The Character of Christ: Leading Transformation Through Transparency, Accountability, and Mentoring

“…only when believers are being transformed into the image of Christ will they have the God-given passion to redeem their neighborhoods by being the hands, feet, eyes, ears and voice of Christ. I pray that this book inspires, encourages, and empowers you to become more and more like Jesus in character.”

-Tim Wallingford

From the Introduction

Romans 8:29 reveals God’s purpose for each and every one of us – that we “be conformed to the image of His Son.” Transformation into Jesus’ character is an important process and you hold in your hands a stirring challenge and manual written by five qualified, effective Christian leaders to help you equip your church.

Application questions are provided at the end of every chapter. There are also group discussion questions at the end of each chapter that can be used by leadership teams to create dialogue, tear down silos, wrestle with core values, created shared meaning, build camaraderie, and discuss ways to enhance the systems and processes your church uses to promote and facilitate transformation.

Authors: Alan Ahlgrim, Jeffrey Derico (editor), David Faust, Bob Russell, Larry Travis, and Tim Wallingford (see pages 193 – 195 for their biographical information)

Alan Ahlgrim is the Founding Pastor of Rocky Mountain Christian Church in Niwot, CO and transitioned to become the Director of Pastor Care and Leadership Development at Blessing Ranch in Livermore, CO. He has degrees from Milligan College, B.A.; Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Master of Divinity; and Fuller Theological Seminary, Doctor of Ministry. Dave Faust has led churches in New York and Cincinnati, and currently serves as Associate Minister with East 91st Street Christian Church in Indianapolis. For 12 years he was president of Cincinnati Christian University. He has written several books, and for the last 22 years he has authored a weekly column for The Lookout magazine. He served as president ot the 2006 North American Christian Convention. Bob Russell realized at an early age a desire in his heart to enter the ministry. Soon thereafter, he enrolled in Cincinnati Bible Seminary where he graduated in 1965. At just 22 years of age, Bob became the pastor of Southeast Christian. That small congregation of 120 members became one of the largest churches in America, with 18,000 people attending the 3 worship services every weekend in 2006 when Bob retired. Now through Bob Russell Ministries, Bob continues to preach at churches and conferences throughout the United States, provide guidance for church leadership, mentor other ministers and author Bible study videos for use in small groups. Larry Travis was called into the ministry when he was 21 years old and the journey of ministry has been incredible since. This journey has led him from youth ministry, to preaching ministry, to college professor, to college administration, and now back to the preaching ministry at Nicholson Christian Church in Independence, KY. He has been fortunate to travel to 37 countries preaching and training leaders. Tim Wallingford has a B.S. from Cincinnati Christian University; M.A. in Apologetics, M.M in Church Growth, and M.Div. from Cincinnati Bible Seminary. Tim did doctorate studies at Southern Baptist Seminary and received his D.Min from Emmanuel School of Religion. Tim has served in the local ministry 40 years. His experience includes being the lead minister in churches ranging from 23 members as a Seminary student to 2,300 members later in life. He has served as an adjunct professor 15 years.