From Chaos to Christ-Likeness
An Understanding of Seven Stages of Spiritual Development to Help Leaders Finish Well
Based on the evidence of his own life and many decades of ministry, and a study he conducted with 386 Christian leaders in different countries, Dr. Eddie Fernandes concludes that every Christian leader undergoes at least seven stages of spiritual development. These stages are seasons or phases during which the true self is being shaped to mirror the image of Christ, the goal being to progress through these developmental stages from Chaos towards Christ-likeness. Leadership crises both within and without the Church clearly reveals that the crippling stage Eddie identifies as “conflict” has damaged, disqualified or derailed the ministry of many godly leaders. Although these dedicated people may have begun their journey well, they did not end well. The proliferation of significant leadership scandals and failures represents the greatest crisis the world is facing currently. The Church urgently needs Christ-like leaders. The last twenty years have revealed that the most serious threat to the continued credibility and viability of Christianity, in an increasingly secular and skeptical culture, revolves around leadership. Eddie is convinced that Christian leaders are under a full, final, frontal and fatal attack from the dark forces that battle under the banner of God’s Enemy. Leaders everywhere are hurting and bleeding as they struggle to stay the course; all too often those within the Church itself inflict the greatest damage on their leaders! This book is designed to help leaders in every field remain firm and steadfast, to thrive rather than just survive, following great trauma. An understanding of these stages should inspire and encourage leaders to keep the faith knowing that those who do not quit are condemned to victory. Herein is hope for all who are tired, hurting and heavy-laden, in need of finding help and strength to keep on loving, giving and serving. The book provides a roadmap through seven stages of spiritual formation, designed to help leaders navigate the chaos of life and ministry and arrive at a place of genuine Christ-likeness and fruitful completion.