Followership: Faithful Following in an Age of Confusion
Ebook
Not all are called to be leaders, but all of us are called to followership. In these confusing times of fake news, uncertain truths, and questionable leaders, we must understand and respond with faithful followership. Moreover, faithful followership isn't required only when we step into the public square or tune in to our favorite news channel. In our personal journeys, families and marriages, workplaces, churches, and communities, we must decide who to follow and how to follow. Old patterns and habits require discernment, clarity with gender, culture, and race, and other factors, while understanding the important roles of worldview and community.
“As a diversity, equity, and inclusion leader, I appreciate the authentically transparent approach in this book. Each chapter drew me in, compelling me to reflect upon my understanding of followership as experienced throughout my life and in observations of others. This book will both challenge and equip you to be a better follower and leader within and beyond the workplace, across human differences, and throughout different life stages.”
—Rhae-Ann Booker, vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusion, University of Michigan Health-West
“Timmermans has a history of effective leadership in multiple organizations; based on this history, he could have written yet another leadership book. Instead, he gives his attention to the vital corollary of leadership—the wisdom, even when in leadership, of following well. This is a wise and winsome book, with lessons for followers and leaders alike.”
—Claudia Beversluis, professor and provost emerita, Calvin University
“I’ve read many books on leadership. But Steven Timmermans is the only author I know who has written on ‘followership.’ And this is not about old, hierarchical forms of submission. Rather, Steve illumines what it means to be a committed, discerning follower in today’s church and society. Here’s a refreshing, insightful look at a topic no one writes about but everyone practices: following.”
—Wesley Granberg-Michaelson, general secretary emeritus, Reformed Church in America
“Any book authored by Steve Timmermans, a respected educational and denominational leader, has my attention. Here readers will find a refreshing contrast to the emphasis typically found in leadership literature on the role of the individual leader; instead, Timmermans offers fresh thinking and an upside-down-kingdom perspective on how Spirit-led followers can contribute to individual and societal well-being amidst the complexities of our day.”
—Karen A. Longman, professor of higher education, Azusa Pacific University
“As a president of an academic institution I read extensively in the literature about leadership. Now I wish I could also have read Steve Timmermans’ wise book. He not only shows how effective leadership must be grounded in discerning followership—he does it in a winsome manner that draws on compelling life experiences!”
—Richard J. Mouw, president emeritus, Fuller Theological Seminary
- Title: Followership: Faithful Following in an Age of Confusion
- Author: Steven R. Timmermans
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Print Publication Date: 2022
- Logos Release Date: 2023
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9781666759686, 9781666759662, 166675966X, 9781666759679, 1666759678, 1666759686
- Resource ID: LLS:9781666759686
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2023-03-05T10:59:25Z
Steven R. Timmermans is the emeritus executive director of the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA). Prior to leading the CRCNA, he served as president of Trinity Christian College in the Chicago area and in a variety of administrative and teaching roles at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Timmermans began his career in special education and pediatric psychology. He is married to Dr. Barbara Timmermans, a nursing professor; together they have seven adult children and seven grandchildren.