Hero Maker, by Dave Ferguson and Warren Bird, book review

Hero Maker: Five Essential Practices for Leaders to Multiply Leaders

Authors

Dave Ferguson and Warren Bird

Publisher Info

Zondervan, 2018. 268pp.

Summary

The words on the inside cover of Hero Maker capture the premise of the book when the authors state that “everybody wants to be a hero, but few understand the power of being a hero maker.” The authors provide a fresh perspective on what it means to be a leader, and beyond that to be a leader of leaders. Ferguson define being a hero maker as “a leader who shifts from being the hero to making others the hero in God’s unfolding story” (p.16).

I once heard someone say that we ought to be trying to work ourselves out of a job. This person was referring to developing leaders for the church and the world. We ought to make it our mission to develop others to do what we do, and more. This is the idea behind Ferguson and Bird’s newest book. They desire to lead others in to a better understanding of what it means to develop leaders. Ferguson states that “whether you are leading ten people or ten thousand, we want you to maximize your leadership and join our multiplying movement by becoming a hero maker” (p. 17). Ferguson points the reader to Jesus as the ultimate example of a hero maker and challenges us to be the same.

Benefit for Pastoral Ministry

As someone who recently took a new pastorate I can say the greatest benefit of this book is the challenge to remove yourself as the hero. The authors provide insight and practical help on how to enable your people for the work of the ministry. God did not call pastors to be the sole workers and professionals within the church. God uses his church to accomplish his purposes. We rob God and our people when we try to be the hero and do it all ourselves. I know that at times it can seem easier to just get it done and get it done right the first time by going it alone. However, God has called us to equip his people for the work of the ministry and I believe this book is a good, practical help to the pastor in achieving that goal.

With the market of leadership books available constantly growing this work is one that would benefit the pastor greater. Even if you find yourself in a position of leadership outside the church I believe this book is a great tool. We must learn to die to ourselves and make God and his mission the greatest priority. In doing so, we will recognize the need to equip others for his good work and purposes.