The Leadership Blog Interview: Dr. Walt Kallestad

Dr. Walt Kallestad

Bio: During Walt Kallestad's 26 years as Senior Pastor of Community Church of Joy, the church has grown from 200 to over 10,000 members. Walt graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota, and received his Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. Walt also serves as the Chief Executive Officer of The Joy Company, a 180-acre master-planned mission center in Arizona.

A popular national and international speaker, Walt presents an inspiring vision for reaching non-churched people with the message of Jesus Christ, and he helps leaders sharpen their call for ministry. Some of Walt's books include: Turn Your Church Inside Out; The Everyday, Anytime Guide To Christian Leadership; The Everyday, Anytime Guide to Prayer; Wake Up Your Dreams; Christian Faith: The Basics and Be Your Own Creative Coach

Church: Community Church of Joy

The Leadership Blog Interview Questions
1. What gives you the greatest joy in being a leader?
Walt: "Watching the people I lead begin to lead like Jesus led. I don't want people following me. I want them to follow Jesus."

2. What is your biggest pet peeve as a leader?
Walt: "People who take leadership too lightly."

3. Who made the biggest influence in your life as a leader?
Walt: "Jesus -no one else is even close."

4. What books have changed your life?
Walt: "The Bible. All other books are supplemental."

5. What's your biggest challenge as a leader?
Walt: "Leading myself. I am my toughest challenge. Always."

6. What goals do you have as a leader?
Walt: "To lead as Jesus led and do what Jesus did."

7. Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Walt: "Wherever God wants me! That's where I desperately want to be!"

Thanks Walt for taking time for the interview!