Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership: The Paradox of Personal Dysfunction [Paperback]

Gary L. McIntosh (Author), Samuel D.Sr. Rima (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1998

Using the early church as a teacher, this video helps you become an overcomer. If your past is chaining down your future, see how you can put aside the beggar's cup for the limitless boundaries of God's blessings.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Gary L. McIntosh is associate professor at Talbot School of Theology and director of their D.Min. program. He has led seminars for churches and church organizations across the country and has written four books, including Three Generations: Riding the Waves of Change in Your Church and Make Room for the Boom . . . Or Bust. Samuel D. Rima Sr., is the senior pastor of Bethany Baptist Church in Omaha, Nebraska.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Baker Books (March 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801090474
• ISBN-13: 978-0801090479
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #65,024 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #8 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Religious Studies > Psychology & Christianity

More About the Author

Gary L. McIntosh is professor of Christian Ministry and Leadership at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, and president of the Church Growth Network. He has consulted with church leaders in more than five hundred churches from fifty-five denominations. He is editor of the Church Growth Network newsletter and the Journal of American Church Growth. He has written or co-authored more than fifteen books and manuals.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An excellent study of leadership dysfunction., May 15, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership: The Paradox of Personal Dysfunction (Paperback)

As a church leader, I found this book to be revealing and extremely helpful. It helped me in my continuing attempts to walk closer to the Lord. Thus, I feel that this is an excellent book that should be read by all pastors and church leaders. In these days when churches are more concerned with numbers, church growth and attracting people through programs, this book is one which all church leaders need to read and absorb. The authors carefully examine the dark side of the individual, that part of the personality which often colors or determines the course or tone of one's ministry. They present ways an individual can gauge the extent and nature of his or her dysfunctional personality structure. They maintain that the dark side can be harnessed so that it can be used in a positive manner. They do not provide any easy solutions, but ones, which if followed, will allow an individual to grow in holiness day by day. McIntosh & Rima pull no punches. They maintain that character is more important than looks, ability, or charisma. Those who think otherwise, wind up denying their dark side. They become immature and dishonest leaders who, through manipulation and spiritual abuse, lead hurting and needy people away from God's grace. They can do so even with the most altruistic of intentions. Pastors and church leaders who want to make an honest evaluation of themselves and their relationship with God can begin by reading this book.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Protect Yourself From Moral Failure, August 22, 2003

By 

Michael Taylor "Michael Taylor" (Indian Trail NC) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership: The Paradox of Personal Dysfunction (Paperback)

Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership is a sobering account of what can happen when we refuse to allow God to deal with our inner being.

Indeed, with the moral failures we have seen in the ministry, business, and politics, anyone can benefit from this book. Among the important points the authors cover include:

1. Characteristics of particular types of leadership personalities.
2. Denying our dark side is dangerous to us and those around us.
3. Examining our past should serve not to assign blame to others, but to understand the influences in our lives and allow God to help us overcome those influences.
4. Beware of unrealistic expectations! (yours or others).
5. The importance of a daily quiet time and periodic retreats.
6. Our position in Christ is much more important than our position on earth.
7. No one is immune from the dark side.
8. Pride, selfishness, and self-deception are some of the tendencies that relate to our dark side.

Definitely a recommended read for anyone in a position of leadership or anyone who perceives the need to honestly examine their lives before God.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must-Read for Every Pastor or Pastoral Supporter!, February 19, 2005

By 

David R. Bess (Charleston, WV) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership: The Paradox of Personal Dysfunction (Paperback)

I've reviewed many books here, and seldom do I say that one is a must-read for every pastor. This title however, falls into that category. Not only is it of enormous benefit to pastors, but it will be very helpful in granting insight to others who want to understand better the enormous challenges we face and the dark side we all possess.

For pastors, this book is eye-opening in asserting that all of us must deal with a dark side in one form or another. For people supportive of us, this volume takes us off any super-human pedestal (we never really belonged there in the first place). It does so by providing insight into our very unique humanity that we too often deny.

This book is the first of its kind, and hopefully not the last. It is well worth the small investment required to purchase and the short time required to read.