Who is it for?

• Anyone in church leadership

• Anyone interested in applying biblical leadership principles to their daily life or work

There is a palpable sense of timeless wisdom and valuable insight found within "Spiritual Leadership" by J. Oswald Sanders, a book that delves into the character qualities, costs, and potential pitfalls of leadership. With a focus on spiritual leaders throughout history, Sanders presents a compelling case for partnering with God in His work and offers practical guidance for aspiring leaders.

Let's explore three key reasons why this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to enhance their leadership skills. I’ll also talk a bit about what I didn’t like, and why there are things that should be taken with a grain of salt.

Learn from the Lives of Great Leaders

Sanders takes readers on a captivating journey through the lives of influential leaders, both spiritual and non-spiritual, offering profound lessons and inspiration. By examining their examples and the enduring qualities they possessed, we gain valuable insights into the essence of effective leadership. This book serves as a reservoir of wisdom, providing guidance on personal example, character development, and the responsibilities that come with leadership.

Perhaps the most provoking biblical example of leadership referenced throughout the book is that of Nehemiah. Sanders discusses Moses at length (I’ll share my thoughts on that element later), but for me, I think we learn more from Moses’ leadership mistakes than his successes.

Navigate the Challenges and Pitfalls of Leadership

Through Scripture and historical accounts, Sanders identifies common pitfalls that leaders should avoid. By highlighting the potential dangers, he equips readers with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of leadership and make wise choices.

There are questions at the end of each chapter for personal reflection or group discussion, though many of the questions aren’t particularly insightful. Where these questions shine is the moments in the book that compel us to look at our own lives, practices, and strategies to see if we can find the pitfalls or warning signs within ourselves. The questions there can encourage self-reflection and really cause us to consider practical strategies to maintain integrity, humility, and resilience in the face of challenges.

Where the Book Falls Short

There are a few areas that I feel the book falls short, and largely because it is a product of its time. The book somewhat dates itself in the way it presents its unflinching hierarchical view. The rigid top-down, king of the hill, Don Draper (if you will excuse a Mad Men reference) seems out of place in today’s environment.

Especially in the wake of toxic leadership revelations revealed through things like the podcast, “The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill” that have plagued churches in recent years, this chief execute style of leadership seems ill-fitting (and would honestly be off-putting for many).

I think we, as a culture, have begun to find a bit of a healthier balance with regard to how we view church leadership. We’ve started being more okay with democratizing leadership, rather than emphasizing the value of one individual over all else. Where Sanders harkens from an era where the leader is nearly worshiped (think of a small town, old school church where the pastor is essentially royalty), we should approach those sections of the book looking for what we can glean from a broader leadership perspective.

Sanders seems to believe that the most biblical form of leadership is from this old-style singular powerhouse of a leader, but I’m not sure that we see those kinds of strict protocols prescribed in Scripture.

Another thing I’ve noted is that books on spiritual leadership (this one included) often raise Moses up as the pinnacle of leadership that we should all aspire to. Which I find ironic. One of the major meta-narratives throughout Moses’ story is exactly the opposite: he is ill-equipped to lead in almost every way, and yet God continues to use him. Why? So that there would be no doubt that the Lord is sovereign and that it is God who has brought his people to freedom.

This book and others like it go to great lengths to say “be like Moses, the best leader” and then go on to argue for points that don’t describe Moses at all. That’s not a deal-breaker by any stretch, I just find it amusing.

All that to say, "Spiritual Leadership" is a valuable resource that provides profound insights into the qualities, costs, and pitfalls of leadership. Despite some of my frustrations, the majority of the book holds incredible reminders for aspiring leaders.

While specifically focused on spiritual leadership, this book transcends its primary audience. Sanders emphasizes that spiritual leadership is not limited to a select few but impacts the entire body of Christ.

As such, "Spiritual Leadership" is a must-read for every believer, as it imparts essential principles for honoring God and effectively serving others. By aligning our leadership practices with biblical truths, we contribute to the transformation and growth of God's church.

You’ll be reminded how to focus on things that matter, how to delegate and multiply yourself, and how to learn from other examples and apply those findings to your own life.

Whether you are an aspiring leader or seeking to enhance your current leadership skills, this book offers timeless wisdom and practical guidance. By immersing ourselves in the lives of exemplary leaders and aligning our practices with biblical principles, we can become effective and influential leaders in God's kingdom.

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