Spiritual Leadership by J. Oswald Sanders is a classic book, and one of the greatest leadership books in print today. Numerous leaders credit this book as formative in their lives and ministries. It’s depth and breadth of biblical wisdom and practical application are unmatched in a single volume.
Here are some of my favorite quotes from the book:
Resist the idea of “leadership from the back.” True leadership is always out front.
Achievement is bought on the time-payment plan, with a new installment required every day.
The true leader is concerned primarily with the welfare of others, not with his own comfort or prestige.
More failures come from an excess of caution than from bold experiments with new ideas.
A true leader steps forward in order to face baffling circumstances and complex problems.
Successful leaders have learned that no failure is final, whether his own failure or someone else’s. No one is perfect, and we cannot be right all the time. Failures and even feelings of inadequacy can provoke humility and serve to remind a leader who is really in charge.
There is no virtue in doing more than our fair share of the work.
Indeed, no man, however gifted and devoted is indispensable to the work of the kingdom.
Only one leader holds office forever, no successor is needed for Him.
Willingness to concede error and to defer to the judgment of one’s peers increases one’s influence rather than diminishes it.
Barnabas Piper serves on the leadership team at Lifeway, and is the author of several books, including The Pastor’s Kid, and Help My Unbelief.
