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Cover of The Mythical Leader

The Mythical Leader

The Seven Myths of Leadership

  • Church Leadership & Ministry
  • Publisher: Thomas Nelson
  • Published: 2017

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Publisher's Description

Pastor and popular blogger, Ron Edmondson exposes some of the common misunderstandings of leadership through stories from his own experiences, helping leaders develop healthier patterns of individual leadership. Being a leader involves much more than holding a title. And simply having a leader doesn't ensure success. This reality has never been more prevalent in the church than now, when so many churches are considered to be plateaued or dying. Pastor and popular blogger, Ron Edmondson believes this is due to a misunderstanding of what leadership is and what it isn't. In his work with hundreds of pastors and churches, the most common need he encounters is the need for more effective leadership in the local church. Seminaries may prepare pastors to preach, just as colleges may prepare teachers to teach, but who prepares pastors to lead? Simply stated: The church needs better leadership. In The Mythical Leader, Edmondson exposes some of the most common misunderstandings of leadership, shares stories from his own experiences, and will help church leaders develop healthier patterns to improve their individual leadership. While most people may have a preliminary understanding of many of these myths, they often are not lived out with a great degree of depth in the life of the church leader. Don't fall prey to these myths! If gone untreated they can be the very thing that prevents a good leader from leading well.


Endorsements (13)

“The next sentence is cliché. This book is the book I have wanted on leadership. It may be cliché, but it’s true. Ron Edmondson is one of the best to bless us with a book on leadership myths. He absolutely nails it. Read this book to become a better leader. Read this book to become a better person.”

Thom S. Rainer

“Everyone thinks they know how to lead until they suddenly find themselves in an actual leadership role. Then they quickly discover that much of what they “know” isn’t actually so. If you are a leader, this book will save you a lot of heartache. Ron Edmondson is an experienced leader, who has already paid a lot of the “dumb taxes” for you. I encourage you to carefully read it, apply it, and save yourself a ton of grief.”

Larry Osborne

“I found The Mythical Leader freeing, affirming, and refreshing. You will feel better about yourself as a leader and understand other leaders better. Myths about leadership that have held you and others back will be powerless as you lead with greater confidence than ever before. Thanks, Ron, for your transparency that make this a powerful resource.”

Sam Chand

“Like many, I’ve been both challenged and encouraged by Ron’s writing through the years. What gives his writing power is that he’s sharing from the success he’s had in both church planting and church revitalization. This book is no different. The principles he shares in The Mythical Leader will shape your leadership and help you grow your influence . . . the sign of a real leader.”

Tony Morgan

“With so many books out there on leadership, it is hard to know which ones really matter. For me, I want to read books by people who are actually leading well. Ron Edmondson has devoted himself to effective leadership in the local church and has practiced it so well himself. He is a pastor and leader respected by many. What a gift that he would take time to write a book to dispel myths that limit the leadership potential of so many people. If you are looking to take your leadership to the next level, this is the book for you!”

Jim Sheppard

“I’ve been on a lifelong quest to figure out leadership. I wish I had seen this book when I began! Ron has defused many of the myths I wasted time on early in my career. Read this book, and you’ll save time and hassle in your own journey as a leader.”

William Vanderbloemen

“Edmondson mentors you with every page he’s written. I found his transparent storytelling and practical wisdom refreshing. What I valued most is that he effectively dispels all the myths that prevent leaders from humbly leading with God-honoring excellence.”

Tami Heim

“Ron Edmondson’s The Mythical Leader is a deceptively simple read, but don’t mistake simplicity for easy. As you uncover the truth behind each of the seven leadership myths, you will find yourself becoming a more impactful leader.”

Skip Prichard

“leader, community leader, and church leader to assemble a great book to debunk the seven myths of leadership. It is a must-read if you are new to leadership, have a desire to be a better leader, or just want to have a greater impact with those around you.”

Stu Ramsey

“The Mythical Leader is outstanding! Ron Edmondson is an incredible leader who has been a lifelong learner in the area of leadership. I’m so glad he’s written this book to share principles I’ve personally witnessed him apply and achieve excellent and long lasting results. Put this book in an easy-to-reach area because you will be referencing it many times as you face leadership myths in your life.”

Joseph Sangl

“Ron has written an earthy book about leadership, one with the unmistakable grittiness of lived experience. Long on concrete examples and short on abstract leadership theory, the book is more like a how-to manual than a philosophy text. It offers an inside glimpse into the life and calling of a gifted leader.”

Tim Hall

“Ron Edmondson has been a friend and a leader I have admired for many years. He has waded the difficult waters of leadership with a steady perseverance and commitment that feels all too rare in today’s culture. His new book, The Mythical Leader, is an absolute essential for every young leader who wants to lead well for the long haul. Both practical and personal, this book will equip you with valuable leadership wisdom from a proven and trustworthy leader.”

Jenni Catron

“Ron Edmondson helps every leader overcome their biggest obstacle to success, bad thinking. In The Mythical Leader, Ron helps leaders tackle the myths that keep them from the success and fulfillment they desire.”

David Chrzan

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