Agape Leadership: Lessons in Spiritual Leadership from the Life of R.C. Chapman

Robert L. Peterson

1 This is a Life-Changer!
This book serves as a model for not only Christian leadership, but Christian life.

Throughout the book, we are encouraged to deal lovingly with people, and that becomes our witness to others.

You will be amazed at the life of R.C.Chapman.

This has truly become one of my favorite books!

2 A model for "countercultural" Christian leadership.
This book gives us a clear example of "countercultural" Christian leadership, as demonstrated in the life of R.C. Chapman. The reader will be inspired to walk in his example, even as he sought to walk in the example of Christ.

Robert Chapman provides an extraordinary example of godly Christian leadership -- something desperately needed today. Although very few are familiar with this 19th century British pastor, teacher, and evangelist, few will not be inspired by him. This account of his life and ministry may in fact be one of the most spiritually challenging books you may ever read!

The book sets forth the qualities of true -- agape, loving -- Christian leadership:

--Love for God's Word

-- Spirit-controlled character

-- Being patient and gentle

-- Maintaining unity

-- Disciplining and reconciling

-- Practicing hospitality

-- Giving to the needy

-- Continuing consequences

and more. Some excerpts:

To reform the church of God we should always begin with self-reform. Schisms and divisions will increase so long as we begin with reforming others. Wisdom is only with the lowly.

Humility is the secret of fellowship, and pride the secret of division.

The ruin of a kingdom is a little thing in God's sight, in comparison with division among a handful of sinners redeemed by the blood of Christ.

The best testimony that Stephen bore was his last: not when preaching and working miracles, but when he pleaded for his persecutors; for then he most resembled the Lord Jesus in patience, forgiveness and love.

(To a young missionary, heading for the field:) Keep low, look up, and press forward.

The Bottom Line: This book offers a much needed corrective to the kind of corporate (= worldly) leadership styles that dominate most church fellowships today. In that, it ranks with Schaeffer's Mark of the Christian. We highly recommend it be distributed widely, that we might see a generation of Christian leaders arise who are marked by their love, wisdom, and compassion.

This is a must read.

3 GREAT BOOK!
Incredible insight into what it means to become more Christ like and be a Man after God's own heart. This is a must read to anyone in leadership in their local church.

4 Inspirational!
I had never heard of R.C. Chapman before being given this book. After reading about his life, I have gained new insight on what it means to be a disciple of Christ. The book is a quick read (it only took me an hour or two) and is filled with wonderful stories from Chapman's life as well as biblical teachings and application. Not strictly a linear biography, the book is organized under subjects such as "Giving to the Needy," "Hospitality," "Forgiving and Blessing Others" and "Maintaining Unity." Each section illustrates how Chapman applied God's word to in his life in each of these areas. Chapman's life is one that Christians should definitely look to for inspiration on how to be more like Jesus. This book will be a blessing to those who read it.