SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP: Moving People On To God’s Agenda

SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP: Moving People On To God’s Agenda
by Henry Blackaby, speaker and writer, Richard Blackaby, president Canadian Baptist Seminary.
(c) 2001 Broadman and Hohman pp.306 price, 32.95

Ch. 1. The Leader’s Challange.
The Information Age has increased the challenge of leadership. Leaders are not really trusted, especially in politics. The lack of leadership is evident at all levels of organizations. "Secular" writers on leadership are getting into Christian principles more and more. The authors express concern about bartering a "spiritual birthright for the benefit of contemporary secular thinking". e.g. Israel’s demand for a monarch.
Ch. 2 The Leader’s Role.
Leadership is defined and discussed. A distinction is made between secular and spiritual leadership. "Spiritual leadership is moving people on to God’s agenda." p.20. Five distinctive elements of spiritual leadership are discussed. Jesus is our model as a spiritual leader. For leaders to be visionaries and direction setters is not a key in spiritual leadership. Rather, following God and His agenda are keys.
Ch. 3. The Leader’s Preparation.
Great organizations have great leaders. There are innate qualities of leadership. Leaders are also made. Life experiences are crucial in impacting people for leadership. e.g.homelife. Other factors that impact the making of a leader are failure, crisis, personal struggles, and hardships. God’s work in a (spiritual) leader is through the Holy Spirit in response to submission. Spiritual leadership is assigned by God not aspired to by man. e.g.Abraham.
Ch.4. The Leader’s Vision.
A number of wrong sources of leadership vision are discussed. "Vision is something people produce, revelation is something people receive.".p.69.(from God). When God gives a revelation He usually gives a promise. e.g.Noah, Abraham. God given visions can only be accomplished with God’s resources. Spiritual leaders bring people face to face with God who invites them to join Him in His vision. Symbols are an effective way of communicating a vision. Stories of God’s leading are even more effective.
Ch. 5. The Leader’s Character.
Influence is the halmark of leadership but it must be of the right kind. It cannot come from position, power, or personality. Legitimate sources of influence are God’s authentification, encounters with God, character and integrity, a successful track record, and preparation.
Ch. 6. The Leader’s Goal.
Some unworthy goals are identified. Three worthy goals are; leading to spiritual maturity, leading others to God, and bringing glory to God.
Ch. 7. The Leader’s Influence.
"The ability to influence others is undoubtedly a pivotal requirement for leadership." p.147. Leaders of influence pray. e.g.George Mueller. They work hard. There needs to be clear, effective communication. Servant leadership as modeled by Christ is key in exercising influence. Effective leaders will maintain positive attitudes. Influence needs to be treated as a stewardship. It is a trust from God.
Ch. 8. The Leader’s Decision Making.
Decision making is not an option for leaders. Spiritual leaders seek guidance of the Holy Spirit. Good decisions involve being teachable, being accountable (to God) and knowing the history behind the needs that require decisions. When decisions have been made leaders will take full responsibility for their decisions. i.e. accept consequences, admit and deal with mistakes, and stand firm on their decisions. A number of suggestions are made about improving decision making.
Ch. 9. The Leader’s Scedule.
Time management is about choices. Taking time to know and understand God’s will is fundamental to wise time management. Some habits of leaders who are effective are; the ability to say no, cultivating healthy rutines, delegating, being focused in their concentration.. Time needs to be invested wisely. At all times leaders need to avoid timewasters.
Ch. 10. The Leader’s Pitfalls
Ten pitfalls are identified and discussed. Among them are pride, sexual sins, greed, etc. Being aware of the pitfalls is essential to avoiding them.
Ch.11. The Leader’s Rewards.
Wealth, power, and fame are ephemeral rewards. Spitirtual rewards have to do with integrity, contribution and relationship. To have a positive influence on others is another reward for leadership.

Comment.
As I read this book I was impressed with the traditional position these writers presented. A very clear distinction is made between secular and spiritual leadership. The take-a-way for me was the challenge of applying the teachings to the culture that is a part of my life today.