Book Review: "On Being a Leader for God" by Warren Wiersbe.
Review written by Matthew Kratz

In the preface, pastor and Bible teacher Warren W. Wiersbe articulates the purpose of this book is to be "a practical 'theology of leadership' based on the principles and illustrated taught in the Bible" (p.10). He makes clear distinctions throughout the book between "leaders" who deal with vision and direction from "managers" to deal with day to day implementation (p.15).

This book is filled with helpful bible verses, quotes, stories, and illustrations of what it means to be a godly and biblical leader for God’s glory. There are times when the theology is not as tight and precise as I would like (God "needed" Adam and Eve to tend the garden (p.18) yet it is generally helpful

This book is meant to be a sequel to the well-known and loved book On Being A Servant Of God by Wiersbe. In that book we have a powerful exhortation to serve God’s people and maintain a servant’s heart in ministry. In this book we have a broader look at the responsibilities, character and Biblical description of a Christian leader. Wiersbe deals biblically with topics that are relevant to Christian leadership, including:

*obedience
*character
*maturity
*ability
*God's authority
*seizing opportunities
*biblical images of leadership
*measuring management
*being a leader versus a boss
*change management
*organizational leadership
*vision

The chapters are short (4-7 pages), making the book easy to read, though the lack of chapter headings or titles is very frustrating. For my own reference, I summarised the topics of each chapter and made my own table of contents. Only after completing the book did some of the progressions from topic to topic become a little clearer. Although, the progression in each chapter seems not to flow at times and the logical link was sometimes hard to follow, for connections were not always made.

I appreciated the focus on a leaders humility and faithfulness, over a "leadership principle" approach. Indeed, there a no quick actions to long term effective leadership. Self-checks on Biblical principles (p. 30) were helpful.

Although a seasoned pastor/writer/speaker/board member, Wiersbe shows particular insight in dealing with those of various generations (p. 111). There are often times I wished he would have taken a topic/passage and drawn out the meaning and implications instead of just dealing with it in passing.

The work would be an excellent introduction to leadership since it is an overview of Biblical principles. It is suitable for an introductory college (or high school) course on leadership, or for a Christian in any leadership situation.

Price: $13.99
ISBN: 978-0-8010-1382-9
ISBN-10: 0-8010-1382-8
Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.5
Number of pages: 144
Carton Quantity: 76
Publication Date: Jun. 11
Formats: Paperback

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group". ( )

Here is a man experienced in ministry, having served for over 60 years, offering his advice on being a leader for God. Wiersbe begins his book by defining leadership: "Christian leaders are people who, by faith, willingly use their character, abilities, authority, and opportunities to serve others and to help them reach their fullest potential, to their benefit, the benefit of the organization, and the glory of God." He then spends the rest of the book exploring each part of this definition in detail.

I have long been a fan of On Being a Servant of God by Wiersbe. It is one of the books I try to give to people starting out in ministry and I make all of my interns read it. I was pleased to find that this companion volume, which compliments Servant without repeating it, will be going on that same list. Wiersbe offers good thoughts and advice on a broad array of topics to do with leadership. This is not an in depth textbook exploring the issues, theological, practical, or otherwise, but, instead, it is a series of reflections on being a godly leader. As that, it is well worth reading.

A few quotes to whet your appetite. In speaking of Jesus as a CEO, a concept which Wiersbe disagrees with, Wiersbe notes that "Nobody ever called Jesus 'boss,' because His title was always 'Lord' - and it still is." He urges Christian leaders to turn to God first, not the wisdom of this world: "If Christians are to make a difference in this world, they must avoid thinking like the world and imitating the world. Right planning and right serving begin with right thinking, and right thinking comes from the wisdom of God."

In another chapter, Wiersbe offers this excellent quote from Markings by Dag Hammarskjold: "Your position never gives you the right to command. It only imposes on you the duty of so living your life that others can receive your orders without being humiliated." Wiersbe concludes: "Ponder that statement." Indeed.

Conclusion: 5 Stars. No, this book will not tell you everything you need to know about leadership. Instead, it is an excellent book on thinking rightly about leadership and focusing on God. A must read, especially for those just starting out.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group". ( )

Excellent! A must read!

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