The Influential Mentor: How the Life and Legacy of Howard Hendricks Equipped and Inspired a Generation of Leaders

by Maina Mwaura

Lessons from the legacy of beloved Prof Howard Hendricks   Over the span of four years, journalist Maina Mwaura noticed an intriguing pattern while interviewing hundreds of prominent many of them were deeply shaped by longtime Dallas Theological Seminary professor Howard Hendricks.  The Influential Mentor  tells the story of Hendricks’ life while capturing his visionary character and leadership legacy. Hendricks, like all of us, struggled. He overcame a difficult childhood and battled depression. Parenting was a challenge. Yet he got up every week for sixty years to teach and mentor with incredible zeal and humility. This book combines the reality of struggle with the audacity of faith to empower others to lead in a manner worthy of Jesus Christ and His gospel.  But at its heart, this is a book about more than Howard Hendricks. It’s about well-tested methods that have shaped a movement—methods that will help today’s leaders weather cultural storms and be more effective. In a time where division seems the norm, renowned “Prof” Hendricks imparts a unifying influence. Mwaura shares interviews with Tony Evans, Robert Jeffress, Dennis and Barbara Rainey, Gene Getz, Andy Stanley, Jennie Allen, and more—each testifying to a life of spiritual, emotional, and physical perseverance.  As Christians apply the lessons of Prof Hendricks’ life, they too will be encouraged and strengthened to be a person of great influence for the cause of Christ!  The Influential Mentor  highlights the leadership success of a contemporary giant of the faith, while inspiring Christians toward the same faithful endeavor.

160 pages, Paperback

Published June 6, 2023

Reviews

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

DTS students/alumni who know "Prof" will love this book. Hendricks taught at Dallas Theological Seminary for over 60 years. It is almost impossible to overstate his influence over the students who had him. He taught or mentored Andy Stanley, Jennie Allen, Tony Evans, Gene Getz, Robert Jeffords, and many more.

The book is less a biography and more of a reflection of the impact he had on his former students. It is filled with stories and reflections from his students, including the names listed above. I wished that the book would have been more of a biography, but I can't help but think that Prof would have preferred this version.

[Jeremy Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maina M brings his years of writing and journalism to bare on the life and ministry of Howard Hendricks. Maina's ministry background combined with his interactions with all sorts of leaders makes him the perfect author for this work. The book is beautifully formatted with great care having been put into crafting the experience of the reading. The way the interviews/conversations are used in the book is natural and easy to read. One of the great strengths of the book's formatting is how it pauses to help curate your experience of the book with exercises and reflection prompts throughout.