Publications
The Tortoise Usually Wins: Biblical Reflections On Quiet Leadership For Reluctant Leaders by Brian Harris
Brian Harris, The Tortoise Usually Wins: Biblical Reflections On Quiet Leadership For Reluctant Leaders, Paternoster, 2013.
The Tortoise Usually Wins is a delightful exploration of the theory of quiet leadership. Written for reluctant leaders, it interacts with three key biblical images of leadership – the leader as servant, shepherd and steward – and links them with some of the key virtues of quiet leadership – modesty, restraint, tenacity, interdependence and other-centeredness. Brian Harris is the principal of a highly regarded theological seminary and also pastors a thriving local church, so the book carries the wisdom of both professor and pastor, satisfying the reader both intellectually and practically. These insights are supplemented by interviews with significant quiet leaders from around the world, ensuring a rich feast for prospective and current reluctant leaders. ‘Books on leadership are today two a penny. Just occasionally, however, one of these books might stand head and shoulders above most of the others, and to my delight The Tortoise Usually Wins falls into that category. Furthermore, so many books on leadership are written for natural leaders; whereas, as the author makes clear, most churches are led by “quiet leaders” who know they are not great, but nonetheless, are “tenacious and committed to the task and willing to work co-operatively with others to achieve it”. I can see many church leaders benefitting from this book. I warmly commend this unusual book’. Paul Beasley-Murray, Senior Minister, Central Baptist Church, Chelmsford; Chair of Ministry Today UK
About the author: Brian Harris is Principal of Vose Seminary, Perth. In 2009, he commenced as senior pastor of Carey Baptist Church in conjunction with his role at Vose, giving him valuable practical pastoral insight.