Normal, Imperfect Heroes : The 'failures' God Used to Teach Us About Leadership

No one doubts that we are all flawed people, but in our social-media driven, polarized society, we often fall into the trap of categorising people as wholly good or wholly bad. In reality, everyone is a mix of the two. What's more, we realise that God loves and calls people in spite of their faults and failings, and that we're still not 'good' enough to qualify.

Drawing on years of careful study and pastoral ministry, Bishop of Plymouth James Grier reveals the ways in which the heroes of scripture are more like us than we realise, with both their God-given strengths and profound weaknesses. The book is in four parts: exploring the beginning of leadership in Genesis, through Moses, the first two Kings and finally Jesus' apostles. Bishop James, along with his wife Liz, adds to this teaching with insights and anecdotes from their own experiences.

This is a book for anyone who is trying, with varying degrees of success, to follow Jesus, whether as a leader or simply as a follower. It will offer reassurance to those who have been shaken by the failure of a leader, aspire to step into leadership themselves or are just trying to lead where they are. It asks questions of our hearts and attitudes, and it provides practical encouragement as we seek to follow God and become more like him, despite our shortcomings.

James is the Bishop of Plymouth. He has been ordained for more than 25 years and has worked in churches of all shapes and sizes, including one which he planted with his wife, Liz. Together they are the pastoral leads for Youthscape’s Satellites summer event. They have two sons and two cats. They are based in UK.

Liz has recently been ordained and is a curate with St Mellitus College. In the past, she has worked as a physicist. and professional musician. She is based in UK.