The Book on Leadership (Hardback)

The basic tenet of MacArthur was stipulated very succinctly in the Introduction on page “v”. “Leadership demands service, sacrifice and selflessness.” This idea is thoroughly developed, and the “selflessness” aspect was very pronounced.

It has been a long time that I have so thoroughly highlighted a book as I have gone through it, but this one has many “yellows streaks” in it. I am sure that many of the points will shape my work here at Hammonton Baptist Church.

- Pastor DeNick

I have read many books on the subject of leadership and many of them are somewhat daunting and intimidating, but I found this one different. The scriptural example of the Apostle Paul and how demonstrated leadership both during crisis and under fire is very inspiring. I am sure any Christian in search of greater leadership abilities, whether they be a Pastor or Minister or any other Servant of the Lord, would find this book most helpful.

- Pastor Willey

If you've never read MacArthur you'll find that he is a man familiar with and committed to the text of Holy Scripture. His Book On Leadership is an unashamed look at the biblical approach to this vital subject. Today many voices clamor for our attention but the Christian's concern must be that the Word of God be followed. Many undergraduate and graduate schools now offer degrees in Leadership. Yet, had you noticed that there's a tremendous lack of quality leadership in government, business, education and even the Church.

MacArthur starts strong by pointing out that leadership is not so much about style and technique as it is about character. At its core leadership is about influencing others. This means that the kind of people we are is of the utmost significance. Thus begins a rousing journey into a rich variety of New Testament texts in which we find out what made Paul (and continues to make him)have such a lasting impact upon people's lives.

In just over 200 pages MacArthur lays out 26 character-qualities derived from Paul's life. They are not forced or contrived, just clear, convicting, challenging and correcting. As a pastor, I was most helped by the segmnet on leaders being "clay pots" like Paul. The famous apostle was reduced to an ongoing awareness of his sheer nothingness. As MacArthur writes on page 121:

When we learn to embrace trials, anguish, and distress as friends(James 1:2-4; Romans 5:3-5) and as reminders of our own weakness (II Corinthians 12:7-10), we become more dependent on the power of God and therefore more effective as leaders and witnesses for Him. His life is unleashed in our dying.

Wow! I really needed that. Our weakness is not the end of our ministry. In our nothingness the life and power of Christ Jesus is revealed. The power is actually from God. This section made me see that many of my failures in ministry are the result of NOT dying to self. This is of course hurtful, but Oh, so helpful.

IF you happen to feel "dead" in your current role of influence that God has called you to, don't despair and drop out. MacArthur offers some very practical guidelines on How Not to Be Disqualified As A Leader:

(1)Take control of your life. Start where you are. Organize. Break large tasks into smaller ones (2) Time is precious. Work hard and don't procrastinate-Ephesians 5:15,16 (3)Take responsibility for times of Rest. When you relax do things that feed your soul and not just carnal appetites (4)The little things should not be fretted over...But be faithful in small things-Luke 19:17 (5) Take on new tasks where you can serve others (6) Tell yourself, " I'll finish what I start "-Luke 14:28-32 (7) The commitments you make are to be Kept-Deut. 23:21-23 (8) Tell Youeself " No " from time to time...do w/o the dessert,take a walk instead of a nap-I Corinthians 9:27.

I look forward to using this book in our Church. This work is a real gem for preparing God's people to influence others for time and eternity.

- Pastor Jason B. Shelton

Any book that discusses the issue of leadership is a hot item for pastors. I share an enthusiasm to understand the principles of leadership better so to serve God more effectively. It is always a challenge to address Christian leadership. Far too often pastors are left to peruse excellence in their leadership skills through the experiences of secularly successful men or women. While there are some transferable principles, Biblical leadership is premised on a different value system.

John Macarthur, a well known spokesman for Christian leadership, grabbed my attention in his introduction when he addressed his intention to point out leadership qualities of Biblical personalities, primarily the apostle Paul. The 26 characteristic of a true leader identified in this book come from a study of Paul’s leadership, primarily from a study of 2 Corinthians. Throughout that study I found great encouragement. Some of the points that captured my attention are; a leader as one who is a clay pot, shaped by the Master, but also replaceable by the Master. The encouragement to maintain a life committed to truth and values, as churches ultimately must share those values. The reality that conscience assists in a leaders pursuit of excellence. However the principles that exceeds the others is found at the beginning and the end of this book. Biblically leadership recognizes Christ as model. To maintain a life style of Christlikeness and integrity.

I found several points that Macarthur made somewhat unsettling. His strong support for dynamic qualities in a person who is in a leadership role seems to leave out the vast majority Christians who serve in great humility, often behind the scenes, not seeking for recognition, or public leadership identification. A common example is the many Sunday School teachers who demonstrate their leadership skill in a small classroom filled with unruly children. These same children will often in their adults years look back and say that that teacher was the most influential person in their lives. I do appreciate that Macarthur points out that Paul was a leadership whose mark was left on history through influence, even as it was on those he give leadership for while alive.

- Associate Pastor Kerr