"Leading Through Storms is unlike any other leadership book I have read. It takes us through the trenches, walking us along the realistic path of struggle as we attempt to lead amidst challenges and uncertainty. Bishop Dudley shares from the heart while helping us to stand firm even as waves of doubt crash around us. This book is for everyone. Highly recommended."--Michael O. Emerson, Chavanne fellow in religion and public policy at Rice University in Houston, Texas, and coauthor of Divided by Faith and the Religion of Whiteness
"This is a powerful leadership book marinated in a painful personal narrative. It is well-crafted, helpful, and honest. It is also raw, compelling, and unsettling. But most of all, it is intrinsically hopeful."--Shane L. Bishop, senior pastor of Christ Church in Fairview Heights, Illinois, and author of That's Good News, The Ping Life, and the Trail Guide Series
"Written with an unparalleled level of honesty, the narrative of his leadership journey is a story that will equip leaders for the storms that arise in ministry be it megachurch Visionaire or senior pastor of a storefront church."--Walter Scott Thomas, senior pastor, New Psalmist Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland, from the foreword
"Bishop Dudley captures the essence of academia and application of leadership development theories by using his real life narrative as the lens by which Leading Through Storms causes you to view leadership. He puts the theories of leadership in the test tube of the challenges of ministry, and with each chapter, the Bunsen burner is turned up, and the reader learns how to lead him/herself and to inspire their followers to accomplish the vision of the church."--Joshua D. Henson, associate professor, chair of graduate studies, and director of the MBA program at Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida
"Leading Through Storms should be required reading for leaders in ministry, especially new pastors. The challenges are written about in an authentic way that leaves you feeling like Bishop Dudley knows your story and you are not alone. His transparency and vulnerability are rare and a great encouragement."--Angela M. Tate, associate pastor at West Side Missionary Baptist Church in St. Louis, Missouri
"It is an honor to compose this endorsement for Leading Through Storms by Bishop Geoffrey V. Dudley. My acquaintance with Bishop Dudley since 1993 has profoundly influenced my family and the church my wife and I lead. Throughout the previous seventeen years, we have observed his adeptness in overcoming adversities. His candor in this book, especially regarding the challenges faced in ministry, provides essential insights for all leaders. Bishop Dudley's narrative exhibits transformational leadership and serves as an essential guide for individuals confronting the challenges of pastoral life."--Mack L. McCullough, senior pastor at Word in Season Ministries
"There are a plethora of definitions for leadership and thousands of books on shelves in major bookstores. Leading Through Storms is a great tool for leaders that are marketplace secular thinkers as well as many who are vital voices in the sacred community. The concept of the core team of our ministries that helps navigate times of uncertain 'space' moments is relevant to current times. Bishop Dudley has merged his scholarly insights and life experiences that prepare every leader for the chaos when people jump ship and to be okay to ask for help after the storm!"--Wanda Frazier-Parker, co-pastor at Truth Tabernacle Ministries
"Leading Through Storms is a love letter to every follower of Jesus who understands the call to lead sometimes requires us to lead while limping. Bishop Geoffrey V. Dudley Sr. has provided a masterful 'show and tell' guide that seamlessly weaves biblical texts, business acumen, and bold acts of faith to offer kingdom-building principles for those called to leadership in Christ's church. Bishop Dudley's transparency is rare and refreshing. The emotional vulnerability with which he shares the pinnacles and pitfalls of his church planting journey will provide encouragement to faith-walking leaders for generations to come. I highly recommend this book to everyone who has given God a 'yes, ' understanding that giving up with God is never an option."--Traci D. Blackmon, founder and lead consultant at HopeBuilds, LLC
"We often define leadership as influence and leave it at that. Rarely do we go deeper into how influence is implemented and executed in the dark days of leadership. Leading Through Storms will take the reader on a journey through the emotional struggles of a modern-day Elijah. Bishop Geoffrey Dudley vulnerably shares how he led a church during seemingly insurmountable struggles and utter depression. Through leadership theory, Scripture, praxis, and self-reflection, Leading Through Storms gives readers ears to hear and eyes to see how to lead themselves and others out of the storms of life."--T.D. Jakes, founder and senior pastor at The Potter's House
"A standout book for leaders facing the paradox of working with less while aiming to achieve more, who grapple with systemic inequities and face issues requiring new frameworks and fresh thinking! Bishop Geoffrey Dudley addresses these issues with transparency and hard-fought wisdom, exploring ways to balance the demands of leadership with the need for self-care to fulfill God's mandate to love your neighbor as yourself. Reading this book will inspire you to hope again, lead differently, think creatively, and champion a style that's resilient and persevering yet compassionate to self and others."--Dana Carson, president of Kingdom Theological Seminary in Houston, Texas
"Bishop Dudley skillfully uncovers the inequities in the church financial world which lead to the excessive stress that senior pastors, especially those of color, must navigate in order to serve their communities. Not only does he expose the racism in the financial space, he survived it to tell about it and give hope and a framework to help others through the minefield of church construction. Read this book so you can walk in the boardroom ready to negotiate and ready to lead in the pulpit."--Kenneth Lewis, CEO of Clearinghouse Advisory Group, Inc.
"Geoffrey Dudley's Leading Through Storms is a deeply personal and practical guide for those considering church ministry and for those already serving churches but might be wondering, 'What did I get myself into?' Weaving together his own story and the principles of leadership gleaned from a variety of sources, Dudley offers insights into how leaders can navigate through choppy waters or perhaps avoid some storms altogether. Share Leading Through Storms as a blessing to your church staff or with someone you know in seminary."--Dennis Edwards, seminary dean and vice president of church relations at North Park University
"Geoffrey Dudley passionately argues that leadership isn't just about theory--it's about practice. He believes that true understanding comes from delving into real-life experiences and uncovering the secrets that distinguish good leadership from bad. According to Dudley, challenging times are both a litmus test for leadership effectiveness and a classroom for strengthening leadership skills. In today's rapidly changing world, we need ministers who prioritize the well-being of others and embrace the reality that what worked in the past may not work in the future. It's not just about having good ideas; it's crucial to understand how to make effective decisions in a constantly evolving landscape. While the academic scholarship on leadership theories garners attention, the practical aspect of leadership needs more examination. This book stands out as it seamlessly blends Scripture, leadership scholarship, and real-world experience. Dudley offers a compelling combination of academic rigor, engagement with biblical text, and lived wisdom.This book is designed for practitioners who want to enhance their skills with a valuable resource and guide. It goes beyond just offering wise sayings, as it is the result of critical reflection on lived experience and is informed by solid scholarship. The book draws upon Scripture and emphasizes the importance of reflection, contextuality, and people-centered leadership--qualities essential for navigating the complexities of human experience in today's world. The examples and frameworks presented here are practical lessons for those striving to lead better. Journey with this scholar-practitioner as he explores the rich terrain of ministry leadership. This combination of insightful scriptural interpretation and practical wisdom is thought-provoking and relevant to the challenges faced in today's ministry. Ministry leadership is not just about holding a title or position. It's not just about who we are but also about what we do. Leadership is about how we interact with and influence others. It's about the impact we have on people, the difference we make, and the legacy we leave behind--all for the glory of God!This book is an open invitation to embark on a journey, explore, be challenged, and ultimately pave the way for good ministry leadership that is intentional and purposeful."--Antipas L. Harris, president of the Harris Institute and the Urban Renewal Center
"Leadership is mission critical, especially in a storm. My friend Bishop Geoffrey Dudley draws from his vast life experiences in ministry, military, academia, and relationships in writing Leading Through Storms. No easy platitudes, only well-earned wisdom in multiple storms distilled into pragmatic, actionable steps. You'll understand yourself and your storm and come out stronger."--Sam Chand, leadership consultant and author of Leadership Pain: The Classroom for Growth