Dave Ferguson"A short but insightful read that can change lives forever – Anthony proves again that deep truths don’t have to be complex."
Carl Beech"Anthony is the real deal, a leader full of keen insights into how to unlock the gift and calling God has placed in you. Read this, then get hold of a bunch for your friends."
Dr. Krish Kandiah"Anthony Delaney is a gifted communicator and leader. He has an infectious passion for God and is making an outstanding impact in his community."
The Independent“Delaney is 'above all' a follower of Jesus: he has successfully utilised his engaging, measured manner to grow Manchester's Ivy Church to more than four times its size since he joined as leader five years ago. So significant today is the congregation, that events are now held several times a week at venues across the city, including Cineworld, a warehouse and even a nightclub...”
Dave Ferguson“Anthony Delaney is one of those amazing leaders who loves Jesus, loves the mission and is truly authentic in his faith. I love how Anthony is impacting his community and putting into place a network of reproducing churches to reach the UK. I'm truly inspired by his get-it-done attitude while totally depending on God.”
Mike Breen“Anthony is a rare kind of man. He’s a great leader but he’s honest about his weaknesses. He’s a charismatic personality, but he’s surprisingly self-effacing. He comes from an ordinary background but has never settled for mediocrity. He’s a strong man with a tender heart.”
Tim Morfin“So many people talk leadership theory but are not leading in significant ways. What Anthony brought to the TLG managers was so directly from his personal leadership experience. We were inspired to bring who we are to the leadership opportunities we have, to overcome opposition and build passionate teams who are focused on achieving goals. Inspirational and practical – a great combination!”
Most conflict isn’t about the issue – it’s about the role we step into. The Drama Triangle reveals how we default to victim, persecutor, or rescuer – the gospel invites us into a better way of truth, responsibility, and growth.
We love a party. Cake, candles, songs, traditions. But have you ever stopped to ask why we do these things? On Maundy Thursday, we’re invited into a different kind of meal – one that doesn’t just remember a story, but reveals the greatest act of love the world has ever seen.
You can’t convince me nothing is happening when we’re watching it unfold in real time.
Everyone builds a platform for their life.
Charisma won’t hold you.
Charm won’t sustain you.
Crowd-pleasing will tear you apart.
Only character lasts.
“You will always lead out of who you are.”
Leaders may like to think we’re independent thinkers and actors, but really we’re not. You are being formed every day – by who you spend time with, who you listen to, and what you give your attention to. Some people stretch you, strengthen and sharpen you, others dilute, distract, drain or may even be out to destroy you! Here’s a simple diagnostic to establish the truth about who is shaping your life: Nobody is a Stand-Alone Leader Leaders form communities, and we cannot be formed in isolation. We are shaped as we shape, in community – whether intentional or accidental. The question therefore is not if you are being shaped, it’s who is shaping you? And I think we need to be aware and intentional about that now, more than ever as that shaping includes: In a world of ‘influencers’ – some of the most influential “people” in your life may include some you’ve never actually met. Two Circles Every Leader Lives In We inhabit two communities: 1. Public Community These are the people who: This circle determines your influence. They are important. […]
Scripture reminds us that secular skills are not the primary qualification for spiritual leadership.
The first question is not: What expertise do they bring?
The first question is: What spirit do they carry?
Are they people who love God’s presence?
Are they humble servants?
Are they people of faith when others are fearful?
Are they known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom?
Reflection is the only way experience turns into wisdom. Without reflection we simply repeat the same patterns – just faster, and as my friend Michael Orokpo says, “If you are going the wrong way, increased speed is no advantage!’
For a long time the imposter (or accuser’s?) voice in my head said: ‘You’re too young.’
Too inexperienced.
Too early.
Not ready yet.
And then, almost without warning, that voice changed.
Suddenly it was saying:
‘You’re too old.’
It struck me one day that the enemy seems quite happy to use the same tactic in different ways, to get you out of the game – being a spectator instead.
Leadership questions change across the decades. The challenges of your 20s are not the same as your 50s or 70s. Each stage of life brings a different question that shapes who we become and how we lead. Understanding them helps us build a life – not just a ministry.
Most leaders don’t burn out because they lack ability.
They burn out because their giftedness keeps working while their soul slowly runs dry.
And by the time they notice, they’re already standing on dangerous ground.