Transformative change begins with those who seek to lead it and who are awake to who they are, their relationships and the wider organisation. As we lead and partner organisations, the powerful instrument we have is the person we are. Simply put who we are is how we lead.

Declining church attendance. A growing feeling of betrayal. For Christians who have begun to feel set adrift and disillusioned by their churches, Where Goodness Still Grows grounds us in a new view of virtue deeply rooted in a return to Jesus Christ’s life and ministry. The evangelical church in America has reached a crossroads. Social media and recent political events have exposed the fault lines that exist within our country and our spiritual communities. Millennials are leaving the church, citing hypocrisy, partisanship, and unkindness as reasons they can’t stay. In this book Amy Peterson explores the corruption and blind spots of the evangelical church and the departure of so many from the faith - but she refuses to give up hope, believing that rescue is on the way. Where Goodness Still Grows: Dissects the moral code of American evangelicalism Reimagines virtue as a tool, not a weapon Explores the Biblical meaning of specific virtues like kindness, purity, and modesty Provides comfort, hope, and a path towards spiritual restoration Amy writes as someone intimately familiar with, fond of, and deeply critical of the world of conservative evangelicalism. She writes as a woman and a mother, as someone invested in the future of humanity, and as someone who just needs to know how to teach her kids what it means to be good. Amy finds that if we listen harder and farther, we will find the places where goodness still grows. Praise for Where Goodness Still Grows: “In this poignant, honest book, Amy Peterson confronts her disappointment with the evangelical leaders who handed her The Book of Virtues then happily ignored them for the sake of political power. But instead of just walking away, Peterson rewrites the script, giving us an alternative book of virtues needed in this moment. And it’s no mistake that it ends with hope.” — James K. A. Smith, author of You Are What You Love

Pastors and other leaders feel trapped in systems and institutions where actions and decisions often seem to have little to do with the scripture they read or the theology they profess. They are swept into leadership norms that resemble business models more than mission. They see in others and (sometimes) recognize in themselves the disconnect between their own theology and their leadership. They feel unable to fully integrate their beliefs with their behavior. Many leaders—younger ones, especially—are frustrated and disillusioned by this disconnect. They see hypocrisy all around them, and in themselves. They see that our culture is at a critical juncture, which gives ministry a greater sense of urgency. But they want to do things differently, to be what they believe. They want to embody their Christian beliefs in every decision, every act of ministry leadership. The functional authority of scripture must be evident in the way church leaders lead, both within the congregation and in the public square. lead our churches. The way we church leaders lead proves the bible does—or does not—matter. In Embody, Karoline Lewis shows how to frame leadership in the church and public square theologically, and from the perspective of incarnation. She shows how leadership can be a direct line between what you believe and what you do. She incorporates examples of Jesus' leadership and the Paraclete in the Gospel of John, showing how leadership was achieved by walking beside. Embody offers practical things for the reader to consider and do, instruction and guidance for how to make the ‘integration steps’ necessary in order to become an embodied leader, and exploration of core components of embodied leadership.

Discovering the Authentic Self: A Guide to Unveiling Your True Identity" is a transformative journey into the depths of self-discovery and authenticity. In a world often marked by external pressures and societal expectations, this book serves as a guiding light for those seeking to peel back the layers of conditioning and reconnect with their true essence. Through poignant anecdotes, reflective exercises, and practical guidance, readers are invited to embark on a profound exploration of their inner landscape. From embracing vulnerability and cultivating self-compassion to unearthing core values and navigating relationships, each chapter offers invaluable insights and tools for living a more authentic and fulfilling life.

"This book's message is rooted in the philosophy that people inherently possess the wisdom necessary to make healthy choices and to live in balance. It emphasizes that self-love, acceptance of genetic diversity in body size, celebration of the unique beauty of every individual, and intuitive self-care are fundamental to achieving good physical and emotional health. It encourages readers to shift their focus away from ineffective, harmful weight-loss efforts towards improving and sustaining positive self-care behaviors. Initial research indicates that this work significantly improves people's ability to regulate eating, decreases depression and anxiety, and increases self-esteem--all critical resources that promote resiliency against eating and body image problems. Embody guides readers step-by-step through the five core competencies of the Body Positive's model: Reclaim Health, Practice Intuitive Self-Care, Cultivate Self-Love, Declare Your Own Authentic Beauty, and Build Community. These competencies are fundamental skills anyone can practice on a daily basis to honor their innate wisdom and take good care of their whole selves because they are motivated by self-love and appreciation. Rather than dictating a prescriptive set of rules to follow, readers are guided through patient, mindful inquiry to find what works uniquely in their own lives to bring about--and sustain--positive self-care changes and a peaceful relationship with their bodies"--

Dive into "The Awakening," a profound exploration of the human experience that takes you on a transformative journey from self-discovery to enlightenment. In this captivating work, the author, a seasoned guide in the realms of spirituality and self-awareness, delves into the fundamental questions that shape our existence. From unraveling the mysteries of consciousness to embracing the power of intuition, each chapter is a step towards a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. "The Awakening" embarks on an enlightening expedition, exploring the essence of being, the complexities of the mind, and the nature of desire. Discover the art of letting go, balancing desires with needs, and embracing multiple perspectives to foster unity in diversity. Navigate the path to fulfillment and enlightenment, uncovering your life's purpose, cultivating inner peace, and living authentically. Through the lens of self-compassion, resilience, and mindful living, the book offers insights into forgiveness, change, and the transformative power of gratitude. The conclusion reflects on the journey, urging readers to continue their pursuit of self-exploration and empowerment. "The Awakening" is a guide, a companion, and a source of inspiration for those who seek a life of fulfillment, enlightenment, and gratitude. Let the awakening continue as you empower yourself and embark on a journey towards a more profound understanding of the self and the universe.

Developing inner wisdom as a leadership strength Leading with Spirit, Presence, and Authenticity presents the perspectives of leaders, social scientists, and educators from around the world on the topic of developing inner wisdom. Structured around the notions of spirit, presence, and authenticity, the book encourages readers to reflect on their own lives as they read about their colleagues' diverse experiences, all in an effort to address difficult global systems challenges with a foundation of various wisdom lineages and practices. Each chapter is introduced by an editor with deep background experience in the topic at hand, and the book includes an examination of research on the essential nature of authenticity among leaders. Stories of leadership initiative from across nations illustrate the truly global nature of leadership inspiration, and accounts of teaching mindfulness, guiding leaders, and leading in the arts and humanities integrate critical theory with authentic leadership development. Topics include: Subtle interdependencies involved in modern leadership The contribution of sociological mindfulness to leadership education Authentic leadership as communicated through technology The role of spirit, and what the world needs from leaders A diverse mix of contributors, including a Sufi teacher, a social science journal editor, and a CEO, provide a truly inclusive examination of the ways a leader is defined by self and others. Leading with Spirit, Presence, and Authenticity, a volume in the International Leadership Series Building Leadership Bridges from the International Leadership Association, helps connect ways of researching, imagining, and experiencing leadership across cultures, over time, and around the world.