Why Leaders Should Read The Shack

I was not one who was motivated to read The Shack initially.  I am not much of a fiction reader, which The Shack is, and I already had a pretty good reading list that I was working through. However, I put down two very good reads and made an effort to read and finish this book.  Now I know respected evangelical leaders have weighed in with opinions in favor and in opposition of this book. Regardless, here are few reasons why I believe leaders should read The Shack and what prodded me to read it myself and hopefully you will be prodded to read it as well.

1. A need is being addressed and/or an itch is being scratched.
Obviously William Young, the author of the book, is speaking to where people are at -- over half million people and counting seem to think so.  The possibility of those in our ministry setting facing similar life situations are probably high.

2. People's view of God is being shaped and influenced.
This book is having a shaping and influencing role in people's lives -- specifically how they relate to God and understand who God is.  For leaders this is critical information.  From teaching or preaching stand point knowing where people are at in how they view God would definitely influence what and how I present my material.

3. People are reading.
I am an advocate for reading and I am continually challenging those around me to do so and if there is a book that will encourage people to jump-start or re-engage in this discipline, I cannot help but see the benefits.  For most reading is a struggle but if there is enough of a motivator to do so (Everybody is reading it, or not to get left out in the conversation of the book) I have people will do it.  This book could have that effect.