The Influential Christian: Learning to Lead from the Heart

by Michael W. Andrews, Shakeema North (Foreword by)

Overview

As Christians, each of us is called to bring people together through the Spirit of God. By developing our inner character—our heart—we can have a greater role in other people’s lives, and others can have more significance in our own growth as leaders. Genuine influence is a deep summons to our most authentic selves—an exciting exploration that is often missing in our culture of quick fixes and easy advice.

In The Influential Christian, Michael W. Andrews reveals how engaging in spiritual practices that exercise empathy allows us to cultivate influence in our personal, professional, and spiritual lives. Drawing upon God’s spiritual resources as we interact with other people, we build the integrity necessary to be empathic leaders.

As readers will discover, building character is much more than completing a checklist of self-improvement initiatives—it’s a pilgrimage into the full meaning of being human and being Christian.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781538151730
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	10/15/2021
Pages:	228
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.56(d)

About the Author

Michael Andrews has taught and preached in several churches for over three decades. He retired as an engineer from the telecommunications industry, after directing several research and development projects. In addition to his degrees in electrical engineering, Michael has a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry. He is an ordained minister affiliated with the Churches of Christ.

Table of Contents

Foreword Rev. Dr. Shakeema North xiii

Introduction xv

1 Connecting Hearts 1

Aim for the Heart 4

Learning Is Leading 6

An Empathic Approach 10

Questions for Group Discussion 12

Regardless of Where You Come From, There Is Hope 13

2 Influence Guided by Empathy 15

Understanding Empathy 16

Attributes of Empathy 19

Empathy Is Contextual 20

Empathy Is Humble 21

Empathy Is Rooted in Narrative 22

Empathy Is Communal 23

Empathy Is Purpose-Centered 24

Empathy Is Action-Oriented 25

Empathy Is Risky 26

Summary: Empathy as a Virtue 27

Distortions of Empathy 28

Identification 30

Manipulation 30

Isolation 31

Projection 32

Summary 33

Empathy as a Focal Concept 35

Empathy and Influence 37

Questions for Group Discussion 39

People Together Serving Daily (PTSD) for God 41

3 Influence Formed Through Practices 43

Understanding Practices 45

Understanding Influence 46

Biblical Perspectives 47

Contemporary Perspectives 48

Some Surprises 50

Identity and Integrity 52

The Practice of Formative Presence 54

Identity in Christ 57

Identity in Community 58

Identity in Oneself 60

Challenges to Formative Presence 61

The Practice of Resilient Trust 63

Integrity in Christ 64

Integrity in Community 65

Integrity in Oneself 68

Challenges to Resilient Trust 68

Empathic Skills 70

Questions for Group Discussion 73

The Long Journey of a Relationship Has the Most Influence 75

4 Empathic Reception 77

Open Thinking 80

Value 80

Listening 81

Dialogue 83

Transformation 84

Receptive Engagement 86

Receptive to God 86

Receptive to Community 88

Receptive to Oneself 91

Apprenticeships 93

Support 93

Challenge 95

Vision 96

Balance 98

Reception and Christian Influence 99

Practical Exercises 100

Questions for Group Discussion 102

It Takes Courage to Step Out into the Darkness 103

5 Empathic Reflection 105

Perceptive Thinking 108

Engagement 109

Form-Giving 112

Emergence 114

Release 115

Reflective Engagement 116

Reflective with God 116

Reflective with Community 118

Reflective with Oneself 121

Friendships 123

Excellence 124

Vulnerability 124

Forgiveness 126

Health 127

Reflection and Christian Influence 129

Practical Exercises 131

Questions for Group Discussion 133

If You Don't Reflect, It Didn't Happen 135

6 Empathic Response 137

Social Thinking 142

Justice 143

Initiative 144

Power 146

Love 147

Responsive Engagement 148

Responsive to God 148

Responsive to Community 149

Responsive to Oneself 151

Kinships 152

Adoption 153

Accountability 154

Loyalty 155

Durability 156

Responsiveness and Christian Influence 157

Practical Exercises 159

Questions for Group Discussion 162

Our Community Can Rise Together 163

7 Influence and Its Implications 165

Influence and Education 167

Forms of Education 167

Training in Education 168

Examples 171

Influence and Interconnectivity 173

Benefits and Challenges 174

Training for Interconnectivity 174

Examples 176

Influence and Nonviolence 177

Sharing in Suffering 178

Demonstrating Formative Presence 180

Examples 183

Influence and Truth 184

Truth Makes Us Free 186

Demonstrating Resilient Trust 187

Examples 188

Influence and Love 189

Questions for Group Discussion 191

Notes 193

Bibliography 205

Scripture Index 211

Index 219

Biography 229

Editorial Reviews

Thanks to Michael Andrews who gave us The Influential Christian. It supports readers who want to build impactful and helpful behavior in themselves and others. Michael did his homework in gathering and weaving together stories from notable leaders, great ideas, and Scripture passages into a resource that is a pleasure to read and can transform us from the inside. This book is so loaded, one time through won’t do it. It’s a read-and-reflect-on-bite-sized-chunks resource for learning the most important life skills. His teaching can help with what my favorite psychiatrist suggests as a primary goal in life, ‘to be the kind of people in whose presence good things happen.

Jim Petersen

The Influential Christian is a wonderful book filled with stories and wisdom gleamed by the author from leading theorists and practitioners from around the world. Michael Andrews has woven a wide array of quotes from the Bible and Christian leaders that clearly show how one can lead from the heart. His insights and guidelines on empathy are superb. I highly recommend this book for anyone who has a calling to truly and deeply care and support others.

Dr. Michael Marquardt

In The Influential Christian, Mike Andrews takes us on a journey in leadership and learning, by asking whether we would like to have an influence on other people. In guiding us to answer the question for ourselves, Mike explores the multifaceted virtue of empathy, by showing how influence is formed through practices that allow us to grow both internally and in our relationships with others. As members of Christian communities, Mike calls on us to learn from Jesus, the ultimate exemplar of empathy, as we grow from his divine influence on us and manifest that influence on others. This is a provocative read.

Rev. Jonathan C. Augustine

Dr. Mike Andrews offers an insightful leadership tool with this book. Leadership is influence, and Mike has written a comprehensive, yet pragmatic guide to assist in understanding how Christian influence is lived out in our lives as well as its impact on others. I highly recommend adding it to your library.

Dr. Keith O'Neal

When it comes to matters of the heart, there is no better guide than The Influential Christian. Mike Andrews' modern take on Christian teaching presents an empathic approach to developing seekers in the faith. In a precisely developed narrative, this book unlocks ways to develop meaningful connections with Christ, from a place deep in the heart, through generous, persistent, and influential love.

Ellen Clark Clémot

The older I get as a minister and a man, the less enamored I become with the career-building and name-making ‘resume virtues,’ and the more enamored I become with the ‘eulogy virtues.’ These are the virtues we hope people will remember at our funerals such as love, kindness, generosity, approachability, and the like. With this hope in mind, my own daily prayer is that God will grant me character that exceeds my abilities, and humility that exceeds my influence. I am thankful for this wonderful book that Michael has written, which serves as a compelling road map for how to get there.

Scott Sauls

Mike Andrews has written an important book on a crucial topic: leading from the heart to the heart of others for the sake of faithful Christian education and formation. Too often we think of educating people as if they are "brains on sticks" - here Mike shows beautifully the power of spiritual and emotional development and human connection for education, formation, and leadership. A wise and insightful book!

"Michael Andrews' fine book knows how to put first things recognizably first. Influence is about witness, not words, and the imitation of Christ is to fully embrace love as the architecture of our hearts. This book helps us take seriously what Jesus took seriously. You will be fortified by this journey."

Christian faith is a way of life--a way of being in the world together that enables all of us to thrive and to flourish. Michael Andrews' splendid book, The Influential Christian: Learning to Lead from the Heart, is a rich and wise description of the many ways Christians can learn this way of life and participate in it. I commend it heartily! I also encourage readers to gather with one another in their congregations, study groups, homes and work-places to draw upon its wisdom and to practice the kind of life together to which it calls us. It will enrich your lives greatly.

Dr. Mike Andrews offers an insightful leadership tool with this book. Leadership is influence, and Mike has written a comprehensive, yet pragmatic guide to assist in understanding how Christian influence is lived out in our lives as well as its impact on others. I highly recommend adding it to your library.

Grounded in Christian spirituality, this book brings inspiration to everyone who wants to have influence. It invites us to be truly and empathetically present with others, to reflect deeply and passionately, and to live and act from our hearts. These notions are elaborated with much care and depth, both theoretically and practically. The messages that this book conveys are both timeless and urgent and have important implications for teachers and coaches/mentors.

In this biblically rooted, highly practical guide, Michael Andrews offers a clear and helpful way for followers of Jesus to develop a lasting, transformative influence grounded in empathy and the way of love.

In The Influential Christian, Mike Andrews takes us on a journey in leadership and learning, by asking whether we would like to have an influence on other people. In guiding us to answer the question for ourselves, Mike explores the multifaceted virtue of empathy, by showing how influence is formed through practices that allow us to grow both internally and in our relationships with others. As members of Christian communities, Mike calls on us to learn from Jesus, the ultimate exemplar of empathy, as we grow from his divine influence on us and manifest that influence on others. This is a provocative read.

Michael Andrews understands the peculiar character of leadership in Christ's name. This book shows an experienced Christian educator's wisdom at work and gives practical guidance for how we can better influence fellow Christians for more faithful participation in Christ's mission.

Thanks to Michael Andrews who gave us The Influential Christian. It supports readers who want to build impactful and helpful behavior in themselves and others. Michael did his homework in gathering and weaving together stories from notable leaders, great ideas, and Scripture passages into a resource that is a pleasure to read and can transform us from the inside. This book is so loaded, one time through won't do it. It's a read-and-reflect-on-bite-sized-chunks resource for learning the most important life skills. His teaching can help with what my favorite psychiatrist suggests as a primary goal in life, 'to be the kind of people in whose presence good things happen.

The older I get as a minister and a man, the less enamored I become with the career-building and name-making 'resume virtues, ' and the more enamored I become with the 'eulogy virtues.' These are the virtues we hope people will remember at our funerals such as love, kindness, generosity, approachability, and the like. With this hope in mind, my own daily prayer is that God will grant me character that exceeds my abilities, and humility that exceeds my influence. I am thankful for this wonderful book that Michael has written, which serves as a compelling road map for how to get there.

The Influential Christian is a wonderful book filled with stories and wisdom gleamed by the author from leading theorists and practitioners from around the world. Michael Andrews has woven a wide array of quotes from the Bible and Christian leaders that clearly show how one can lead from the heart. His insights and guidelines on empathy are superb. I highly recommend this book for anyone who has a calling to truly and deeply care and support others.

What a refreshing study about how to become a more influential person! With solid research and winsome sensitivity, Mike Andrews emphasizes the value of empathy at a time when this virtue is sorely needed. This book will make you a more faithful leader and, more importantly, a more caring, Christ-like person.

When it comes to matters of the heart, there is no better guide than The Influential Christian. Mike Andrews' modern take on Christian teaching presents an empathic approach to developing seekers in the faith. In a precisely developed narrative, this book unlocks ways to develop meaningful connections with Christ, from a place deep in the heart, through generous, persistent, and influential love.

From the Publisher

Michael Andrews understands the peculiar character of leadership in Christ’s name.  This book shows an experienced Christian educator‘s wisdom at work and gives practical guidance for how we can better influence fellow Christians for more faithful participation in Christ’s mission.

Dr. Will Willimon

Christian faith is a way of life—a way of being in the world together that enables all of us to thrive and to flourish. Michael Andrews’ splendid book, The Influential Christian: Learning to Lead from the Heart, is a rich and wise description of the many ways Christians can learn this way of life and participate in it. I commend it heartily! I also encourage readers to gather with one another in their congregations, study groups, homes and work-places to draw upon its wisdom and to practice the kind of life together to which it calls us. It will enrich your lives greatly.

Dr. Craig Dykstra

Michael Andrews understands the peculiar character of leadership in Christ’s name. This book shows an experienced Christian educator‘s wisdom at work and gives practical guidance for how we can better influence fellow Christians for more faithful participation in Christ’s mission.

Will Willimon

Michael Andrews’ fine book knows how to put first things recognizably first. Influence is about witness, not words, and the imitation of Christ is to fully embrace love as the architecture of our hearts. This book helps us take seriously what Jesus took seriously. You will be fortified by this journey.”

Gregory J. Boyle

Michael Andrews makes a convincing case for centering empathy as a virtue essential for influencing and teaching people and communities. Engaging a wide array of resources across a long historical arc, he offers an authentic pathway accessible to people who learn in various ways. The Influential Christian is a valuable resource for all who long for a flourishing world.

David Emmanuel Goatley

Mike Andrews has written an important book on a crucial topic: leading from the heart to the heart of others for the sake of faithful Christian education and formation. Too often we think of educating people as if they are “brains on sticks” – here Mike shows beautifully the power of spiritual and emotional development and human connection for education, formation, and leadership. A wise and insightful book!

L. Gregory Jones L. Gregory Jones

In this biblically rooted, highly practical guide, Michael Andrews offers a clear and helpful way for followers of Jesus to develop a lasting, transformative influence grounded in empathy and the way of love.

Rev. Michael B. Curry

Grounded in Christian spirituality, this book brings inspiration to everyone who wants to have influence. It invites us to be truly and empathetically present with others, to reflect deeply and passionately, and to live and act from our hearts. These notions are elaborated with much care and depth, both theoretically and practically. The messages that this book conveys are both timeless and urgent and have important implications for teachers and coaches/mentors.

Dr. Fred A.J. Korthagen

What a refreshing study about how to become a more influential person! With solid research and winsome sensitivity, Mike Andrews emphasizes the value of empathy at a time when this virtue is sorely needed. This book will make you a more faithful leader and, more importantly, a more caring, Christ-like person.

Andrew Taylor Troutman

Mike Andrews has written an important book on a crucial topic: leading from the heart to the heart of others for the sake of faithful Christian education and formation. Too often we think of educating people as if they are “brains on sticks” – here Mike shows beautifully the power of spiritual and emotional development and human connection for education, formation, and leadership. A wise and insightful book!

L. Gregory Jones

In The Influential Christian, Mike Andrews takes us on a journey in leadership and learning, by asking whether we would like to have an influence on other people. In guiding us to answer the question for ourselves, Mike explores the multifaceted virtue of empathy, by showing how influence is formed through practices that allow us to grow both internally and in our relationships with others. As members of Christian communities, Mike calls on us to learn from Jesus, the ultimate exemplar of empathy, as we grow from his divine influence on us and manifest that influence on others. This is a provocative read.  

Jonathan C. Augustine

When it comes to matters of the heart, there is no better guide than The Influential Christian.  Mike Andrews' modern take on Christian teaching presents an empathic approach to developing seekers in the faith.  In a precisely developed narrative, this book unlocks ways to develop meaningful connections with Christ, from a place deep in the heart, through generous, persistent, and influential love.

Ellen Clark Clémot

In this biblically rooted, highly practical guide, Michael Andrews offers a clear and helpful way for followers of Jesus to develop a lasting, transformative influence grounded in empathy and the way of love.

Michael P. Curry