If one learns to leads like Jesus, from His example, then one will change the world like the disciples did within 60 years of His death. Such is the compelling argument of Karl Martin (Theologian, Pastor of “Central” in Edinburgh and founder of Cairn, a movement of mission and discipleship in the Celtic nations) in his book LEAD (2017, Muddy Pearl).
The book is based on The Words of Jesus from John chapters 13-21, as well as the personal experience and research of the author. The author uses a simply methodology in the construct of the book from the Gospel of John, chapters 13-21, along with interpretation, example and focus and then using the chapters to ensure you follow his logic. Within the chapters are paragraphs that you can read on their own slowly to ingest the information without getting lost in the hyperbole
Martin argues that the current world’s leadership focus is considered and then discarded as lacking depth, tiring you out and focused on outcomes that are about social climbing or corporate climbing without vapid emptiness. Since the book leads you on a personal reflective narrative, the argument is really you on the journey discovering if the author’s thoughts and arguments are persuasive and influential. Personally, I thought they were.
The book is well organized, with a clear path from start to finish of its 9 chapters. You’re unable to skip chapters as you’d miss the information that was pertinent to the starting premise and thus misunderstand the eventual conclusion. However, the argument and conclusion allow you to know what is coming and where the author is headed but wanting to know why.
It should appeal to Christians who are leaders AND who are not leaders and think they never will be. It is thought provoking, soul addressing and ultimately satisfying.
Reviewed by Pastor Terry Johnson,
President of the Greater Sydney Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.