We know and often state that the Bible holds the answer to every problem we may face. So, when thinking of becoming a better leader, naturally it is the Bible that holds the keys to success.
In his book, Spiritual Leadership, J. Oswald Sanders takes the Bible’s wisdom, paired with Bible character qualities and adds in advice of many admired past and present Christian leaders.
Charles Colson states “this is the best book on Christian Leadership I’ve read.” It was Aaress who kindly recommended this book to the team at DuoParadigms. I have just finished reading it and wanted to give you all my review.
The result of reading chapter after chapter is almost a bit overwhelming. Many times in my own reading I would have to stop and put the book down to think. The read was definitely thought provoking, but also encouraging and quickening. In this book edition, at the end of each chapter is a “For Reflection”, allowing you that time to pause and examine yourself and your leadership abilities.
There is also a hard hitting study guide at the end of the book for further study. I think this could make a great group discussion book or classroom book for young people interested in ministry.
Sanders calls out Bible characters such as Moses, Joshua, Nehemiah, JESUS, and Paul—men who all dwelt with leadership, management, discouragement, and groups of people. We know much can be gained in their study! I enjoyed what Sanders mentioned about Moses and Paul, but mostly Nehemiah. Perhaps because he is not as commonly mentioned in lists of great leaders we usually tend to mention from the Bible.
Nehemiah was faithful to prayer and also ready for action. He gave the people a goal, he guided them back to the Bible, and he organized this big task of building the wall! But “Nehemiah’s greatest gift to the people ,” Sanders says ” was to show them why the work was so important.”
In another chapter Sanders quotes this ” A vision without a task makes a visionary. A task without a vision is drudgery. A vision with a task makes a missionary.” I know for myself, many times I get busy in ministry but lose the vision in the work of the task. Ever been there?
Throughout the drudges and demands on time and energy, I believe all Christians occasionally need that re-focus time. More than just a pat on the back and “you’re doing a great job!”
We need something that points out character qualities you need to have, long term goals you should be working towards and then the encouragement to keep on being faithful. Pastor, church worker, missionary, fellow Christian busy serving God, this book is for you.
Marybeth Ray comes to DuoParadigms with over five years of design experience. Upon graduating with her Graphic Design degree, she worked with a sports marketing company with clients ranging from SeaWorld to Nascar. She also enjoys providing pro bono design work to the missionaries and non-profits she supports in her free time. It is a privilege to now be working with DuoParadigms and their clients and to be using God-given talents to help Christian businesses and ministries!
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