Steadfast - by Andy Pettigrew (Hardcover)

About the Book

David S. Dockery has shaped the landscape of Christian higher education for over four decades, leading prominent institutions through seasons of challenge, reform, and renewal. From humble tasks in locker rooms to high-stakes decisions in the halls of learning, Dockery's leadership has been marked by an unwavering commitment to faith, a bold strategic vision, and deeply held values of excellence, trust, and mission.

Book Synopsis

What keeps a leader steadfast -- across changing times, shifting institutions, and heavy trials?

David S. Dockery has shaped the landscape of Christian higher education for over four decades, leading prominent institutions through seasons of challenge, reform, and renewal. From humble tasks in locker rooms to high-stakes decisions in the halls of learning, Dockery's leadership has been marked by an unwavering commitment to faith, a bold strategic vision, and deeply held values of excellence, trust, and mission.

In these pages, you'll discover the convictions and values behind the man--drawn from years of research into his life, his words, and from those who have known him best. Steadfast: The Leadership Journey and Model of David S. Dockery offers a model of Christian leadership rooted not in charisma, but in character. It's a story of faith forged in providence, vision anchored in hope, and a legacy calling every leader to lead from what matters most.

Review Quotes

"Few Christian leaders of our generation have combined theological depth, institutional vision, and personal grace with the faithfulness and fruitfulness of David S. Dockery. For more than four decades, he has served the church, the academy, and the denomination with a steady hand and steadfast heart. Those who know him best, whether students, colleagues, pastors, or friends, recognize in him a rare blend of conviction and charity, courage and humility, intellect and integrity. Dockery has modeled a form of leadership that is theological at its core and relational in its practice. He has shown that conviction and collaboration need not be in tension, that academic excellence and spiritual vitality are meant to go together, and that unity grounded in truth is both possible and beautiful. This book tells that story. Andy Pettigrew's careful research, and firsthand perspective, have produced more than a biography; this is a study in Christian leadership shaped by Scripture and tested through decades of service." (from the Foreword to Steadfast)
--Ligon Duncan
Chancellor and John E. Richards Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary

"Andy Pettigrew has served the church very well by excellently documenting what we can learn from the extraordinary leadership of David Dockery. I have long been an admirer of David Dockery's leadership. Humble. Clear. Servant-hearted. Visionary. Caring. This sentence summarizes it all so well: "In Dockery's world, leadership flows not from charisma but from character, not from control but from conviction." May God use this book to raise up many similar leaders for our churches, universities, and institutions across the world."
--Josh Moody
Senior Pastor, College Church in Wheaton, IL, and President, God Centered Life Ministries

"It is fair to say that no single academic has done more to define and defend the cause of Christian higher education in this era than David Dockery. His ability to combine prolific scholarship and productive leadership is matched by his availability for professional mentorship to the next generation of leaders grafted in his coaching tree. Steadfast is the perfect descriptor for this towering figure who has demonstrated for decades that you don't have to be loud to lead. Bravo to Andy Pettigrew for skillfully telling Dockery's story at the intersection of information and inspiration. I highly recommend this book."
--Dondi E. Costin
Retired Major General and Chief of Chaplains, U. S. Air Force, and President of Liberty University

"Andy Pettigrew's Steadfast aptly sums up the theme of David Dockery's four presidencies -- "stewardship shaped by the love of God, service to others, and faithfulness to the gospel of Jesus Christ." This story demonstrates excellence in many areas, all for one purpose -- to labor and lead wholeheartedly as unto the Lord. Find herein a guide for every Christ follower, lessons in the long path of preparation, the shaping of vision, a relentless pursuit of improvement, conciliatory engagement with people and culture, and a deep dependence on God in proclaiming truth. May your journey be as profoundly influenced by Dockery's as mine has been."
--Carla D. Sanderson
Provost emerita, Union University; Provost emerita, Chamberlain University

"Those of us who have worked closely with David Dockery know that his leadership gifts, relational intelligence, humility, and deep spiritual commitments shaped him as a rare gift to the educational communities in which he has served. I am so thankful that his thoughtful approach to Christ-centered servant leadership has been explored in this volume, which sets a high bar for leaders who will take us into the coming decades."
--George Guthrie
Marshall Sheppard Chair of Biblical Studies, Regent College (Vancourver, British Columbia)

"I am grateful for David Dockery's leadership, wisdom, counsel, and friendship. I am also thankful that Andy Pettigrew has told David's story with the care and respect due the subject. I pray that many more will learn and benefit from David's life and teaching as I have."
-- John Stonestreet
President, Colson Center for Christian Worldview

About the Author

Andy Pettigrew (PhD, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) has served in global ministry for over 25 years, primarily in his current role with the International Mission Board, including many years with his family in sub-Saharan Africa. He is an elder at River City Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia, and speaks internationally on missions, theology, and leadership. Andy and his wife, Laura, have three children who share a love for travel and good books.