Customer Reviews

The Expeditionary Man: The Adventure a Man Wants, the Leader His Family Needs

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Though there are numerous manhood-type books on the market today, this book distinguishes itself from the rest in a few profound ways. Perhaps most striking is Wagner's dismissal of the pursuit of the "balanced life." He expertly reveals the flawed thinking and behavior that is the result of pursuing balance in work, family, and ministry. Additionally, he explains that while balance can sometimes be attained superficially, the heart isn't as easy to manipulate. Who wants pseudo-external balance with internal turmoil?

Wagner simply challenges men to redirect their focus from work/ministry-first to family-first. Leading and serving his family, Wagner explains, is where a man can truly find fulfillment and adventure in life.

As an avid reader, this book was also distinguishing as a result of Wagner's skill in writing. Pop culture and historical references are expertly interwoven into the text, and Wagner's honesty at his own personal shortcomings further adds to the power of this book.

"This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?" More than once this quote from the gospels crossed my mind while reading this book. In Expeditionary Man, Rich Wagner marries two seemingly opposing needs for men: the need for adventure and the desire to be a good provider and leader of a family. Part autobiography, part analogy, this book takes the reader on a journey through Rich's own struggles to define his own role as a husband and father in terms that would fulfill his need to climb his own personal mountains and make his own personal accomplishments.

I know first-hand how important Rich's family is to him. I was one of Rich's former employees when he was going the dotcom entrepreneur route. We spent many a late night perfecting software code that we hoped would be the next great product, to the detriment of our family lives. It is fascinating to learn how he has refused to accept the premise that we just need to have "balance" between two opposite ambitions, an approach that groups like Promise Keepers promote, and began to see his family life as the very adventure he was seeking.

Not everyone can go the route of working from home full time, and certainly not everyone has the means to homeschool their children. Rich made financial sacrifices and took risks, but along the way he learned some great lessons and seems to have found the path to his personal "summit".

In this book, by walking with Rich and reading entertaining movie analogies, stories from famous assaults on Everest, and his personal struggles, you can begin to see how it CAN be done. Easier said than done, of course, but if you accept the premise that a man's wife and children ARE his God-intended adventure, and are willing to commit to altering your perspective a bit, you may well be able to follow Rich to the summit.

This book is a fast-paced read, but one that you will probably want to read a second time as you digest what he's saying and decide how it may apply to your own life, and maybe ponder some course corrections in your own life.

Rich Wagner has written an outstanding book, especially for young families with children in the home. His approach includes his own example of how a man must arrange his life so that the really important things come first. He takes us from the corporate world where a man's common sense prevails, to a faith centered family life in time for him to help his wife home school his sons. He brings his own eternal perspective to that classroom and his life. Rich recognizes that men are created with an adventurous spirit which has it's place but can get in the way as a Christian father sets his priorities. The book is well referenced to scripture and other writers, including C.S.Lewis and Oswald Chambers.

Expeditionary Man is an invaluable message. It's a very Biblical message, but not one that is likely to be heard in many churches. I like the use of metaphors. Makes it easy to comprehend and yet it stays with you. Really, the book is revolutionary and yet it brings rest to a weary father's soul. This book must be read and discussed by every father who is wanting to raise children who will follow in our faith footsteps.

The Expeditionary Man: The Adventure a Man Wants, the Leader His Family Needs
Having lived more than seven decades, upon finishing this book, I am wishing it had been there those 5 decades ago when I was attempting to learn what God expected of me as a Christian man. I had no observable men in my life to follow or imitate. I have read most all the "manly" books over the years to assist my understanding of the matter of what God expects of a man giving his life to Christ. I have been the "Man in the Mirror" and wished to be the "warrior in the mountains," but Rich Wagner has expressed the biblical basis for us to seek and live the Christian life, I believe, as God wants all men to do. Our legacy will indicate just how well we accomplish this in that there will be generational Christians in our families, and as such I believe when we then get to Glory, one deep joy will be shared -- mine to be forever with Him, and His that I am there. . . .my four children and nine grandchildren will then pursue what they see of Christ in me.

Clint Frank, retired

This is a challenging book that directly addresses the myth that many men (including myself) have fallen victim to. Namely, that being the financial leader (provider) is the primary duty of the father. Instead, Rich artfully asserts that a father's primary duty is to be the (at home) pastor to his family; which easily gets lost in this age of professional ambition.

This book is a valuable tool, particularly for father's who now see the need to take a more direct approach in leading their families. Thanks for the challenge Rich!

This book will challenge and motivate every man as they look at "structure" of their life. Rich's book has challenged me to examine my life and what I place as my priorities.

I would highly encourage every christian dad to read this book. Many of us lose perspective along the way about what it truly means to be a husband and a father. Rich's book challenges us to re-think career, hobbies, and even ministries in light of the greatest priority and adventure God has placed before us - our family.

Rich's writing style is rich in metaphors and stories that most men will be able to immediately relate to. I loved his use of movie quotes throughout his writing. Yet the most significant and appealing aspect of Wagner's book is that he writes from his own experience.

A timely, refreshing and bold challenge for 21st century christian dads. Highly Recommended.

Looking for adventure at work, in the military, church, sports, in the mission field, on the slopes of Mt. Everest, men eagerly test and refine their abilities and God given talents.
Spending countless hours in planning and strategizing, to teach, motivate, discipline, protect and reward those under their care. Prepared at a moments notice to go anywhere and everywhere in their quest to meet the challenge of leadership.

In The Expeditionary Man, Rich Wagner uses his own real life experience and those of other Christian men and writers to reveal that risk and adventure and perhaps life's greatest rewards may be found where we least expect them.

Abandoning the traditional view of a life built on balance, routine and obligation, Rich's writing redefines the role for men, especially fathers with children at home. Focusing on the biblical based priorities of a man's role, Rich unveils where God's work for a man begins, leading to an entirely new adventure filled life of countless challenges, wonders and excitement.

Spend less time being the bread winner, limit time with church or say no to the next mission trip is not something men, especially Christian men are accustomed to hearing. Which is the very reason this book should be on every man's must read list.

It has taken me several months to complete this challenging book. I would read a chapter and then chew on it for days or even weeks. I'm not kidding. This book is that kind of a book. You need to chew on it, swallow it, and then let its message marinade in your mind and heart. As a pastor to students and parents, I provided copies at a recent parent meeting, and I encouraged all the dads to get a copy. This book has already positively influenced some major decisions that I have recently made in my life with ministry, family, money, time management, etc. Thanks Rich, for going ahead of us like a Sherpa to prepare the route to the summit. I have officially left base camp and am heading for the "death zone." Praise God for someone who speaks a language that men can understand (at least I do).