A Will to Lead and the Grace to Follow: Letters on Leadership from a Peculiar Prophet

Throughout his time as bishop, Will Willimon has once a week sat down at his computer and tapped out short messages to the churches under his care. Sometimes his intention has been to comfort and console; sometimes it’s been to motivate and inspire. Sometimes he’s written deeply theological meditations on the mystery of the Resurrection; other times, he’s spoken in highly practical terms about what goes into making an affective congregation. Sometimes he wrestles with thorny issues of the day, like religion and politics; other times he lists the things you should do during the first week of a new pastorate. Always he’s brought to the task his trademark humor and insight.

A Will to Lead and the Grace to Follow brings together dozens of these messages, each of them a gem of pastoral advice. If you want to know about the ins and outs, the highs and lows, of being a leader of God’s people, you’ve come to the right place.

Will Willimon has long been a trusted colleague for working preachers. He is known for his encouragement of his fellow preachers to enjoy telling the truth of Jesus Christ. He is Professor of the Practice of Christian Ministry at Duke University Divinity School, Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program, and is a retired Bishop of the United Methodist Church. For 20 years as, as Dean of the Chapel at Duke University, Will became known as one of America’s most engaging preachers of the gospel.

Will Willimon has published many books, including his preaching subscription service on MinistryMatters.com, Pulpit Resource, and Fear of the Other: No Fear in Love, both published by Abingdon Press.