Book Notes: Interview with Andy Stanley
Andy Stanley is one of my favorite authors. I listen to his leadership podcast religiously. We also had the privilege of publishing his new book, The Principle of the Path: How to Get From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be [affiliate link]. In a few minutes, I’ll tell you how to get a copy FREE, along with a few other cool gifts.
I was recently able to interview Andy at North Point Community Church where he serves as the pastor. Each Sunday, over 20,000 adults attend worship services at one of North Point’s three campuses in the Atlanta area.
In the interview, Andy says that whether you know it or not, “the principle of the path” is working in your life. As a pastor, Andy has heard countless stories of regret: bankruptcy, divorce, custody battles, lawsuits, kids gone wild, and more. Many of the people who come to him had good intentions, and they can’t quite understand how they got to such bad places.
Andy claims that there’s a simple, but powerful, principle at work: Direction, not intention, determines your destination. This principle is operating every time you look at a map or fire up your GPS. The same road leads to the same place—every time. “What’s true geographically is true relationally, financially, physically, and professionally.”
One of my favorite parts of the interview is his response to my question about Proverbs 27:12: “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.”. Prudent people ask what he calls “the best question ever”: In light of my past experience, my present circumstances, and my future hopes and dreams, what’s the wise thing to do?
I loved reading this book. As is often the case with a truly great book, I couldn’t put it down. I read it through in two sittings. My daughter, Marissa (age 18), who is freshman in college, also read it and loved it. As a dad and a publisher, I have no greater joy than when my children read good books—especially ones that we published!
In order to seed the market, I am giving away 200 copies of the book. In addition, Brad Lomenick at Catalyst has agreed to give away two tickets to the Catalyst Conference, October 7–8, 2009 in Atlanta. (This is a $836 value.) Andy will be one of the featured speakers.
Also—as if that weren’t enough—Brad is making available four copies each of:
- The Best of Catalyst: Andy Stanley on Leadership CD Set. This includes Andy’s best six talks over the years at Catalyst, plus notes on each talk
($50 retail). - Systems DVD Set, featuring Andy Stanley. This includes Andy’s talk on Systems from Catalyst 2007, plus behind the scenes interviews with staff at North Point and with Andy validating the things he talks about ($25 retail).
How do you qualify to get some of this loot? Pay careful attention: you must take two actions:
- Leave a comment on this post below. Tell me why you want this book, the tickets to Catalyst, or one of the CD or DVD sets. Be creative.
- Fill out your shipping information in the special form. Do NOT leave your address in the comment itself.
On Thursday, based solely on my arbitrary and subjective evaluation of their comments, I will select winners. If you are one of those selected, I will notify you via email. If you don’t hear from me, you can assume you didn’t make the cut.
Posted on September 21, 2009
In: Publishing
MICHELE CUSHATT is a communicator and storyteller whose speaking experience includes Women of Faith, Focus on the Family, and Compassion International. As emcee and communication coach, Michele is in her sixth year on staff at 
BARRY HILL, JR. is a storyteller, blogger, speaker, barista, and is in his fifteenth year of full-time ministry to teens and their families. He lives in Northern Virginia with his wife, Rachel, and their six children—“the circus.” You can usually find Barry where fresh coffee and good ideas are brewing. To join in the conversation, drop by his blog, 
JOE LALONDE is a husband, explorer, challenger, and an adrenaline junkie. He has served as a youth leader for E3 Ministries for over 10 years. He is usually found wandering the woods, enjoying the company of his wife, or running the trails. Joe enjoys helping others expand their influence and leadership skills. You can connect with Joe at his 
RACHEL LANCE is originally from Alaska but now lives in a Chicago suburb with her husband and daughter. She works in technology and communications for the 
JIM MARTIN is the minister of Crestview Church of Christ in Waco, Texas, where he has served since 1994. He also leads a mentoring group, primarily composed of younger Christian leaders, and serves as a Mentoring Partner for 
TIM PETERS is the Co-Founder of 
JASON STAMBAUGH is a husband, father, former fat kid, accidental techie, and founder of 
JEREMY STATTON is an orthopedic surgeon in Louisville, KY. Although he enjoys writing, reading, and running, his first love is his wife and four kids. His family is currently in the process of adopting a son from China. He is also the author of 
JOHN TILLER is an inspirational speaker and writer. He travels with his family to churches, conferences, and other events sharing 
JUSTIN WISE is the social strategist for 
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