A Book Launch and a Staff Transition

GCD Newsletter – Thursday, October 3, 2024

Last week GCD published our latest book, Finish Line Leadership: Setting the Pace in Following Jesus. The author is Dave Kraft, a long-time ministry leader who knows what it means to run hard after Jesus all the way to the end. In our day, this is such a needed book. You can read some of the endorsements and the table of contents in this post, “Finish Line Leadership: Book Launch.” And you can read an excerpt here, “Christian Leaders Have the Tough Conversations.”

I also want to share a personal and professional update that I shared recently in our GCD Writers’ Guild. In a few weeks, I’ll no longer be the managing editor for the GCD website.

I still love this ministry so much. I love that our mission is not only to produce resources that “make, mature, and multiply disciples of Christ” but that we also cultivate writers who can produce those resources.

But when I started working for GCD six years ago, my life was simpler. Our church was smaller, as were our six children, and my own writing had fewer formal commitments. And I didn’t coach two varsity sports or sit on a school board. I’m now in a season where I need to cut back. I’ve asked the GCD team if I could stay on as a staff writer, which they gladly accepted. So I don’t plan on disappearing!

If you’re interested in hearing more about the role, you can email Jeremy Writebol (jeremy@gospelcentereddiscipleship.com) and he can tell you more. He can also share a basic job description with you. If you know others who might be interested in applying, please point them to Jeremy. In addition to being a good managing editor, we’re hoping we can find someone who is already familiar with and appreciates the GCD writing culture.

Thank you for sharing your words with me over these years. I grew so much as a writer and editor, a pastor and a Christian because you allowed me to steward the truth God laid on your hearts.

Thanks,

Benjamin

Last Week at GCDiscipleship.com

Finish Line Leadership: Book Launch
By Dave Kraft

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” From a Roman jail, the Apostle Paul wrote these iconic words to a younger ministry leader. Paul was cold and winter was coming. “Do your best to come to me soon,” he wrote to Timothy. In whatever time Paul had left, he wanted to pour his life into this younger leader, strengthening Timothy in the calling God had placed upon him. Finishing well in the Christian life, especially as a leader, is hard. So many leaders struggle to finish well, and too many fail. Dave Kraft has over five decades of ministry experience. Throughout this time, he has made it his personal life mission to help develop, equip, and empower leaders in local churches so that they finish their race well. Kraft’s book Finish Line Leadership is his version of 2 Timothy, his heartfelt plea and practical steps to run the race with integrity and joy.

Christian Leaders Have the Tough Conversations
By Dave Kraft

“I couldn’t believe my ears! I had been working with this pastor for a few years, and over that time, we had built a solid and open relationship. One day, he told me he was seriously considering leaving the church. I was shocked. He shared with me that one of his elders was giving him a very difficult time and thought perhaps it was time to move on. I told him that I, quite frankly, didn’t understand. Most everyone I knew at the church loved and respected him. I suggested he sit down with this elder and get to the bottom of the issue. Almost apologetically, he told me that he was not very good at conflict and could not, or would not, confront this elder and have the tough conversation. What eventually happened was that this elder decided to leave the church, so this pastor stayed put. I would like to say that this fear of having tough conversations was rare, but sadly, it’s quite common.”

3 Misconceptions about Effective Evangelism:
Encouragement for a Wavering Witness
By Jana Carlson

“Evangelism is hard for me. While some people effortlessly direct conversations to the gospel of Jesus Christ, I flounder with words, doubt the efficacy of my testimony, and sometimes hesitate to talk about my faith because I fear it may offend or the timing may not be appropriate. Most of us know someone for whom evangelism seems natural as they clearly and boldly share the gospel with strangers and loved ones alike. We think of the apostles in the book of Acts and marvel at their courage in proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ, even risking their lives. Indeed, these “evangelism heavyweights” exemplify effective evangelism. But their example can intimidate those like myself who find our evangelism muscle weak. However, we can be encouraged because, according to the Bible, evangelism involves more than explicit gospel declarations. Identifying common misconceptions about evangelism can help us overcome discouragement about our evangelistic attempts.”