Bill Hybels and Rob Wilkins, Descending into Greatness. Zondervan, 1994.
Referenced in: Servant Leadership
LifeandLeadership.com Summary
Hybels develops the theme of servant leadership with the term “downward mobility.” Although based on biblical exposition on the how Jesus led others, the chief value of this volume comes from the stories of people from all walks of life who have come to grips with the call of servant leadership.
From the Publisher
Learning to put God’s kingdom first by choosing to put self second is the secret to finding true satisfaction. This book examines how that is possible by looking at various real-world situations.
From the Back Cover
In a society where “upward mobility” is the highest goal, Bill Hybels asks a tough question: Do Christians place God’s desires first-or their own? In Descending into Greatness, Hybels and writer Rob Wilkins take the example of Christ’s downward journey as it was meant to be; the radical and essential answer for every Christian. In fourteen powerful chapters, the authors explore such topics as:
- How Jesus managed power.
- The intentional decisions necessary to move down.
- The uplifting nature of true humility.
- Abundant life through dying to self.
- The ambush of joy.
Moving down is never an easy matter that can be reduced to a formula. It involves a life committed to discipleship. Descending into Greatness introduces you to the touching stories of modern men and women committed to advancing the kingdom of God: from the pro football player, to the medical missionary, to a businessman wrestling with the priorities in the world of finance.
Descending into Greatness asks tough questions and gives hopeful answers. Now, this powerful, urgent message also includes a discussion guide so that you can follow through, too. “Like Christ, we must descend-into self-abandonment, unconditional giving, sacrifice, and death to self. And, like Christ, we will then ascend-into fulfillment, blessing, joy, and purpose.”
About the Authors
Bill Hybels (B.A. Trinity College) is the founding and senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois. Willow Creek’s innovative ministries have made it one of the most attended churches in North America. Hybels has authored over 20 books, including, Fit to Be Tied, and Rediscovering Church (with his wife Lynne), Honest to God, Too Busy Not to Pray, and Courageous Leadership.
Rob Wilkins is a freelance writer who wrote “Taking the Child’s Way Home” and, with various authors, seven other books. He received the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award. He lives in Zanesfield, Ohio.
***For additional information on this resource, including reviews, click the bookstore links. Check the reference at page top or the links below for resource guides on related topics.***
Related Areas
See Other Resources on Servant Leadership:
See Other Resources on Leadership in General:
See Resources on Over 100 Areas of Ministry Leadership: