Short Story

This book is for church staff and leaders who lead from the middle. In these pages, we’ll explore together how second chair leaders can make a significant contribution to their local church’s vision right from their seat.

My name is Brandon Stewart and I am the author of Lead It Like You Own It. I wrote this book because I’ve spent a lifetime leading from the second chair. I’ve felt the tension of leadership while you’re not in charge, and the desire to make an impact for my local church with or without a title or paycheck. I’ve discovered what happens when you stop renting your role and start owning the mission.

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Tacoma, WA, United States (US)

Lead It Like You Own It

Goal: $15,000.00
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Lead It Like You Own It

My hope is that, in reading this book, you will be reminded that the second chair is not second class. You will discover the difference leading with a spirit of ownership can make in your life and ministry. In this book, I hope to instill in you the same sort of passion and conviction that I have for leading from the middle. Ultimately, I want you to see this book as a tool to help you get it right with your pastor, lead from your seat, and faithfully serve the purposes of God from anywhere on the team.

In this book, you’ll learn about leadership, ownership and the impact it can have on your life and on the church in which you serve. 

  • We’re going to explore the opportunity of an owner, helping you see what is in your hands today. 
  • We’re going to look at the DNA of an owner, exploring how a leader thinks, walks and talks. 
  • We’ll explore the contributions of an owner, to help you see how owners make the team better and take the mission further.

You’ll love this book if you’ve ever asked questions like:

  • Can I lead boldly without overstepping?
  • How can I champion vision that isn’t mine?
  • Why does it feel like I’m doing everything, but I’m overlooked?
  • Is it possible to honor my pastor and still grow into my own voice?

Lead It Like You Own It is a nonfiction book that speaks to church staff and emerging leaders who are looking at leading from the middle and making a significant contribution to their church for the first time.

 

The book is written in seven parts, designed to be read daily or studied in a class or small group.

  • In Parts 1-2, we discuss a new definition of leadership and explore how leadership and ownership from every member of the team is part of the secret sauce of a healthy, thriving church. 
  • In Parts 3-5, represent the bleeding heart of this book, where we’ll fully unpack the opportunity, DNA and contribution of an owner on a local church team. 
  • In Parts 6-7, we’ll discuss how ownership helps us to get it right with our pastors, carry the weight of ministry, and lead a culture of ownership in the house.

 

My Publishing Journey: Where Your Support Goes

I’m publishing Lead It Like You Own It with the support of Manuscripts Press, an innovative platform that provided me with a full publishing team to bring this book to life.

This Summer, I’m working closely with:

  • A revisions editor, copy editor, and proofreader to refine and elevate every story in the book
  • A marketing strategist to help me connect with new audiences and make the book’s message reach those who need it most.
  • A cover artist and layout editor who will ensure the final product is visually stunning and professionally produced.

If we reach our pre-sale goals, I’ll be releasing Lead It Like You Own It in multiple formats:

  • E-book, paperback, hardcover, audiobook if we pre-sell $15K


Launch Perks & Exclusive Packages

Everyone who purchases a perk to the book launch will receive:

  • A physical copy (paperback) or digital copy (ebook) when I publish in early 2026.
  • The opportunity to have your name or organization featured in the Acknowledgments section of my book (“with Special Thanks to”).
  • You will have the opportunity to be involved in finalizing my cover and title.
  • Early access to the Introduction and select excerpts near the final draft
  • And more surprises along the way!

Other Ways To Support

If you can’t purchase right now, you can still be a huge part of this journey:

  • Share the pre-sale campaign on Instagram and Facebook. Use the hashtag #LeadItLikeYouOwnIt and tag me @brandonmstewart and @leadingsecond on Instagram and Facebook.
  • Personally recommend the book to your pastor, team, or ministry friends who would benefit from its message.

Thank you for your continued support!

Heart & Soul,

Brandon

 

About The Author:

Brandon Stewart fiercely believes in the power and importance of the local church. He is the founder of Leading Second, a ministry dedicated to equipping church leaders in the second chair. For over 20 years, Brandon has served the local church as a pastor, coach, and speaker, helping build teams and culture that support visionary leadership. Through Leading Second, he provides events, resources and coaching that equip leaders personally and organizations strategically, raising up teams who serve their pastors with clarity, conviction, and uncommon spirit.

Brandon’s debut book, Lead It Like You Own It, was born from a passion to help leaders carry the vision of their church as if it were their own, and to contribute effectively to their local church team, even when they’re not in charge.

When he’s not traveling to coach churches, Brandon can be found at home with his wife Lindsay and their two daughters, dreaming up big ideas together over cold brew.

He believes that ownership isn’t a title—it’s a spirit.

 

 

FAQ Page

PRESALE PERKS AND PACKAGES

$20.00
THE READER: Start your ownership journey early. Get the digital copy of Lead It Like You Own It and join a private community of early adopters and fellow second-chair leaders walking this road with you. It’s the simplest way to say, “I’m in.”
$50.00
THE INSIDER: $65 Value A perfect starter pack for the committed second chair leader. Get 1 signed copy of the book and a front-row seat in the author community, plus a 3-month pass to Leading Second+—our leadership growth platform with exclusive resources.
$75.00
THE BUILDER: $420 Value You're helping us build something. This package gives you live access to three exclusive leadership webinars, the eBook, the signed physical copy, and six months of training and tools through Leading Second+.
$100.00
THE CATALYST: $585 Value Catalysts help spark a movement. This all-in package includes every resource to fuel your growth and influence: the book (1 digital and 1 signed print), a full year of Leading Second+, three exclusive webinars, and a seat at the table for the launch celebration. You’ll even be named in the acknowledgments, honoring your part in bringing this message to life.
$300.00
THE LEAD TEAM: $1,640 Value For leadership teams ready to embrace ownership together. Equip your core team with 4 signed copies of the book, leadership training with a 6 month pass to Leading Second+ for 4 team members, exclusive access to three leadership webinars, a chance to influence the book in the Author Community, and recognition of your church in the book to rally around a shared vision.
$1,000.00
THE LARGE TEAM: $6,640 Value This package is designed for churches that are ready to lead a culture shift across their leadership team. Equip your team with 12 signed paperback copies of Lead It Like You Own It and give them a full year of access to Leading Second+, our leadership development platform packed with practical tools and exclusive content. Join a community of like-minded leaders through the Author Community, and gain live insight from Brandon Stewart in 3 exclusive webinars. You’ll also receive a full team assessment with a custom readout and analysis—an invaluable resource to understand your team’s current dynamics and unlock your next steps in building ownership. Celebrate your team’s investment at the in-person launch party with up to 12 tickets, and have your church name featured in the acknowledgments of the book as a key supporter of this message.
$2,500.00
$7875 Value This is the ultimate investment for churches ready to go all-in on building a culture of ownership across their entire leadership team. With 25 signed paperback copies of Lead It Like You Own It, you can ensure every key leader is equipped with the message. Your entire team will benefit from 12 months of Leading Second+ access, gaining premium tools, teaching, and leadership development resources designed specifically for second chair leaders. Dive even deeper with a team assessment and a 60-minute personalized coaching session with Brandon Stewart, giving you clarity on your team’s strengths and growth areas. You'll also receive access to 3 exclusive leadership webinars, join the Author Community, and celebrate the launch in style with 25 tickets to the in-person launch party. Plus, your church will be acknowledged in the book, marking your commitment to this movement in print.
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