Spiritual Leadership: A Commitment to Excellence for Every Believer, Oswald Sanders (2007 Update, Moody)
So, what are you reading this summer? Beside the Bible, I know of no other single book that gives such a clear perspective and pathway to personal growth as a Christian servant leader. You may already own this book. My well-worn, underlined, dog-eared copy has served as a leadership compass for the past 25 years. I have discovered that rereading it periodically sheds crucial new insights into the current leadership challenges I face. Oswald’s perspectives speak to any level of leadership complexity because they are rooted and grounded in timeless principles.
Takeaway: “Spiritual leadership requires Spirit-filled people. Other qualities are important; to be Spirit-filled is indispensable.”
Sanders wrote this while serving as Consulting Director of the Overseas Missionary Fellowship in the 1960’s. This excellent compilation of messages to missionary leaders is perpetually relevant. Here are the chapter titles: An Honorable Ambition, The Search For Leaders, The Master’s Master Principle, Can You Become A Leader?, Insights on Leadership from Paul, Insights on Leadership from Peter, Qualities Essential to Leadership (1, 2), Above All Else, Prayer and Leadership, The Leader and Time, The Leader and Reading, Improving Leadership, The Cost of Leadership, The Responsibilities of Leadership, Tests of Leadership, The Art of Delegation, Replacing Leaders, Reproducing Leaders, Perils of Leadership, The Leader Nehemiah.
The new updated version (2007) recasts the tone in 21st century language, dropping archaic references to now unknown British leaders and using language that honors both men and women serving in leadership. This version also includes reflection questions following each chapter, an excellent 20-page small group study guide, and a very helpful name and Scripture index.
Do yourself, your family and your team a favor this summer: invest ten bucks for the updated version and savor Sanders.