This author does an excellent job of identifying a serious problem in our churches that has been around since the church began. This practice has destroyed the lives of many, especially new converts and immature believers. It is a form of leadership that takes spiritual freedom away from the people and places it firmly in the hands of leadership. Leadership controls the group through fear and intimidation and uses scripture to back them up. Scripture that has been interpreted incorrectly causing the people to struggle in their spiritual walk and most never understand why.
The author identifies this as the Mandated Leadership Model and contrasts it with the Tested Model. The Tested Leadership Model allows the believer freedom to participate in their path to spiritual maturity through the leadership of the Holy Spirit. He also goes on to inspect the scriptures which have been used erroneously to substantiate the Mandated method. The book is easy to read and is done in perfect taste. I highly recommend it.

“The tasks of a Near Eastern shepherd were: to watch for enemies trying to attack the sheep, to defend the sheep from attackers, to heal the wounded and sick sheep, to find and save lost or trapped sheep, to love them, sharing their lives and so earning their trust.” (BST) What a great definition for God’s leaders.