Normal, Imperfect Heroes
The 'failures' God used to teach us about leadership
The heroes of the Bible are much more like you and me than we realise, and if he called them, he's calling us too.
In stock
ISBN-13
9780281090983-grouped
From £12.99
James is a Devon boy and hugely proud of it. He still can’t quite believe that God has brought him home to be Bishop of Plymouth. He’s married to Liz, the beauty and brains of the marriage, and they have two fantastic sons, Josh and Toby, and a wonderful daughter-in-law, Rebeccah. He’s been ordained for over half his life and in that time they have served in large urban churches, small rural ones and started a church to reach young people with little or no experience of faith.
Liz is married to James and has the same children. She’s also author of another book, Beginning Unlimited (Instant Apostle, 2018). She’s a scientist, harpist and theologian. When she’s not being clever, she’ll be sea swimming!
Liz is married to James and has the same children. She’s also author of another book, Beginning Unlimited (Instant Apostle, 2018). She’s a scientist, harpist and theologian. When she’s not being clever, she’ll be sea swimming!
"James and Liz have put their finger on one reason why so many - particularly in the rising generation - are reluctant to step into leadership: we are aware of the failures of others in positions of leadership, often played out in public, and only too aware of our own shortcomings. But the world needs leaders! Normal, Imperfect Heroes reminds us that through his transformational grace, God raises up and uses unlikely people for his purposes. I pray that this book will encourage a surge of leaders to step forward humbly but confidently."
"In the midst of a noisy world, every so often a fresh voice appears that is worth stopping our restless activity to listen to. One that speaks old things in new ways. In this case it is a dual voice - an amalgam of husband and wife. An activist and a thinker. A joker and a priest. It works spectacularly well. They find a sweet spot that narrates their shared story of ministry but also their shared gleaning from the flawed, yet inspiring stories of the leaders of Scripture. In the midst of their glorious and at times comedic honesty, you might just find a way through our present crises of trust, leadership and polarisation. The Griers allow us a window into a world where imperfection, disagreement and embrace can co-exist by boldly letting us into theirs."
"James and Liz brilliantly unpack biblical characters and their stories with humour and sensitivity throughout. I found the wise insights and reflections weaved into the stories challenging and helpful and am sure this book will be both a great encouragement to many from those starting out in faith to those who have been walking with Jesus a long time. A great resource tackling important issues for a time just like this."
"Grounded, real and at times humorous. James and Liz have written a thought-provoking and challenging exploration of some of the best known characters in the Bible. Flawed and fallible, we discover we are all of infinite value to a God who loves us regardless."
"James and Liz present a gloriously humbling and encouraging view of what it is to lead in Jesus' Kingdom. Benefitting from their rich study of Scripture and years of experience, the book is full of examples of flawed people achieving momentous things through God. It is a reminder that, even when we feel like failures, God is bigger. And that is a reminder we all need regularly."
"I have been privileged to have seen the remarkable ministry of Bishop James and Liz Grier. James (with Liz's help) has given an intriguing look at some of the flawed heroes of the Bible with delightful touches of humour to carry the lessons to be learned."
"James and Liz's book comes at a cultural moment when we need honest and more nuanced conversations about the nature of human brokenness in the context of Christian leadership. This hope-filled book is full of the Grier's own hard-worn pastoral experience alongside biblical insights from less-than-ideal-leaders. They give comfort and challenge in equal measure."
"Normal, Imperfect Heroes contains both challenge and encouragement to follow Jesus faithfully in whatever position of influence and leadership we might have. And ultimately, James and Liz remind us that failure and weakness don't have the final word - God very much does."
"In the normal, imperfect, messy journey of my own life and ministry, James and Liz Grier have been kind and most generous companions.They've walked with me through many chapters of my story, and in this book, they walk with us through the stories of many of the "heroes" of Scripture, unpacking the truth and wisdom of Bible characters with fresh authority. Ultimately, this book gives a fresh revelation of the free and generous love of Jesus, the only unfailing hero.'
About
No one doubts that we are all flawed people, but in our social-media driven, polarized society, we often fall into the trap of categorising people as wholly good or wholly bad. In reality, everyone is a mix of the two. What's more, we realise that God loves and calls people in spite of their faults and failings, and that we're still not 'good' enough to qualify.
Drawing on years of careful study and pastoral ministry, Bishop of Plymouth James Grier reveals the ways in which the heroes of scripture are more like us than we realise, with both their God-given strengths and profound weaknesses. The book is in four parts: exploring the beginning of leadership in Genesis, through Moses, the first two Kings and finally Jesus' apostles. Bishop James, along with his wife Liz, adds to this teaching with insights and anecdotes from their own experiences.
This is a book for anyone who is trying, with varying degrees of success, to follow Jesus, whether as a leader or simply as a follower. It will offer reassurance to those who have been shaken by the failure of a leader, aspire to step into leadership themselves or are just trying to lead where they are. It asks questions of our hearts and attitudes, and it provides practical encouragement as we seek to follow God and become more like him, despite our shortcomings.
Drawing on years of careful study and pastoral ministry, Bishop of Plymouth James Grier reveals the ways in which the heroes of scripture are more like us than we realise, with both their God-given strengths and profound weaknesses. The book is in four parts: exploring the beginning of leadership in Genesis, through Moses, the first two Kings and finally Jesus' apostles. Bishop James, along with his wife Liz, adds to this teaching with insights and anecdotes from their own experiences.
This is a book for anyone who is trying, with varying degrees of success, to follow Jesus, whether as a leader or simply as a follower. It will offer reassurance to those who have been shaken by the failure of a leader, aspire to step into leadership themselves or are just trying to lead where they are. It asks questions of our hearts and attitudes, and it provides practical encouragement as we seek to follow God and become more like him, despite our shortcomings.
Author
James is a Devon boy and hugely proud of it. He still can’t quite believe that God has brought him home to be Bishop of Plymouth. He’s married to Liz, the beauty and brains of the marriage, and they have two fantastic sons, Josh and Toby, and a wonderful daughter-in-law, Rebeccah. He’s been ordained for over half his life and in that time they have served in large urban churches, small rural ones and started a church to reach young people with little or no experience of faith.
Liz is married to James and has the same children. She’s also author of another book, Beginning Unlimited (Instant Apostle, 2018). She’s a scientist, harpist and theologian. When she’s not being clever, she’ll be sea swimming!
Liz is married to James and has the same children. She’s also author of another book, Beginning Unlimited (Instant Apostle, 2018). She’s a scientist, harpist and theologian. When she’s not being clever, she’ll be sea swimming!
Reviews
"James and Liz have put their finger on one reason why so many - particularly in the rising generation - are reluctant to step into leadership: we are aware of the failures of others in positions of leadership, often played out in public, and only too aware of our own shortcomings. But the world needs leaders! Normal, Imperfect Heroes reminds us that through his transformational grace, God raises up and uses unlikely people for his purposes. I pray that this book will encourage a surge of leaders to step forward humbly but confidently."
"In the midst of a noisy world, every so often a fresh voice appears that is worth stopping our restless activity to listen to. One that speaks old things in new ways. In this case it is a dual voice - an amalgam of husband and wife. An activist and a thinker. A joker and a priest. It works spectacularly well. They find a sweet spot that narrates their shared story of ministry but also their shared gleaning from the flawed, yet inspiring stories of the leaders of Scripture. In the midst of their glorious and at times comedic honesty, you might just find a way through our present crises of trust, leadership and polarisation. The Griers allow us a window into a world where imperfection, disagreement and embrace can co-exist by boldly letting us into theirs."
"James and Liz brilliantly unpack biblical characters and their stories with humour and sensitivity throughout. I found the wise insights and reflections weaved into the stories challenging and helpful and am sure this book will be both a great encouragement to many from those starting out in faith to those who have been walking with Jesus a long time. A great resource tackling important issues for a time just like this."
"Grounded, real and at times humorous. James and Liz have written a thought-provoking and challenging exploration of some of the best known characters in the Bible. Flawed and fallible, we discover we are all of infinite value to a God who loves us regardless."
"James and Liz present a gloriously humbling and encouraging view of what it is to lead in Jesus' Kingdom. Benefitting from their rich study of Scripture and years of experience, the book is full of examples of flawed people achieving momentous things through God. It is a reminder that, even when we feel like failures, God is bigger. And that is a reminder we all need regularly."
"I have been privileged to have seen the remarkable ministry of Bishop James and Liz Grier. James (with Liz's help) has given an intriguing look at some of the flawed heroes of the Bible with delightful touches of humour to carry the lessons to be learned."
"James and Liz's book comes at a cultural moment when we need honest and more nuanced conversations about the nature of human brokenness in the context of Christian leadership. This hope-filled book is full of the Grier's own hard-worn pastoral experience alongside biblical insights from less-than-ideal-leaders. They give comfort and challenge in equal measure."
"Normal, Imperfect Heroes contains both challenge and encouragement to follow Jesus faithfully in whatever position of influence and leadership we might have. And ultimately, James and Liz remind us that failure and weakness don't have the final word - God very much does."
"In the normal, imperfect, messy journey of my own life and ministry, James and Liz Grier have been kind and most generous companions.They've walked with me through many chapters of my story, and in this book, they walk with us through the stories of many of the "heroes" of Scripture, unpacking the truth and wisdom of Bible characters with fresh authority. Ultimately, this book gives a fresh revelation of the free and generous love of Jesus, the only unfailing hero.'
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Drawing on years of careful study and pastoral ministry, Bishop of Plymouth James Grier reveals the ways in which the heroes of scripture are more like us than we realise, with both their God-given strengths and profound weaknesses. The book is in four parts: exploring the beginning of leadership in Genesis, through Moses, the first two Kings and finally Jesus' apostles. Bishop James, along with his wife Liz, adds to this teaching with insights and anecdotes from their own experiences.
This is a book for anyone who is trying, with varying degrees of success, to follow Jesus, whether as a leader or simply as a follower. It will offer reassurance to those who have been shaken by the failure of a leader, aspire to step into leadership themselves or are just trying to lead where they are. It asks questions of our hearts and attitudes, and it provides practical encouragement as we seek to follow God and become more like him, despite our shortcomings.