Near the beginning Bishop Carter describes the "Heroic Solo Leader." This, of course, is a person who has to do it all himself. I'd not heard this term before and it fascinated me, so I looked it up. It's an old model that we cherish - a single human being who will save us.
But, the problem is - it doesn't work. It doesn't work in business. Companies whose leader micromanages don't grow. It doesn't work in politics. It doesn't work in faith-based organizations.
Burnout is the end result for the solo leader and disillusionment for us followers.
Here is a quote from Bishop Carter's book:
It is no secret among professional ministers that there is a high risk of burnout. It is a spiritually taxing career. But I am convinced that much of this burnout in North American culture is due to a distorted image of ministry. The heroic solo leader discovers, over time, that human needs are vast and complex.
The heroic solo leader learns, over time, that he or she lacks the capacity to change people. Only God has the power to change, heal, and save.
There are many insights in the book, but this is my big take-away.
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