CNLP 229 | Larry Osborne on Why He Never Uses an Alarm Clock, The Keys to Staying Fresh in Leadership Four Decades In, and The Hardest Part of Raising Up New Leaders

Sticky Church by Larry Osborne shares the story of North Coast Church's growth from a small group to one of the largest churches by focusing on 'stickiness'—retaining attendees through sermon-based small groups rather than heavy marketing. Osborne emphasizes how these groups build genuine relationships, deepen Bible study, encourage prayer and service, and promote discipleship, making the church more honest and effective in maturing believers. The book provides time-tested strategies, practical tips, leader training tools, and real-life examples from his experience.

Sticky Leaders explores the realities of innovation and change, starting with the inevitability of failure in new ventures. Larry Osborne teaches leaders how to encourage serial innovators, avoid common pitfalls, maintain flexibility with exit strategies, and break through barriers of tradition and complexity. Drawing from his experience growing his church dramatically through bold ideas like video venues, the book equips teams to pursue crazy but potential breakthrough concepts while ensuring stability and wide adoption.

In Lead Like a Shepherd, Larry Osborne explores the timeless leadership lessons from 1 Peter 5:1-4, drawing parallels between ancient shepherds and modern leaders in the church and beyond. He emphasizes thinking like a shepherd by adapting to the weaknesses and fears of followers, serving with enthusiasm, leading by example, and taking the long view, rather than driving like a cowboy or managing like a CEO. The book teaches that true leaders guide their flock to where they need to go, protect the healthy from the sick, and lay down their lives for the sheep.

In 'Didn't See It Coming,' Carey Nieuwhof addresses seven core issues that can significantly impact one's life and leadership. He provides clear tools and guidelines for anticipating and avoiding these challenges, as well as steps to overcome them if already encountered. The book covers topics such as cynicism, compromise, disconnectedness, irrelevance, pride, burnout, and the emptiness of success, offering practical solutions, probing questions, and insightful wisdom to help readers grow and achieve their potential.