WESTMONT, IL—Lead Like It Matters to God by Richard Stearns, president emeritus of World Vision US, has been named the Christian Leadership Alliance (CLA) 2021 Outcomes Conference Book of the Year. Stearns will speak about his new book and the theme of thriving as Christian leaders at the Outcomes Conference June 15-17 in Orlando, Florida.
Jeff Crosby, IVP publisher, said, “The leaders from more than 1,200 not-for-profit organizations and ministries who are a part of the CLA are a core audience for Richard Stearns’s powerful book on values-driven leadership in a success-driven world. I am delighted, as I know Rich will be, that the Christian Leadership Alliance has honored Lead Like It Matters to God with this prestigious honor.”
Stearns is a leader who has been tested as a CEO in secular companies and also as the head of one of the world’s largest Christian ministries. After stints as CEO of Parker Brothers and then Lenox, Stearns accepted the invitation to leave his corporate career to become the president of World Vision US, where he became the longest serving president in their seventy-year history.
In Lead Like It Matters to God: Values-Driven Leadership in a Success-Driven World, Stearns shares the leadership principles he has learned over the course of his remarkable career. As a leader who has navigated both secular and sacred spaces, Stearns claims that the values Christian leaders embrace in their workplaces are actually more important than the results they achieve—that God is more concerned about a leader’s character than a leader’s success.
Stearns said, “Leadership affects every dimension of our human experience. Leadership can unite us, lift us up, and inspire us to achieve great things. And leadership is crucial to accomplishing God’s purposes in our world. In short, leadership matters to God and so it ought to matter to us.”
With wisdom, wit, and biblical teaching, Stearns shares captivating stories of his life journey and unpacks seventeen crucial values that can transform leaders and their organizations. When leaders embody values such as integrity, courage, excellence, forgiveness, humility, surrender, balance, generosity, perseverance, love, and encouragement, they not only improve their witness for Christ they also shape institutions, influence culture, improve team performance, and create healthy workplaces where people can flourish.
Christian Leadership Alliance president and CEO Tami Heim said: “In Lead Like It Matters to God, Rich Stearns is extremely transparent as he shares his lifelong experiences. It is impossible not to be significantly influenced by his stories. The lessons he learned on his quest to be a values-driven leader in a success-driven world are highly relatable and inspiring. I appreciate how each chapter carries a refreshing dose of humility. His desire to know, love, and serve God reminds us that a life surrendered to Christ is missional in every way and in every assignment. This book is a gift to all leaders, wherever you are in your transformational journey.”
Crosby said, “CLA’s mission is to equip leaders to transform the world for Christ. I can think of few resources that if read and applied thoughtfully will equip leaders better than Lead Like It Matters to God. IVP is privileged to be its publisher and to carry Rich’s message throughout North America and all around the world.”
For more information about his work and background read this interview with Richard Stearns on Christian leadership.
Contact: Krista Clayton, Associate Director, Publicity, 630.734.4013, kclayton@ivpress.com ivpress.com
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