Spiritual Leadership



Spiritual Leadership

Henry and Richard Blackaby's book "Spiritual Leadership" was recently recommended to me as an important book on the essentials of leadership. The unique feature of the Blackaby's book that stands out for me is the combination of an emphasis on Biblical and Christian principles that goes beyond the walls of the church and carries these guidelines into the secular world with applications for Para-church and other Christian ministries (Blackaby, 2006).

A feature that I especially appreciated was the inclusion in each chapter of a summary conclusion, a helpful presentation of leadership concepts covered within the chapter, and a number of scriptures for consideration. This approach makes this an excellent resource for leadership training, small group applications, or for personal application. The chapter notes, bibliography, and exhaustive index provide a wealth of material for additional reference and study.

The Blackaby's "Spiritual Leadership" is a powerful resource tool for equipping those called to lead, whether in the business world, the church, the political arena, or in other venues of Christian ministry (Blackaby, 2006).

From the beginning of the book it is clear that leadership can be exercised in "the church" as well as outside it, as Spirit-led leaders respond within the body as well as their homes and workplaces. Chapter 1 helps the reader recognize that saying you're a leader doesn't make it so. It also helps the reader recognize that worldly wisdom in regards to leadership does not match or come close to making up for a failure to follow God's voice and character (Blackaby, 2006). Further chapters will further erode the idea that all the business-leadership buzzwords and techniques can be harmlessly transferred as-is, even common concepts like goals and vision statements.

Chapter 2 is built around helping the reader recognize that spiritual leadership is, "moving people on to God's agenda." Using Jesus as the example, we read that leadership is not found through his methods, but through his obedience to his Father's will. Chapter 3 follows this and helps the reader grasp what makes a leader - the experience, character, calling by God that help identify a leader and prepare them for leading.

Chapter 4 is probably the hardest to read for someone steeped in corporate leadership principles. Spiritual leadership is not about large goals, huge motivation. It is about communicating what God has shared as the direction for an organization - Christian or otherwise. So leaders must learn how to communicate vision effectively - but remember that they are not the source of vision, God is.

Chapter 5 discusses both improper (though common) and proper sources of influence (Blackaby, 2006). It is filled with a number of readable examples of believers and businessmen who moved their organizations forward because they recognized where influence should come from.

Chapter 6 discusses goals. The goals usually suggested for the church are weak compared to the goals God desires. Not only weak, but often misguided. God didn't ask for bigger, faster and more -change for the sake of newness. God doesn't expect perfection or "excellence" ...