How Leaders Lose Their Way: And How to Make Sure It Doesn't Happen to You

by Peter Greer, Jill Heisey, Horst Chris (foreword)

Stay True to Your Mission for the Long Haul

How Leaders Lose Their Way is a powerful and reflective exploration of the pitfalls that can send leaders off course—drawing lessons from the life of King Solomon and the timeless wisdom of Ecclesiastes. This book serves as a cautionary tale, equipping leaders to recognize personal and spiritual drift while providing actionable steps to maintain their mission-focused leadership.

Authors Peter Greer and Jill Heisey masterfully blend Scripture with modern-day insights and practical case studies, making this book a compelling guide for pastors, ministry leaders, and organizational leaders aiming to avoid distractions, pressures, and temptations that pull them off course.

This book will help

Admit Every leader is susceptible to losing their way. The first step in avoiding personal drift is recognizing that it could happen to you.Stay Staying on mission requires daily discipline, a reoriented understanding of success, and a balance of priorities to reach the finish line faithfully.Build a support Create accountability by building a community of trusted mentors and peers.Remain Regular reflection and confession can help you remain on the path of long-term faithfulness.How Leaders Lose Their Way positions King Solomon as both a biblical hero and an antihero. By examining Solomon's wisdom and his ultimate failure to live that wisdom out, readers gain deep insights into avoiding similar pitfalls. Each chapter includes actionable reflection tools and modern case studies designed to equip leaders with practical strategies for staying "mission true."

This book is essential for Christian leaders who are ready to pause, reflect, and realign with their spiritual and organizational missions. Pursue a life of integrity, inspire the next generation, and build a legacy rooted in faithfulness. Stay on the path of mission-true leadership with How Leaders Lose Their Way.

Genres: Leadership

192 pages, Paperback

Published September 16, 2025

About the author

Peter Greer is an author, speaker, and president and CEO of HOPE International, a global faith-based economic development organization serving throughout Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. Peter received a B.S. in international business from Messiah University and an MPP in political and economic development from Harvard's Kennedy School.
As an advocate for the Church’s role in missions and alleviating extreme poverty, Peter has co-authored over 14 books, including The Gift of Disillusionment, Mission Drift (selected as a 2015 Book Award Winner from Christianity Today), Rooting for Rivals (selected as a 2019 Leadership Resource of the Year in Outreach magazine), The Spiritual Danger of Doing Good (selected as one of the top 40 books on poverty by WORLD magazine) and Created to Flourish. More important than his role at HOPE is his role as husband to Laurel and dad to Keith, Liliana, Myles, and London. While his sports loyalties remain in New England, Peter and his family live in Lancaster, PA.

Blog: peterkgreer.com. Twitter: @peterkgreer. Facebook: @PeterKGreer

Reviews

[Shawn Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book!

[Grace Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is SO needed!! Too often, Christian leaders fall and leave their communities to grieve and to ask questions like “how did this happen?!” Jill and Peter courageously do a deep dive into this really hard and really brutal question, all with the posture of: let’s not let this happen to us and to others around us. I’m looking forward to seeing how God uses this book to prepare leaders well to make sure they’re surrounded by community and even to help heal wounds of those who’ve gone through this kind of heartbreak.

[Savannah Farr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a thoughtful and powerful sequel to “Mission Drift.” I loved seeing it on a personal level, and seeing the BIG picture (active and passive drift, the heart of the matter, the example of Solomon), with the PRACTICAL steps (charts to fill out, temptations to recognize, steps to take). This book was filled with compassion, humility, and a deep desire to see leaders who stay the course and finish well. Praying it will impact many more!!

[Panda Incognito · Rating 4 out of 5]

We all know tragic stories about Christian leaders who started out well, but whose lives and ministries later crashed and burned because of immorality. There are also leaders who start out with big dreams of serving and helping others, who later drift off-course into a different focus entirely. This book address both issues, encouraging leaders to take stock of where they are in comparison to where they intended to be when they first set out. Peter Greer and Jill Heisey explain that without active efforts to stay on-course, individuals and organizations inevitably drift. Even when this doesn't end in moral failure or an organizational disaster, it can dilute our effectiveness.

Greer and Heisey previously wrote a book about organizational drift. In this new book, they move upstream to focus on how personal and organizational drift result when a leader makes ethical compromises and changes their priorities. The author encourage Christian leaders to stay on-course, and their advice and examples speak to people in church leadership, corporate business, and nonprofit work. Also, because so much of the book focuses on personal character, much of it applies to people who aren't in any formal leadership capacity, but who want to think deeply about their direction their life is heading.

How Leaders Lose Their Way unpacks the story of Solomon from the Bible to reveal the dynamics of leadership drift. The authors also reference contemporary leadership scandals from Christian organizations, but the primary example comes from the Bible, rather than from a contemporary leader's personal failing. This gives a sense of how universal these struggles are, and it highlights the Bible as a source of wisdom, instead of putting too much emphasis on learning about leadership failings from news articles or podcasts. This aspect of the book felt well-balanced to me.

Chapters address common issues like losing your way in the pursuit of pleasure, achievement, money, and control. The book also warns against conditions that make these struggles more likely, such as when a leader chooses to isolate themselves from community and avoid vulnerability with trusted people. The chapters are all well-organized and concise, and they end with prayers and worksheet activities. These brief activities help people identify areas of strength and weakness in their lives, or help them put that chapter's positive principles into practice. 

How Leaders Lose Their Way: And How to Make Sure It Doesn't Happen to You is a great book for Christian leaders, regardless of their job title or particular calling. There's lots of wisdom here about how to understand and prevent personal drift, and this book shows people how to course-correct when they realize that they're moving in the wrong direction through slow, gradual compromises. This well-written, thought-provoking book is great for individual reading and for exploring together in accountability groups, and I highly recommend it.

I received a free copy from the publisher, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Amelia Storck · Rating 5 out of 5]

How Leaders Lose Their Way is a timely and deeply reflective leadership guide that addresses one of the most sobering realities of influence: even wise, capable, and well-intentioned leaders can slowly drift off course. Peter Greer and Jill Heisey use the life of King Solomon as both inspiration and warning, creating a framework that is spiritually grounded, practically relevant, and profoundly honest.

What makes this book stand out is its refusal to treat leadership failure as something that only happens to “other people.” Instead, it begins with humility the recognition that every leader is vulnerable to distraction, pride, misplaced priorities, and spiritual complacency. By examining Solomon’s extraordinary wisdom alongside his gradual moral and spiritual decline, the authors present a nuanced picture of how success itself can become a leader’s greatest risk.

The blend of biblical insight, modern case studies, and practical reflection tools makes the book both accessible and actionable. Readers are not only encouraged to evaluate their own lives and leadership patterns but are given clear steps for building accountability, maintaining daily spiritual discipline, and redefining success in terms of faithfulness rather than achievement alone. The emphasis on community, confession, and regular reflection adds a deeply pastoral dimension that distinguishes this book from more performance-driven leadership titles.

Ultimately, How Leaders Lose Their Way is not merely a warning it is a hopeful roadmap. It calls leaders back to integrity, mission clarity, and long-term faithfulness, making it especially valuable for pastors, ministry leaders, nonprofit executives, and anyone stewarding influence with a desire to finish well. This is the kind of book that invites slow, thoughtful reading and ongoing return, serving as both mirror and compass for those committed to leading with purpose and spiritual depth.

[Ryan Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 ⭐️

I received an advanced copy of this book in preparation for a podcast interview with Peter. I am grateful for Peter's leadership and his willingness to discuss this topic transparently and publicly.

Too many Christian leaders have drifted off course over the past several decades. It impacted themselves, their families, and their ministries/organizations, often very publicly. And unless we want to fool ourselves, we must admit that many more have gone off course beyond what news sites and the public see.

Peter draws on several research studies, the story of Solomon, his own life, as well as accounts from leaders who have gone (and fallen) before him. I took many notes, and there were so many one-liners that I wanted to plaster all over my desk and office. Perhaps, the one that stuck with me most is this:

"The house Solomon built for himself dwarfed the house he built for God."

I had to put the book down and reflect on my own life and leadership. Whose house was I really building? Was it God's? Was it my lead pastor's? Was I trying to build my own?

As a former church staff pastor and leader, I was both a victim of and an advocate for an "ends justify the means" mentality. That kind of ambition is dangerous and often comes at the expense of people, usually those we are supposed to unconditionally love and serve. I need to do better. We need to be better. We need to love more deeply. We need to listen more intently and thank people for their feedback, rather than refute their input defensively and aggressively.

It is for these reasons and many more that I strongly recommend this book. It is packed with tough truths that every leader needs to read, pay attention to, and remind themselves of regularly. As Peter tells us, finishing well is the exception, not the rule. None of us are immune to drifting.

[Michael Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

"How Leaders Lose Their Way" is a very sobering title on how Christian leaders and allow themselves to be steered off course from God's calling on their calling and work.

The book is divided into 3 main sections:

1. Being careful of allowing drift to steer you off course in your life (like what happened to King Solomon in the Bible).
2. How pursuits like money, power, etc. can be all-consuming and unless the believer takes responsibility for not being controlled by them will end life poorly.
3. 3 main obstacles leaders must overcome so they won't be consumed by the world's way of thinking and success and instead, end well for God's glory.

The book is a very relevant title in today's world and here's some of the things I like about this book:

- Easy to read and understand.
- Contains sobering examples of people who started well but ended poorly. The authors include these examples not because they have an ax to grind, but because they want to warn readers what could happen to them.
- Very helpful notes section for further study on a particular topic addressed in the book.
- Written from a Christian persepctive.
- Many admonitions to let God have His way in your life instead of you trying to live life in the flesh and on your own terms.
- Covers several relevant topics.
- Well organized read and smoothly transitions from chapter to chapter - not a choppy or distracting read.

Overall, a great read and highly recommended.

I was given a review copy by IVP in exchange for a fair review and appreciate the opportunity.

[JJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 2015, I started noticing certain ministries and organizations shift from their original focus. Down the road from me, a global humanitarian organization removed the word ‘Christian’ from its name. Then I read Mission Drift, and I started making sense of how and why so many were drifting. It was a pivotal book to refocus many leaders and ministries, at least those who wanted to remain foundational to their original purpose.

Peter Greer and Jill Heisey have written How Leaders Lose Their Way— a sequel, or perhaps, a prequel to Mission Drift—focusing on why leaders drift and giving practical steps to help them lead well. The underlining theme is humility—and the calamity that happens when we drift from it. A case in point: King Solomon.

“Solomon spent his life focused on ‘me,’ not ‘we.’ It was, and is, the surest way to lose sight of what ultimately matters.”

I’ve always been interested in leadership structure, missions/visions, the role of boards, and what the Bible says about how to lead well. This book touches on this and the leader drift that precedes organizational drift. And it’s not just for leaders but anyone with a sphere of influence. Read it and let it encourage you in your God-given mission.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read an advance copy of this book in two sittings. This book points readers to the very natural and prevalent possibility of drifting from an intended end goal. Professionally, personally, and in our communities, we can all relate to this possibility. We have seen too many public examples in our new feeds to be unaware of the nature of going off course. Too often, we set out with great intentions and blink only to discover we have drifted not just through time, but also from our desired end point. I found myself draw into the vulnerable and transparent recounting of the author's experience of this and could relate to the desire to finish well, draw closer to people who can help me do that, and help people in my own life and work finish well too. I was particularly served by the examples from Solomon's life that are so very relatable even so many years later. This book will serve readers as they consider their own impact, desired end and how they can ensure they don't lose their way.

[Ben Beachy · Rating 5 out of 5]

How Leaders Lose Their Way is a high-impact and timely book that is reshaping how I think about the way I live and lead each day—ensuring I run the race with focus to finish well.

The concept of mission drift was especially powerful in helping me consider how organizations can stay true to their purpose. Yet the sobering reality—so clearly articulated in this book—is that we see a trend of small decisions and subtle actions causing leaders to lose focus and ultimately end up far from where they intended. It’s a story we see far too often in the headlines, in the church, and even among our family and friends.

Peter and Jill offer a compelling blend of Scripture, practical insights, and real-world case studies. This book doesn’t just diagnose the dangers of drift—it equips leaders with the tools they need to finish well. If you want to change the trend and truly “finish well,” pick up this book.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is convicting and challenging for Christian leaders who desire to stay faithful to their mission and calling. I was very impacted by Mission Drift when I first read it several years ago and the concept that Christian organizations don’t typically lose their identity and Christ-centered mission overnight, but rather slowly overtime through a series of small compromises and misguided steps. How Leaders Lose Their Way provides personal application of this concept. We all want to finish well- this book provides a helpful overview of the practices and disciplines that help us stay mission true and humble in our leadership and pursuits.

[Yvonne Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for everyone, not just leaders! Very timely book on leadership! I read this book over the course of a couple of days while taking a social media break. I love how each chapter concludes with a prayer and action steps. This book is not just for ‘leaders’. This book is for anyone who wants to live their life for His glory, not taking the credit for ‘successes’ along the way.

I received an advance digital copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

[Warren Davie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book on leadership and accountability. I particularly enjoyed the character study of Solomon throughout, though some areas seemed like stretches to fit the goal of the book. Overall a solid read that I’ll recommend to leaders.

[Shelby Brainard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly important for the modern leader! Such helpful wisdom for how to start and finish the race well. Thought provoking and enlightening.

[Carter Hemphill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good review of Solomon through a leadership lens. I especially liked the application section at the end of each chapter. A solid read over familiar Christian leadership themes.

[Stephen Kloser · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite. Has some good planning materials but I think some of it is forced upon you although that might not be your struggle with your leadership style.

[Adam Bixby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! Connecting Solomon’s leadership successes and failures to modern day examples of Christian leadership. Each chapter ends with a devoted prayer.