“Spiritual leaders who simply follow secular methods may experience some degree of success, but they will not rise to the higher level of leadership possible for true spiritual leaders.” I came across this quote as I was taking another look at some books I have not read for a while. Consequently, I am revisiting a Christian leadership classic that has been revised and expanded. Spiritual Leadership: Moving People on to God's Agenda by Henry Blackaby and Richard Blackaby (2017, Bradman & Holman) is a Christian leadership classic that pushes leaders to think very seriously about what it means to be a spiritual leader.
The authors argue that Spiritual leadership is not an occupation: it is a calling, and any Christian in any context of leadership can (ought) to be spiritual leaders. But it is something that God must assign to people who are striving to be the kind of people God desires them to be. Further, real spiritual leadership is all about moving people onto God’s agenda.
Both men are experienced leaders in a number of different contexts, and published authors, and draw from their own experience, as well as their experiences guiding hundreds of leaders into successful spiritual leadership roles in a wide variety of organisations and contexts.
The book is very well organised and written. While very easy to read, it is also very challenging as it pushes the reader to take leadership to another level. The argument is very compelling as the authors use scripture and experience. interspersed with the stories of people who are living the principles to illustrate and reinforce their ideas.
Aspiring and new leaders would benefit greatly from this book, as it lays out a clear set of leadership principles. However, experienced leaders may find it challenging because the authors call out leaders who may appear very successful but only talk about being spiritual. This book shows what it means to truly be a spiritual leader. It is a very worthwhile addition to any leader’s library, but only if it is read.