First published in 1967, the 2007 re-published version of J. Oswald Sanders’ Spiritual Leadership – principles of excellence for every believer is a ‘required reading’ to put on your book list.
Sanders’ first chapter – An Honorable Ambition – opens with two verses: 1 Timothy 3:1 – “To aspire to leadership is an honorable ambition.” and Jeremiah 45:5 – “Should you then seek things for yourself? Seek them not.” Although these verses appear to cause conflict, Sanders unfolds their true meaning.
Following are a few notable passages from the book:
- Paul (Apostle) urges us to the work of leading within the church, the most important work in the world. When our motives are right, this work pas eternal dividends. In Paul’s day, only a deep love for Christ and genuine concern for the church could motivate people to lead. Bit in many cultures today where Christian leadership carries prestige and privilege, people aspire to leadership for reasons quite unworthy and self-seeking. Holy ambition has always been surrounded by distortions.
- True greatness, true leadership, is found in giving yourself in service to others, not in coaxing or inducing others to serve you. True service is never without cost.
- Samuel Brengle, the great Salvation Army revival preacher said, ‘One of the outstanding ironies of history is the utter disregard of ranks and titles in the final judgements men pass on each other. The final estimate of men shows that history cares not an iota for the rank or title a man has borne, or the office he has held, but only the quality of his deeds and the character of his mind and heart.’
- The King James Bible uses leader only six times. Much more frequently, the role is called servant. We do not read about ‘Moses, my leader,’ but ‘Moses, my servant.’ This is exactly what Christ taught.
These are just a few found in the first twenty-one pages. You will enjoy the read. One final thought, spiritual leadership is not a calling we choose to pursue; it is a calling we choose to answer.