you’re making the same mistakes again! Allow me to encourage you to read this book so you don’t have to learn every lesson the hard way.”
—Les Steckel, Veteran NFL Coach; Colonel USMCR (Ret.); President, Fellowship of Christian Athletes

“Dave Kraft’s heart and passion definitely come out in this book! It’s not just a read for your mind, but also your heart. Mistakes Leaders Make is not just for American leaders, but for leaders all over the world. It doesn’t matter if you are a leader in New York or a leader in a village in a Third World country; the principles that have been written here span all times and cultures. I strongly recommend that this book should be translated into as many languages as possible so that many global leaders can benefit. All leaders either commit these mistakes or are tempted to. As they say, ‘Prevention is better than a cure.’ By reading this book, young leaders can be prepared to face these challenges and prevent themselves from falling into these same mistakes. If you lead, no matter how or where, this book is a must read!”
—Ajai Livingstone Lall, Founder and CEO; Central India Christian Mission; Damoh, India

“Dave Kraft has given leaders a wonderful checklist of key pitfalls that can sneak up on you and destroy your leadership. Go through each area carefully and evaluate which mistake could be a stumbling block for you. Then follow the actions steps that can help you walk forward in the leadership that God has called you to. This is a valuable tool for leaders in churches and ministries.”
—Dennis Blevins, United States Director, Church Discipleship Ministry (A Ministry of The Navigators), Professional Coach