J. Oswald Sanders
1 Common sense wisdom marred by unthinking religiosity
Athough the book has nuggets of insight scattered here and there, but they are marred by the espousal of a kind of unthinking interpretations. For example, on page 145, the author makes the observation: "often a successor with less fame and prestige than a founder is better able to develop the work because of the specific gifts he has." That certainly can be true. Unfortunately the author continues with "We must assume that Joshua was better equipped to conquer Canaan than Moses." Why must we "assume"? I cannot fathom by what exegetical or other reason that the author can come to such a conclusion. If that were true, can he further extrapolate that the judges would be even better equipped leaders simply because they led the Israelites after Joshua?
This is a book to read to satisfy some teacher who follow the general trend of thinking that this is the authoritative book on Christian leadership, but to me is not a book for critical study and reflection. It has many anecdotes of famous Christian leaders, but the principles drawn seem to come from general conventional wisdom rather than from careful biblical exposition.
2 Flawed Brilliance
Over half a million copies of this book have been sold over the past thirty-seven years, and many ministers and Church leaders have made it their touchstone for ministry. An Updated Edition has been published by Moody Press - modernising the text, and enlarging the format. However, while the book has much to recommend it, it represents an outlook which is unlikely to find universal accord among Church leaders.
Sanders introduces the subject of spiritual leadership with a quote from 1 Timothy 3:1 (NEB). "To aspire to leadership is an honorable ambition." It is a telling choice of translation, and sets the tone for all that is to come. By way of comparison, a Greek transliteration puts it as follows: "If anyone aspires to oversight, he desires a good work." Since "ambition" is a word which describes personal motivation, Sanders thus throws the focus back onto the leader. The transliteration, on the other hand, refers to "a work" (Gk. ergos), which is task-oriented. Far from being a question of semantics, this defines the content of the entire book. Sanders focuses heavily on personal character, influence, and motivation, rather than on the task at hand, or on the empowerment of God. In keeping with this, when he deals at length with "essential qualities of leadership", he chooses qualities of character, rather than what one might call core spiritual qualities, such as trust in God, or an understanding of the Holy Spirit's anointing. The consequences of this are a heavy obligation on self - "God, harden me against myself" - and the book is characterised by demanding "the utmost" of oneself.
This approach does find a rapport in many Churches. The book is required reading in a number of Bible seminaries and Churches. It contains a treasure trove of quotations and insights from well known leaders - and by and large it forms a rounded summary of the qualities of a spiritual leader. However, it needs to be read with the understanding that it lacks a spiritual dimension that many would consider crucial to survival in spiritual leadership.
3 A Timeless Classic
Mr Oswald is a powerful voice on leadership. His principles and teaching is clear and to the point. In this day and age, we can not afford to have any fluff in our reading. This book is highly recommended...And not just for one time read and back on your shelf. This book should be read over and over again. As a avid reader the section on... The Leader and Reading was on target for me. For example, Oswald ask this question... Why Read... and he provides five reasons why. These reasons are solid. Another thing he suggest is this, " Today the practice of reading spiritual classics is on the wane. We have more leisure time today than ever before in history, but many people claim to have no time for reading. A spiritual leader cannot use that as an excuse." This is defintely a true statement which make us look at our own reading habits.
Invest in this book, because this is one you should not pass up. Spiritual Leadership will encourage you to place your talents and powers at the Lord's disposal so you can become a leader used for His glory.
Another Great Read with Principles
Tripp
4 Scripture based intropective lessons on leader
Spiritual Leadership focuses more on introspection and being a leader than on how to get things done. It is divided into 22 chapters, and it isn't a long book. Each chapter covers one aspect of what a leader should be, including relevant scriptures and examples from the lives of more modern spiritual leaders. Each section is packed with info and it is better to read each separately and study it. Just reading the book straight through is not likely to result in you getting as much information.
As I said above, the emphasis here is on being a leader. The first chapter is a discussion on ambition and why one might want to be a leader. The introspective and God centered view runs through the book. Even in dealing with leading a group the emphasis is on keeping an open prayer relationship with God and on aspects of how to do that. Every chapter is based on scripture.
I recommend this book to christians only, since the entire basis for what Sanders is saying is biblical. This is a book you will want to refer back to periodically so it is better to buy than borrow. Read the first chapter on amazon to see if the book will be helpful to you.
5 Timeless Classic!
Even though this book is forty years old, its truths are still fresh and relevant. Sanders here provides an extremely helpful resource for anyone in a church leadership position, especially the position of pastor or deacon. I'm considering getting copies of this title for all the deacons in my congregation, and recommending it to all the young, aspiring pastors I know.
This book should be on the shelf of every pastor and deacon. I haven't read anything else that compares to it.
6 Sound Godly Wisdom!
I've read several books on Spiritual Leadership, but none maintained that consistent focus on God's pattern of leadership, as this book did. This work is a classic, one of those books that you don't simply read but infuse in your walk with God. The Godly wisdom of J. Oswald Sanders is evident in every page. If I was a pastor I would make this book required reading for all ministers in the church. Whatever stage of ministry you may be in, this book will address the issues. If you desire to be an effective servant for the Lord, I highly recommend this book! Make sure you read the the Editor's Preface, it will help you understand the era in which Oswald spoke these truths.
7 Think you can lead? Read this book before you answer.
I have just endured the challenge of reading this volume as part of a men's discipleship group at my church. And when I say "challenge", I mean just that! This is a short but very pithy analysis of those qualities that are indispensible for a Christian to exercise spiritual leadership in a successful and dynamic way.
As a low-level lay leader in my church who is reasonably certain (if such a thing is possible) that God has bigger plans in store for me, I was deeply convicted as this book laid out in very simple terms what it takes to make it as a leader in God's kingdom. Obviously first and foremost is the need to be filled with the Holy Spirit, without which we cannot possibly hope to achieve anything of eternal significance.
That's only the beginning, though. Attributes like tact, diligence, vision and decisiveness are just a few of the many leadership traits that are explored one by one. With each new segment, the reader is forced to ask himself three questions: 1. Do I possess this quality? 2. Is my exercise of this quality empowered by the Spirit of God? 3. Am I exercising this quality for God's glory or my own? Step by step, the layers of the reader's character are peeled away and examined, and the motives of his heart are laid bare. Throughout this process, though, the author's intent is not to discourage, but to help the reader understand the sheer weight and seriousness of the task, and to exhort him to change and develop those areas that are deficient. I, for one, came to realize just how cavalier my attitudes were -- very convicting indeed! Probably the most penetrating statement, however, was the reminder that a spiritual leader must pay a heavy personal cost to lead, and that cost only grows as the level of leadership increases.
The book is laid out in a series of twenty two concise but weighty chapters, most of which are conducive to a separate meditation if the reader is so inclined. The author makes liberal use of illustrations and quotations from both the religious and secular spheres to show that these qualities carry over into all areas of life. I particularly like the quote (I forget to whom it was attributed) which said "It seems to me the best test of effective leadership is to see if anyone is following." Statements like that will either deepen your resolve to rise to God's leadership challenge, or else will make you reconsider whether you're suited to the task at all. Excellent book!!!
8 Incredible!
This book is a very insightful, very powerful book on Christian leadership. A must for anyone involved in the ministry or leadership in any capacity. Sanders writes in an easy-to-read, easy-to-understand uncomplicated way and makes powerful points.
9 An Oldie, but a goodie
Over five years ago a friend gave me a copy of Spiritual Leadership and it sat unread in my bookcase until I was compelled to read it for a graduate class. Too bad, it is an excellent book that presents the biblical basis for strong pastoral leadership. I especially appreciated the emphasis he puts on the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Christian leader. True spiritual leadership is not the result of natural charisma, but results from one giving his or her life totally to God.
As I read though it, I was constantly amazed at the amount of Scripture containing leadership principles which I had overlooked in my studies of the Bible. The style, however, was difficult for me to get use to. Although I do not recall any specific place where his nationality is mentioned, he seems to be British, perhaps explaining his style.
Being converted, trained and preaching within the Christian Churches/churches of Christ, this book has given me great biblical insight into the subject of anointed leadership. Traditionally, Christian Church pastors have been very weak, serving at the discretion of the board in a chaplain role with every pastoral decisions, no matter how small, needing board approval. Woe to the pastor who showed the slightest sense of godly independence. This weak role has doomed many of our churches to a mediocre stagnation. The emphasis on anointed leadership is just what I needed to head. Spiritual leaders are appointed by our sovereign God. We can truly say, "I am here neither by selection of an individual nor election of a group, but by the appointment of Almighty God."
10 A Leadership Classic
Often copied and quoted, J. Oswald Sanders has left us a treasure he entitled "Spiritual Leadership." The early chapters are a bit slow as they lay the groundwork for a book that gains momentum and leaves your thinking transformed. The twenty-two concise chapters focus on God's purpose and pattern for those serving as leaders. Throughout the book skills and techniques take a backseat to integrity and character. You will be challenged to leave the romantic and self-seeking notions of leadership behind to embrace the towel and basin mindset of the true spiritual leader.
11 Excellent for the Layperson and Pastor!
Chambers' book is brief (about 170 pages) yet chock full of wisdon for the person in Christian leadership, applicable for both laity and the pastorate.
The book consists of 22 chapters, each containing about 5-15 pages on a certain aspect of Christian leadership. Among the more interesting chapters were:
1. Leaders have to pay a great price to lead.
2. Reading is necessary for the leader (never stop
learning!).
3. Leaders must reproduce others.
4. Prayer is imperative for the Christian leader.
5. Honest evaluation is required for potential leaders.
6. There is a difference between natural and spiritual
leadership.
7. God searches for those who are willing to be spent for
Him.
8. God is always in control!
All in all, an excellent and highly recommended read!
12 Must-have reading for anyone in ministry
This is the best book on Christian leadership I have ever read. Highly recommended for anyone in evangelical Christian ministry at any level. Even more highly recommended for pastors, youth, single's and children's ministers or anyone in full-time Christian leadership. Straight and to the point. Great for an advanced discipleship group.
13 AWESOME BOOK
This is a great book for any follower of Christ. Really gives some good words, and traits that can be used by ANY leader!
14 Solid food for future and current leaders
In this classic, Oswald Sanders blends his own wisdom with that of others. The basic ideas come from the Bible, common sense, Sanders himself, and countless missionaries and leaders of generations past. As the cover says, these really are "principles of excellence for every believer."
The book is broken up into 22 relatively short chapters, the first few of which describe the motives for entering into leadership. Why do we need leaders? Is everyone called to leadership? There are several chapters outlining qualities a leader would do well to have and practice. I really enjoyed the practical chapters, such as "The Leader and Time," and "The Leader and Reading." The last several chapters examine many issues important for someone who has become a leader. These include the costs and responsibilities of leadership, as well as skills like delegation and replacement.
I found all the ideas very solid and I liked the many quotes and references. Sanders freely uses the ideas of others. At times the writing is a bit dry. I read it through on the second attempt. The first time I put it down because it was too dry for me at the time.
15 The Best Book on Christian Leadership Ever Written
I make it a habit to read several books on leadership or ministry skills every year. This is the best one I have ever read on the former subject.
J. Oswald Sanders left us with a true spiritual classic on what it means to embody the Biblical qualities of true godliness. I found this to be a very FULL book, with incredible insights packed into short epigrammatic sentences which are pregnant with meaning. It demands to be re-read.
Spiritual issues are examined from several different angles as Sanders unfolds the Biblical criterion for leaders chapter by chapter. It seemed to me like the book gets better and better as it goes. The two chapters dealing with "Qualities Essential to Leadership" (discipline, vision, wisdom, decision, courage, humility, integrity/sincerity, humor, anger, patience, friendship, tact/diplomacy, inspirational power, executive ability, the therapy of listening, and the art of letter writing - quite an interesting list!) are worth their weight in gold.
Several chapters that immediately attacted my attention were "The Leader and His Praying," "The Leader and His Time," and "The Leader and His Reading" - all three instructive and inspiring. Other beneficial chapters deal with the fullness of the Spirit, the cost of leadership, delegation, tests of true leadership, replacement and reproduction of leaders, and perils of the leader (a powerful chapter with a dynamic little section called "Prophet or Leader?").
Get this book and devour it - especially those of you who are pastors, elders, teachers, and deacons. Any one involved in roles of spiritual leadership should read this book.
16 Meat and potatoes for leaders
This book, which is an updated version of a series of sermons preached by the author some thirty years ago, provides an excellent primer on leadership from a Christian perspective. The chapters are relatively short (most ten pages or fewer), and each is full of references to Scripture. This, coupled with the study questions included at the end of the book, makes it appealing as a devotional for those who would aspire to leadership positions.
Some of the chapter titles include: Essential Qualities of Leadership, Insights on Leadership from Paul, The Leader and Time, Improving Leadership, The Cost of Leadership, The Art of Delegation, Perils of Leadership, Reproducing Leaders. Obviously, the book addresses the topic squarely, and each chapter contains practical and valuable information and reminders for leaders. My only issue with this book is that the reader is left to find his own examples of these principles in action if he leads in a realm outside the church and its mission work (most of the modern examples given by the author are missionaries or preachers). The tenets in the book are indeed universal, but if a teacher, or coach, or parent seeks to apply them, they will likely have to think of someone with whom they can identify more closely than Moody, Judson, Spurgeon, and the like. That having been said, however, this is easily one of the best books on leadership I have ever read, and I recommend it highly.
Incidentally, some of my reviewing colleagues have pointed out Charles Colson's comment, which is included on the cover of the book. While I think it is telling, I prefer the endorsement of John C. Maxwell, who is a leadership guru in his own right: "It (the book) started me on a 25-plus year journey of teaching leadership to pastors and lay people. No other book has influenced my life the way this one has."
17 The Holocaust of Spiritual Wisdom
Oswald Sanders was a missionary in Far East Asia, and field director of the Overseas Missionary Fellowship for many years. This book, Spiritual Leadership, is one in a series of three on serious discipleship. The other two are Spiritual Discipleship, and Spiritual Maturity. Chuck Colson called Spiritual Leadership the best book on Christian leadership that he has read.
For Christians who have been demoralized by the shallow and superfluous popular "fluff" that abounds on the topic of discipleship, this series will come as cool water in a desert. Sanders deals with the brutal struggles in discipleship, and makes it clear there is no spiritual growth without a price. If we are not willing to pay the price--we will not grow towards maturity. As Oswald Sanders said during a series on dispcipleship at Gull Lake Bible Conference, "There are spiritual Christians, and there are unspiritual Christians. And most are unspiritual."
This kind of brutal language needs to be revived, in an age in which most Americans confuse Christian discipleship with self-help or self-optimization. In reality, the gate is still narrow, and the path hard, which leads to life (Matthew 7:14).
18 Substantive treatment of a much abused topic
J Oswald Sanders presents this trenchant work on the essence of spiritual leadership. He leaps over the peripheral "how to's" and gets to the bloodstream of what it means to be a leader. Leadership, for Sanders, is not measured by mere prudence in decision making or the ability to win friends and influence people. He re-emphasizes the oft repeated but scarcely exemplified axiom, "character counts." His penetrating insights probe the readers' strengths and weaknesses, providing sound principles for effective future ministry. This book should be a prerequisite reading for all who aspire to be leaders regardless of their particular context.
19 Practical Teaching on Spiritual Leadership
I was recommended this book by one of my spiritual mentors who trains young adults for ministering to young people.
Sanders offers straightforward and practical teaching on leadership in the church.
Especially appealing to me were the chapters on prayer, time, and reading.
There is also helpful advice on delegating authority and reproducing leaders through mentorship and personal training.
The study guide is very helpful for use in leadership training courses for your church.
Chuck Colson says that this is the best book on Christian leadership he's read.
20 A TIMELESS CLASSIC!
as John Macarthur says this book should be a constant companion of every undershepherd. I truly fell in love with this book, I couldn't put it down. If your serious about leading God's people you must have this book on your shelf next to your bible.
21 An essential book for anyone preparing for ministry.
No one can read this book and remain the same afterwards. It doesn't simply 'Christianize' the principles of leadership and administration from the world of business. Rather it treats spiritual leadership as dependent upon the leader's spiritual character and reliance on spiritual principles. It encourages a man or woman in ministry into a deeper dependency on Christ, and a greater sense of obligation to God's revealed word. It's filled with quotable quotes. It's one of those rare books that truly rewards the reader every time he or she reads it.
22 The best book on leadership...and it is written by a leader!
Many Christian books on leadership draw heavily from secular influences. They are also written by leaders without heavy responsibility in their positions, or worse yet, psuedo-leaders who are mainly theorists. Not this one.
The author, the leader of Overseas Missionary Fellowship till his death, was emminently qualified to write this book, and it is helping me like no other leadership book to become qualified to lead my own Fellowship.
If you can obtain the non-"Completly Updated" edition it would be good to read it along side the new version.
23 A timeless standard. Must reading for a deeper walk.
This is excellence in Christian writing. This is one of the books that needs to be read every couple of years.
24 Do you have what it takes to be a Leader?
This book sets you on the right track, to help you become a greater leader. This life-changing book is a definate must for all that want to accomplish your God-given destiny.
25 Best book on Spiritual Leadership ever written!
This an awesome book. The chapters are short and easy to read, but the content is thought provoking and requires time to sink in. John Maxwell attributes this book as a life changer for him in the area of leadership. It's obvious why after reading the book myself. Anyone aspiring to ministry positions should be required to read this book. It will revolutionize your approach to leadership.
26 Scripture based teaching on Biblical Spiritual Leadership
Provocative, insightful, and complete, J. Oswald Sanders brings to life several key leadership qualities of someone desiring a deeper walk with Jesus Christ, thus developing attributes of Spritual leadership. Specific qualities of Leadership is discussed as well as a Bibical example in the life of Nehemiah.
