Didn’t get to attend the Pipeline Conference last year, but have wore out a highlighter going through the feature book by Eric Geiger and Kevin Peck called Designed to Lead: The Church and Leadership Development. The thesis of the book is that the church should be a great catalyst of developing leaders in every sphere of life. Geiger and Peck lay out the theological case for leadership development in the church and also make practical steps to get started very accessible for churches of every size. Exposed is our lack of true leadership development in the church and our dependence on a professional class instead of God’s power through God’s people with clergy being equippers. Must read for church planters who must multiply leaders and set a course for maximum impact for years to come. Here are ten of my favorite quotes from Designed to Lead:

• The Church is uniquely set apart to develop and deploy leaders for the glory of God and the advancement of the gospel.
• The full extent of discipleship is the development of disciples who are able to lead and develop others, not merely people who gather for worship once a week.
• True leaders are servants who die to themselves so others may flourish.
• The Christian life is not about trying daily, but dying daily.
• The Church has been designed to possess a holy rhythm of gathering people to scatter that more may be gathered.
• It is not first the work of our hands that pleases the Lord, but the condition of our hearts.
• The Church is not a Christian club, weekly group counseling session, or weekend pick-me-up. Your local church is the beautiful bridge of King Jesus!
• People will follow your example before they follow your vision.
• Church leaders must confidently invite people to serve, knowing that the opportunities to serve provide moments where development occurs.
• Our churches don’t need spiritual travel agents who promote journeys they don’t take. We need tour guides who set a wise direction, take the journey with the people, and live all that they are inviting the people to live. 

A few more posts coming from this book in coming weeks. More info and some resources on the book at DesignedtoLead.com. Also, check out and follow Eric Geiger’s Blog for other great leadership resources.