John Maxwell has taught more leaders how to be leaders than just about anyone, and has been doing so for a long time. In this episode of the 5 Leadership questions podcast we asked him about how leadership has changed over the years. Maxwell also shares about his new book, Intentional Living: Choosing a Life that Matters. He calls this his most important book. It is all about how to live a life of significance, something every person yearns for. It is not just for leaders either – it is for young and old, men and women, leaders and followers. Enjoy the podcast and be sure to order a copy of John’s new book!

We asked the following questions.

* What is the biggest difference in church leadership now compared to when you started as a “leadership guy”?

* What was the biggest shortcoming in church leadership when you started and what is the biggest shortcoming now

* Do you think the current, increased emphasis on leadership in the church is working? Is it making a positive difference in the church?

* What do you see as the next big shift or major point of emphasis in church leadership in the coming years?

* You’ve called Intentional Living the most important book you’ve ever written. You have written a lot of books, so what sets this one apart?

BEST QUOTES

“They didn’t call about leadership when I started.”

“I have a Masters and a Doctorate in theology, but they didn’t talk about leadership.”

“They thought leadership was title and position.”

“We haven’t really let lay people know that they have a vital role in leading too.”

“A church isn’t just a community with a gifted pastor; it’s a community of gifted people.”

“Pastors are still having a hard time thinking lay people are qualified.”

“You’ve got high potential business people in the pew and the biggest thing they’re doing is ushering.”

“Some churches weren’t built on the leadership, they were built on the leader.”

“If you have a leadership culture that goes right down to the congregation.”

“Everything worthwhile is uphill.”

“Most people live their lives totally without intention.”

“You don’t want to read your story, you want to write your story.”

“Significance is adding value intentionally to other people.”

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES

StartSevenDay.com

Intentional Living by John Maxwell