Author: J.Oswald Sanders

Publisher: Moody Publishers

Pub. in: May, 2007

ISBN: 0802482279

Pages: 208

Measurements: 8.8 x 6 x 0.5 inches

Origin of product: USA

Order code: BA01456

Other information: 978-0802482273

What an outstanding book for all believers, probably starting as young as junior high, but definitely applicable to high school aged students and beyond. Spiritual Leadership is also a great reminder even for those Christian adults already in positions of leadership. Sanders does a wonderful job of not just giving leadership tactics, but drills down to the heart of the matter and addresses a leader's true ambition (service or recognition, others or self).

Sanders did an excellent job of putting the concepts on the bottom shelf for every reader to understand, while raising the bar for the expectations by putting forth some excellent challenges to the reader as well. One outstanding challenge regards the use of time - making the best use of the time we have, or as Paul put it in Ephesians, "redeeming" the time. Sanders follows that chapter with an excellent suggestion for how leaders should be using their time - reading!!! Sanders uses a quote from Tozer to dive to the heart of the matter addressing why many people don't read - because they don't intend to obey in the first place! The book gives excellent suggestions how to make your reading more profitable and effective as well.

Sanders also addresses the concept that leadership is marked by influence, and that while it is true that all Christians should be and are de facto leaders, there are measures that we can take to improve our leadership and our influence in the lives of others. Sanders reminds the reader/leader that leadership costs and challenges the reader/leader to be ready and willing to pay the price as our example Christ did for us. Sanders warns that leaders will have to learn to deal with self-sacrifice, loneliness, fatigue, criticism, rejection, pressure and perplexity.

Spiritual Leadership also addresses the responsibilities of leaders and the art of delegating authority to others. Then Sanders encourages leaders to begin to work to train up the next generation of leaders to replace themselves in the work of the Kingdom. Sanders ends with some perils and pitfalls associated with leadership from pride and egotism to jealousy and popularity.

The book is a relatively easy read in length (180 pages) and context; but while the principles put forth by Sanders will be simple to read and understand, they will take great courage and strength of character to employ and live out on a daily basis. Spiritual Leadership is a must-read and well worth rereading as well.



(From quoting a guest reviewer)

Target readers: Executives, managers, government and nonprofit leaders, management consultants and MBAs.