I rarely review a book that I haven’t finished yet, but An Unhurried Leader is one of those books. I’m reading it slowly and thoughtfully, taking in the lessons that Jesus has to teach me page by page. So, as I am being impacted by what I am reading (and as I know I loved and greatly benefited from An Unhurried Life) I feel very confident in highly recommending this book even though I’ve not yet read it cover to cover.

I can especially say that I deeply appreciated the beginning of the book looking first at what it means to be a follower as that is a lesson that every leader needs to master. I also have been reflecting on two particular Scriptural metaphors that have been presented (both from the Prophets). I’m finding this book is too good to be rushed, which is perhaps perfectly in keeping with it’s Unhurried content.

I recommend you check it out for yourself.

I received a free pre-release digital galley of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Some books you can skim and get something out of them. Some books take a lot of time to read because you want to take your time and soak it all in. This is one of those times. Reading pre release copies can be frustrating sometimes. After a certain time period the books can no longer be read. This is one of those books I may have to spend some money on.

The premise is that most leaders in Christianity (yes it is geared towards Christian Leaders), tend to make plans and then ask God to come into them. Mr. Falding changes that idea. Why not ask God what He wants do and then make the plans. How much of leadership in organizations is done with asking God first. When we do this it tends to slow things down first.

One of the first thing this type of leader does is to fill himself with the fountain that comes from God. You can not spill onto others what you do not have in yourself. That is chapter 1, and the other 9 chapters do not disappoint. They include topics of looking at out thoughts (one that helped me a lot), taking time to pray (not as an afterthought for the start of a meeting but before it all starts), and leading with the same grace that God gives to us.

Each chapter has a set of exercises to be done as you finish the chapter. Do not skip these. These take what you have learned and make it something solid in your life. You learn some by seeing, some by writing and a lot by doing. Not doing these exercises leaves out the chance to make these internal in your life. I only did a few of them because of time constraints in my life but I have used them in helping others find something inside themselves to help change themselves.

I cannot recommend this book any higher than 5 starts or I would. If you are even in lower levels of volunteer work in a church, you can learn so much from this book.

Any book aimed at leaders needs to have a something special so pleasing to say this has plus some more. There are some good chapters the rest i would describe as great, its not often you get blown away by a book and taken somewhere else. I don't want to over sell this book its just that I found what Alan was describing to be more in line with Christ's ministry than so many other models on show we see and read about.