I believe God has given me a voice to speak in a way that is honest, relatable, and encouraging.”

Pastor Matt Miklasz

Pastor Matt Miklasz, Pastor of Faith Evangelical Free Church, has released his fourth book, Leading Those You Love, offering readers a heartfelt and practical guide to leadership that goes beyond just skills and strategies. Drawing from over 40 years of experience in marriage, parenting, work, and church leadership, Miklasz has penned a book that explores the core of true leadership: the deep influence that emanates from the inner life of a leader. “We all lead in some context and the real issue before all else is do we have a deep influence that will extend beyond the years we have in this earth,” says Miklasz.
He emphasizes that while leadership skills are important, they can fall short without the heart of a leader—a heart that seeks to influence others deeply and authentically. In his book, Miklasz hopes to fill a gap in leadership resources by offering an approach that blends authenticity with intentionality in leadership. His goal is to encourage leaders at all levels—husbands, fathers, coaches, supervisors, church leaders, and CEOs—to elevate their leadership and focus on what really matters. “I believe there is a vacuum in leadership resources in regard to authenticity in leading and the deep influence that is possible in leadership. I find intentionality in leading toward a deep influence sadly lacking. I believe God has given me a voice to speak in a way that is honest, relatable, and encouraging.”
At its heart, Miklasz's book is about deep influence—influence that extends far beyond one's own lifetime. He explains, "The leaders with lasting influence have one thing in common: they have a heart that has been and is being cultivated by God and His grace." For Miklasz, leadership isn't just about managing people or tasks, but about leading with a heart that is shaped by grace, intentionality, and surrender to God’s work in their lives. “Their lives are oriented around His work in their hearts and His work through them. It is this inner life marked by grace that connects with others which is the avenue to a deep and lasting influence. This requires surrender and intentionality in applying His grace to our everyday contexts.”
The book addresses leadership in multiple areas of life, including homes, workplaces, and other organizational roles, while also exploring what it means to lead through trials and chaos. Miklasz encourages leaders to lead with grace, not just as a concept, but as a lived-out reality that can transform every context in which they lead. Miklasz emphasizes that his book is not a “depressing” critique of leadership, but rather a call to elevate leadership standards. “It is a clarion call to husbands, dads, coaches, supervisors, church leaders, CEO’s and all other contexts of leadership. This call is to get to the heart of what really matters in all those contexts we lead in. It is a call to raise the bar in how we lead.”
Miklasz explains that the inspiration for his book stemmed from his own journey as a leader and the lessons he has learned throughout his career. "As I reflect on my experience as a leader in various contexts—at home, at work, and in the church—I’ve developed deep convictions about what it truly means to lead," he says. "As a fellow leader, I know firsthand that leadership can be complex and takes wisdom, courage, and strength. Even more, it needs love and grace. I appreciate the unique challenges leaders face whether in marriage, parenting, or in the workplace and Church for I have led and am leading in all these contexts. I want to come alongside you and bring encouragement.”
When inquired about the time it took to complete the book, Miklasz reveals that the process was more than just the nine months it took to put the manuscript together. "In one way, it has taken me over 30 years," he shares, “as the book is an accumulation of all God has and is teaching me about leading in my home and in other positions, he leads me to." The writing process was both a reflection and a challenge, but he credits the testimonies of early readers as a significant source of encouragement throughout the process.
Miklasz hopes readers walk away with a renewed sense of purpose in their leadership journey. "You have one shot at this life, do not waste it," he says. "Live in such a way that others are impacted by the example you set." He stresses that the only way to have a deep and lasting impact is by living out God's grace intentionally and courageously. “You could impact generations if you choose to live intentionally from the flow of grace in your life,” Miklasz encourages.
Reflecting on his journey as an author, Miklasz shares that he has grown in clarity and communication since writing his first book. "I believe God continues to show me His heart of grace in greater ways, which calls me to consider how to intentionally live," he says.
As Miklasz continues to share his wisdom and experiences through his books, readers can expect to find both encouragement and practical insights for leading with authenticity, grace, and a deep sense of purpose.
‘Leading Those You Love” is available for purchase directly from Pastor Miklasz or you can find it on Amazon using the following link: https://a.co/d/2DQubtB