Pipeline by Todd Adkins

I downloaded a free ebook titled “Pipeline-Creating and Curating a Recruiting Culture” by Todd Adkins (Lifeway).

The title of the book drew me in because it’s exactly what our church needs. As with all books I read, I always hope for an easy answer to a complex problem, same as when I google for a health remedy (omega 3 antioxidants will cure all my problems!) It’s no surprise when the book doesn’t give an easy solution. But I was not disappointed with this book because it does give good insights of what I would run up against when trying to curate a culture different than the current culture. There are some ideas I haven’t thought of or needed to be reminded of.

My takeaways:

• leadership pipeline is a long-term investment in people, not delegate a task
• people must multiply themselves at their current leadership level
• there has to be core competencies and responsibilities for each level of the leadership pipeline ie all must be learners, be able to handle conflict, etc. in addition to role-based skills
• there must be a training pathway for the person to develop
• create an environment that builds biblical community during training

The book is a simple introduction with the intent of upselling you to a conference. I don’t mind that, that’s usually what free ebooks do. But it still gave helpful information.