The Leadership Jump: Building Partnerships Between Existing and Emerging Christian Leaders

Leadership is changing. Not only are established leaders passing the baton to up-and-coming leaders, the very nature of leadership is being transformed. Veteran leader and cultural observer Jimmy Long has discerned how leadership positions and roles have changed in light of societal shifts. Authority is no longer derived from positional status but is earned from relational credibility. Leaders focus not only on tasks but on community. And leadership is less about directing followers to a particular destination, and more about empowering others on a shared journey. Existing leaders cannot write off emerging leaders because they work differently. Nor can younger leaders dismiss the contributions of those who have gone before. Here is a book that offers a positive vision for intergenerational partnership and leadership transference rather than competition. The practical tools outlined here will help existing and emerging leaders understand each others' leadership styles and collaborate fruitfully for the sake of the kingdom.

Jimmy Long (D.Min., Gordon-Conwell) is a regional director for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA. He is the author of several books and resources, including Small Group Leaders' Handbook, Emerging Hope and the Emerging Culture Curriculum Kit.