Leadership as an Identity: The Four Traits of Those Who Wield Lasting Influence [Paperback]

Crawford W. Loritts (Author)

Book Description

Release date: January 1, 2009

Ask yourself this question: What type of character qualifies the people God chooses to use?

The question itself assumes an atypical answer, simply because it leaves out so much. To ask only about one's character seems inadequate when defining a leader. We surely need to ask about character, but also about personality, communication skills, IQ, education, previous experience, and more... don't we?

Crawford Loritts disagrees. He answers the question with four simple words: Brokenness, communion, servanthood, and obedience.

These four traits form the framework for Leadership as an Identity. By examining each trait, Loritts undermines many pervasive assumptions about leadership that are unbiblical.

According to Loritts, God doesn't look for leaders like the world does. He looks for disciples, and ironically, as these disciples follow Him, they will lead.

Editorial Reviews

Review

There are many definitions and examples of leadership today. My friend Crawford Loritts writes that the responsibility of leadership must be received as a God-given trust. God builds our inner life to equip us with the convictions, the strength, and the resources necessary to lead in ways which leave a legacy for future generations. This book will inspire and equip you to become a leader God uses for His glory.
-Tony Dungy, Football coach, Indianapolis Colts

About the Author

CRAWFORD LORTTIS (Philadelphia Biblical University; Biola University) is the senior pastor of Fellowship Bible Church in Roswell, Georgia. He has written numerous articles and is author of six books, including Leadership as an Identity and Lessons from a Life Coach. Dr. Loritts and his wife, Karen, have four grown children and live in the Atlanta, Georgia area.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Moody Publishers; New Edition edition (January 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802455271
• ISBN-13: 978-0802455277
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.6 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #71,273 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Leadership Identity November 5, 2010

By crickett

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is one of the incredible books I have read on Leadership. Well written and easy to understand. I recommend it to all ministry leaders

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the Best February 16, 2010

By J. Shiver

Format:Paperback

After seeing Dr. Loritts speak at a men's retreat on Leadership as an Identity, I was taken with this man. He truly is one of the most humble servants of God you will ever meet, and his book reflects this. As a rising leader in a local church, I knew that I needed to learn more about leadership, but I was tired of all of the corporate/business themed leadership books. A church is not a business, it is a sanctuary.

After reading Loritts book Leadership as an Identity, I can honestly say it is one of the best books out there. The essence of leadership, according to Loritts, is not the mechanics but the placement of the heart. Our hearts and our relationship with God is what is most important in becoming leaders in the church. I give this book my highest recommendation!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Should be required reading for pastors & politicians! September 5, 2009

By Merry Mary

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is an important book for today's culture. The author presents leadership as an assignment from God. This perspective provides an entirely different starting point from where most modern leaders start. As a result, the overwhelming pride and sense of entitlement that many current leaders display is shown to be antithetical to the type of leader that Crawford Lorritts describes.

The four identity characteristics that the author descibes and elaborates upon are (1) brokenness (2) uncommon communion with God (3) servanthood and (4) radical & immediate obedience. I will highlight just a few valuable statements that make me want every pastor and government leader to read this book.

A quotation from Dr. Joseph Stowell who said, "leaders fall when they stop following"(p.44). The implication is that if a leader is not following God, then he can quickly go astray. But, the author doesn't merely stop there, he points out the solution "When you can embrace mistakes - and even failures - you've opened the door for growth and a different outcome for the next time." (p.68)

Lorritts also offers some important questions that a leader should ask himself/herself including "are you concerned with visibility and recognition, or with significance?" (p.136) Another insight expressed is "Sometimes God has to send us a painful reminder that His assignments are not meant to be about us." (p. 139) I hope this provides you with a picture of the contents of the book and why I believe it can be a helpful tool to all leaders and potential leaders.