The Power of Charm By Brian Tracy and Ron Arden Now here are two words you never see together, "Charming pastor." Or if you do, it is not good. The Power of Charm has something to say to pastors who sometimes seem a bit shy. If they could simply study the Word ad preach they would be happy but the reality is pastors need to relate to people. This book does an outstanding job helping the reader think in terms of how they can win anyone over in any situation. In church leadership, we like to think we do not have to win anyone over, that the Lord will just lead them. Sometimes a passive approach to these folks works. Other times it does not. Brian Tracy and Ron Arden take the reader through a veritable step by step as to how to develop and apply charm. By the way, they define charm as the ability to create extraordinary rapport with anyone, and make him or her feel truly exceptional in your presence. That is what I want, to have people feel truly exceptional when they are with me. In ministry, our defense mechanisms kick into gear on this subject because we never want to be seen as using another person. Manipulation has been the downfall of more than one pastor along the way. So if you read with that in mind, you have lost already. However, if you read with sincere advancement of ministry in mind, you will find this book helpful. Although written from a secular perspective, The Power of Charm will help you capture the attention of guests to the church within the first few seconds of meeting. You will master body language and advanced listening techniques that will make others feel you are focused on them, and by the way, you need to be! Your ability to lead and motivate boards and staffs will increase. The book claims that even if you are a skilled, smart or experienced person, 85% of your ability to succeed at anything depends on your ability to win people to your vision. I believe it. I recommend this book to anyone who desires more from life and ministry. That which you desire will only come from the people around you. Be a charming pastor and watch what God does in growing the church from here to there. Charming pastor! It has kind of a nice ring to it in my mind.