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<\/a>Let\u2019s be honest\u2026anything that has the slightest reference to Star Wars usually captures at least a little bit of my interest. In the area of Gary McIntosh and Samuel Rima\u2019s work \u201cOvercoming the Dark Side of Leadership\u201d, I found the title especially compelling before it challenges the role of leadership itself. The connection between Star Wars \u201cForce\u201d and \u201cDark Side\u201d have always been easy pickings for analogies in biblical thought. In my own opinion, I do not believe any other imagery has been able to capture and stick with the mind of Biblically-minded individuals like that between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader in their enigmatic struggle between good and evil. However, even more provocative is the struggle between one\u2019s own self in finding the true path to religious obedience; so how could this be used to confront church leaders\u2026I mean after all, aren\u2019t we supposed to be the ones that have already figured this all out?<\/p>\nThere were a number of things I actually enjoyed about this book; however, the primary thing I truly enjoyed was its ability to challenge the reader with their own struggles and potential obstacles in leadership. I am passionate about relating scripture to our own life; rather than separating ourselves from the message, I want to see where it applies to me. In the section titled, \u201cDiscovering Our Dark Side,\u201d I appreciated the methodology with confronting our own weaknesses. \u201cThere are many pastors and spiritual leaders today who feel the need to be in complete control of their organization in every minute detail.\u201d[1]<\/a> This reality has caused many spiritual leaders to lie to themselves and those they serve because of never appearing \u201cout of control.\u201d The need to never be seen as weak, unable, or even that we still have more to learn ourselves, interferes with the true task at hand\u2026spreading the gospel. The authors reference the short-comings of Moses\u2026I mean come on\u2026MOSES[2]<\/a>, as a means of demonstrating that we all still have issues that we have to overcome. We experience so many things in our role as leaders, and yet, somewhere we fail to realize we all have a need for learning humility. We were not chosen because we were perfect\u2026we were chosen because we were flawed. Paul (Saul) was a Christian persecutor; Peter made more mistakes than anyone did; Judas loved money; and all the apostles fled when Jesus was arrested. In my dissertation, I am working to demonstrate the value that we have as the people that God has called us and the importance of finding our identity in Christ. We all have not just strengths, but also weaknesses that God uses to spread His gospel; it does not mean that we embrace those weaknesses, but it does mean that we need to be honest about them.<\/p>\n Another great portion of this book was its use of Scripture. We just finished a class at church that discussed the topic of \u201cAdding to and taking away.\u201d In our discussion, we saw many messages regarding the purity of God\u2019s Word and the power that comes through it. At least in my own opinion, far too many spiritual reference books today fail to bring the Bible into the discussion. How do we learn not just how to be who we have been called to be, but even more importantly, to overcome the dark side within us, without bringing Scripture into it? Jesus said, \u201cI am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.\u201d[3]<\/a> He also encouraged us to \u201cLet your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.\u201d[4]<\/a> And yet, even with this kind of instruction and guidance, so many Christian leaders seem to trust in themselves rather than trusting in Scripture. I\u2019m reminded of Darth Vader trying to convince Luke, \u201cYou don\u2019t know the power of the Dark Side.\u201d How many ministers truly do not know the power of the LIGHT? The obsession over greed, ego, lust, and selfish ambition has somehow clouded the pursuit for love, faith, hope, and obedience. The ignorance that seems to be instilled as a result of searching worldly resources for answers rather than Godly ones has plagued the church for far too long. We search for answers through advertising, world-view, marketing, politics, and societal acceptability while forming our lessons, rather than searching God\u2019s own Word.<\/p>\n Further in regards to my dissertation aspirations, I found this resources valuable in regard to its help in showing how one\u2019s perspective toward developing identity can be effected based on their reliance upon Christianity as an influence; ironically, this was demonstrated through the life of President Abraham Lincoln. \u201cHis self-management techniques allowed him to release inner pressure before it imploded into a significant leadership failure during a precarious period in United States history.[5]<\/a>\u201d Now, someone may wonder how this quote may have had the effects I just mentioned, the reality is that what we find most important in our lives will dictate the courses of action we take. A leader that is more focused on the ministry may work more diligently at overcoming the \u201cdark\u201d issues of his\/her life; thus dealing with anger, hate, jealousy, lust, and even personal welfare in manners that protect the ministry over self. \u201cFor where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.[6]<\/a>\u201d So sometimes instead of reacting first, we pray instead; sometimes instead of reacting first, we study God\u2019s Word instead; and sometimes rather than doing what we want, we seek out what God wants instead. \u201cBut seek FIRST the kingdom of God and HIS righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.[7]<\/a>\u201d This is how we overcome the power of the dark side!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n McIntosh, G. L. (Ebook Edition 2010). Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership: How to become an effective leader by confronting potential failures.<\/em> Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing Group.<\/p>\n Ministry, T. B. (2002). Overcoming the Darkside of Leadership- The Paradox of Personal Dysfunction<\/em>. Retrieved March 1, 2018, from The Barnabas Ministry: http:\/\/barnabasministry.com\/review-darkside.html<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [1]<\/a> McIntosh, G. L. (Ebook Edition 2010). Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership: How to become an effective leader by confronting potential failures.<\/em> Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing Group.<\/p>\n [2]<\/a> Ibid.<\/p>\n [3]<\/a> John 14:6.<\/p>\n [4]<\/a> Matthew 5:16<\/p>\n [5]<\/a> McIntosh, G. L. (Ebook Edition 2010). Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership: How to become an effective leader by confronting potential failures.<\/em> Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing Group.<\/p>\nBibliography<\/h1>\n