Several years ago, Fuller Seminary professor Dr. J. Robert Clinton did a study that found something alarming—only one in three biblical leaders finished well.
Two-thirds of leaders who did amazing things for God imploded, abused their power, or were involved in scandal.
The statistic is the same—or worse—today, said Clinton.
Much stems from the temptation to make our good works all about us — promoting our image, heightening our own vanity and pride.
Fred Smith, CEO of The Gathering, a group of Christian philanthropists, said that his main concern for leaders today is the preoccupation with branding, image, and platform.
“Our platforms become the gallows upon which our humility is hanged,” he said. Fred lives this out – and is much more concerned with his faithfulness than his following.
But perhaps this doesn’t need to be the case.
Over the past year, I’ve written a book with Anna Haggard and sought to rediscover the foundation of our service. It’s called The Spiritual Danger of Doing Good, and it releases next month.
I care deeply about this message and am writing this blog to humbly ask for your help in spreading the word in one of the following ways:
- Join our Launch Team. Join a small group of people willing to help Tweet, Facebook, and spread the word. People who join the team will receive a free advanced reader copy of The Spiritual Danger of Doing Good and a chance to win a packet of Bethany House books worth $100.
- Blogger Tour. Do you blog? Get a free advanced reader copy if you commit to blogging about it, and I’d also be happy to send a couple copies as give-aways as well.
- Connect. Whom do you know who would be interested in this message? I will send a copy of the book to any connectors or pastors interested in exploring the dangers of doing good.
Again, I’m passionate about this message, and I truly want more than 1/3 of Christian leaders today to finish well.
You can email, message me, or DM me (www.facebook.com/peterkgreer) if you’d be willing to help spread the word. Thank you!
June 7, 2013
Count me in to be on the launch team.
June 14, 2013
Thanks Steve! We’ll send you more information.
June 7, 2013
Peter: i would welcome helping you and Anna spread the word. Already I am encouraging the young ( and not so young) developing leaders I mentor around the globe to tune into the creative wisdom of your blog here. Good mentoring moments are coming from that.
As I read the intent of your new book, I so welcome it. Yes, you need to do your due diligence in promotion. But what I respect about what I read from you, you are not making this about Peter. You are making this (Hope included) about the Kingdom. Thank you. That is easily why I see you as a model for other developing leaders. Thus, you do have my prayers that you not succumb to “platform pressure.”
I am a man you will not have heard of. My deep delight is flying under the radar in the mentoring I do, and have done for 31 years now. If you knew me, you would know how I mean this next statement, at my 71 years I am daily stunned by the amazing privilege of seeing leaders on four continents further released into their God-given design for why they are alive at this point in time. This olde heart sings with thanks with what I get to do in walking into the future with the known and the unknown.
Just today I took a 44yo pastor from Florida, and his 13yo son, back to DIA. I’ve been mentoring this good man for 13 years now and his influence is growing, carefully, thankfully. He has sons 15, 13 and 11. He and the 15yo hiked the southern part of Appalachian Trail when that young man was 13. This week it was great fun to help him craft time in the Rockies…even climbing a 14er yesterday. The 13yo who showed up this past Sunday was a “new man” going home today.
We spent time together on both ends of this time with these two men. Then the center part of the visit was just them together. This kid, ‘er young man, I already see destined to be a leader. He’s already a killer lacrosse player down there. 🙂 The hug he gave me, spontaneously, at DIA was long and hard, whispering, “Thank you for helping my Dad and me have the best days of my life.” This is living………..!!! And all praise to our Triune God.
OK. Peter, I apologize for the length of this. I do not want to become a dottering, rambling olde man, but sense I have been for this moment. 🙂 I will happily blog, tweet, text, post, talk about your book. And, when you blog shows up, I read it as soon as I am able. Keep it coming. I, for one, need what you have to share and say.
June 14, 2013
Wes – what a remarkable journey you’re on! Thank you for sharing – and also for your encouragement about the book. I agree with you on the potential dangers of “platform pressure” and hope that anything good that happens is only to bring God glory. It is about the Kingdom – and not about us. We’ll email you more information. Thank you!
June 10, 2013
Count me in.
June 14, 2013
Thank you Nat. We’ll email you some additional information.
June 11, 2013
I would be willing to help you. I have a friend whom I could share this book with he. He works has a ministry called Worldview Warriors. I believe he would be interested in your book.
June 14, 2013
Your friend sounds like he is the target audience for this book. Thank you for helping us spread the word!
June 11, 2013
I’m interested.
June 14, 2013
Thanks Patricia! We’ll email you more information.
June 14, 2013
I am currently preaching on the series ” finishing well” I believe it will be a good resource
June 14, 2013
Jackson – thanks for your interest in the book. We will email you some additional information. It sounds like a very important topic you’re preaching on.
July 14, 2013
Peter,
Recently finished reading the advance copy. Having contributed to the first Homes for Hope in Colorado which is set to close this month I found “The Spiritual Danger of Doing Good” an excellent resource in how to keep in perspective my role while trying to tell others about Homes for Hope and Hope International. Thank you for the opportunity to read the advance copy. What a great tool for everyone. It reinforces what the church we attend believes “Me Too”. .
July 23, 2013
Steve – thank you and the entire team at Summit for all you’ve done to create the Home for Hope. We are grateful to partner with you – and to know your heart to ensure God gets all glory from any good we do. Hope to have time together with youon my next trip to Colorado.
July 16, 2013
Hello Peter.
I was in Uganda during the month of June so I missed this post until now. I would love to join your launch team. If it’s too late to be on the official launch team – I’ll just do it informally 🙂
The more I learn about HOPE and about your heart and that of the HOPE team, the more I’m a huge fan and advocate of what God is doing through your team. Can’t wait to read the book and share it with others.
Blessings my friend.
Keith
July 23, 2013
Keith – welcome home! It is not too late to join the launch team. We’ll email you more info. Thank you.