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The Character of Leadership: Nine Qualities that Define Great Leaders
Seminary president Jeff Iorg believes that character, and character development, are essential foundations for effective leaders. In The Character of Leadership , he writes about how God ever shapes character in the life of every leader, and in relation, how continual spiritual formation is a process to which every good leader must pay close attention.
Iorg puts insightful chapter-long emphasis on nine important character-shaping qualities that help readers in “becoming the leader God intends me to be rather than doing the leading God intends me to do.” The nine qualities Integrity, Security, Purity, Humility, Servanthood, Wisdom, Discipline, Courage, and Passion.
Rick Warren, author of The Purpose-Driven Life
"Jeff Iorg defines lasting leadership as character, not capacity or competency. The making of a great leader is built on what God intends you to be rather than doing the leading God intends for you to do. His purpose is first and foremost to shape you into the image of Jesus, the greatest leader of all time."
James T. Draper, Jr., president emeritus, Lifeway Christian Resources
"An enormous contribution to the critical area of ministry and leadership. A must read for every ministry that strives for excellence. I recommend it without reservation."
J. Robert White, executive director, Georgia Baptist Convention
"Iorg is imminently qualified to write this volume on leadership . . . the chapters on integrity and purity are very much needed in our times and worth the investment of your time."
Iorg puts insightful chapter-long emphasis on nine important character-shaping qualities that help readers in “becoming the leader God intends me to be rather than doing the leading God intends me to do.” The nine qualities Integrity, Security, Purity, Humility, Servanthood, Wisdom, Discipline, Courage, and Passion.
Rick Warren, author of The Purpose-Driven Life
"Jeff Iorg defines lasting leadership as character, not capacity or competency. The making of a great leader is built on what God intends you to be rather than doing the leading God intends for you to do. His purpose is first and foremost to shape you into the image of Jesus, the greatest leader of all time."
James T. Draper, Jr., president emeritus, Lifeway Christian Resources
"An enormous contribution to the critical area of ministry and leadership. A must read for every ministry that strives for excellence. I recommend it without reservation."
J. Robert White, executive director, Georgia Baptist Convention
"Iorg is imminently qualified to write this volume on leadership . . . the chapters on integrity and purity are very much needed in our times and worth the investment of your time."
240 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2007
42 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Iorg
37 books9 followersDr. Iorg teaches leadership, preaching, and church ministry courses at Gateway Seminary. He speaks frequently on these subjects in conferences and other venues, including college campuses and leadership seminars. His publications include six books: The Painful Side of Leadership, The Character of Leadership, Is God Calling Me?, The Case for Antioch, Seasons of a Leader’s Life, Unscripted and his latest, Ministry in the New Marriage Culture. Iorg has also written dozens of articles and curriculum materials.
Iorg is a graduate of Hardin Simmons University (B.A.), Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div.) and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (D.Min.). He is married to Ann, has three adult children, and three grandchildren. His hobbies include reading fiction, cheering on the Oregon Ducks, and searching for the world’s best barbeque restaurant.
Iorg is a graduate of Hardin Simmons University (B.A.), Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div.) and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (D.Min.). He is married to Ann, has three adult children, and three grandchildren. His hobbies include reading fiction, cheering on the Oregon Ducks, and searching for the world’s best barbeque restaurant.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 16, 2018
There are a lot of Christian books on the topic of "leadership," but this one is unique in its focus on the personal character that one must have to be a leader. I was immediately hooked by Jeff Iorg's opening line: “In my 20s, I was determined to change the world. In my 30s, I tried to reform the church. In my early 40s, I discovered I was the problem” (1).
After an introductory chapter, Iorg goes through nine character qualities that leaders must have: submission, security, purity (mainly sexual), humility, servanthood, wisdom, discipline, courage, and love. (For the first and the last items, Iorg had “integrity” and “passion,” but after reading those chapters, I felt that “submission” and “love” more accurately captured his point.)
I’m not going to go through each of the nine points, but here are some highlights from Iorg’s treatment of the first two character qualities that I found helpful: submission and security.
The first character quality is submission. To be a leader, you must be in submission to Jesus as Lord (Matt 28:18; Acts 2:36; Phil 2:9-11). This is an easy thing to affirm theologically, but it is much harder to live out. It is much harder to believe that Jesus is the Lord of your life.
Iorg gives four prayers that he prays to remind himself of the Lordship of Christ in his life:
(1) “Lord, I am expendable. Another day or another decade of life, whatever pleases you” (29).
(2) “Lord, I serve at your pleasure. Use me, or not, whatever pleases you” (30). He adds, “Sometimes, God does not use a person for a while as part of his purpose for them” (30), and gives the example of Paul in Roman custody – “when two years had elapsed” (Acts 24:27).
(3) “Lord, your kingdom matters. Mine doesn’t. Advance your cause, whatever that means for me” (31).
(4) “Lord, you are God. I am not. Help me keep that straight today” (32).
An important aspect of being in submission to Christ as Lord is to see yourself as a steward of that which belongs to Christ (Luke 16:1-15; 1 Cor 4:1-2). A steward is someone who manages something that belongs to someone else (33). If you have a leadership role, it is only because Christ has given you that role as a stewardship, a little part of his kingdom. It is his kingdom, his church, his ministry – and he expects you to take good care of it on his behalf (34). “You are only the current occupant of your leadership role. You are always a temporary employee. You are a transition person for your job” (34). Imagine if you were to die suddenly. There would be grief for a time, but then you would be replaced and people would move on. “You are not as indispensable as you think you are” (35).
One way the Lordship of Christ can be made real in your life, i.e., where the rubber meets the road, is if you are in submission to human authority structures that God has placed in your life. We learn to trust Jesus to work through others to correct, guide, and direct us (37). Our ultimate boss is Christ, but he uses earthly bosses to give us boundaries and keep us accountable, such as a session or board of elders. “When we trust Jesus to work through others to correct, guide, and direct us, we will grow in integrity” (37).
The second character quality is security. Iorg begins this second characteristic by pointing out the importance of security. “Secure leaders feel less pressure to perform, less pressure to please people, and less pressure to prove their worth by their accomplishments than insecure leaders do” (47). Conversely, insecurities can drive you to act in ways that are compulsive, selfish, sinful, and harmful to others.
Iorg lists some of the symptoms of insecurity:
- You can’t say no without feeling guilty.
- You crave the admiration, affirmation and adulation of others.
- Inability to trust others to make decisions.
- Inability to keep work in perspective.
What is the solution? It is to find your security in Christ (John 10:28-29). In ordinary life, security comes from relationships – people seek it in wife, husband, child, mother, father, followers, etc. (63). But true security comes from your relationship with Christ. Because of Christ, God validates you, accepts you, and gives you worth and meaning. Your life is significant and important to God, even if your contribution or sphere of influence is limited.
What are some benefits of being secure in Christ?
- Secure leaders are free to obey God (65).
- Secure leaders are confident without being arrogant (67).
- Secure leaders are relaxed, resting in Christ (67). “They have nothing left to prove, nothing left to conquer, and are not beholden to anyone” (67).
Anyway, that is just a taste of the first two character qualities. You'll have to read the whole book to get the rest.
What I found interesting about all this is that these are qualities that all Christians, especially Christian men, should have. I conclude that being a leader in the church is simply a matter of being a follower of Christ, living out of union with him, having his character formed in us, and thus leading ultimately not by force but by example. As Jesus said (Mark 10:35-45), leadership is not about power or authority, but about being a humble servant who exhibits the character of Christ.
Iorg summarizes it well: “The aroma surrounding our actions – the unmistakable aroma of Jesus Christ – is what marks real servant leaders … Servant leadership is about the heart. It’s primarily about motive. A servant leader is driven by his or her love for God and people … Servant leaders leave a vapor trail of the sweet aroma of Jesus’ humility formed in them” (130, 137).
After an introductory chapter, Iorg goes through nine character qualities that leaders must have: submission, security, purity (mainly sexual), humility, servanthood, wisdom, discipline, courage, and love. (For the first and the last items, Iorg had “integrity” and “passion,” but after reading those chapters, I felt that “submission” and “love” more accurately captured his point.)
I’m not going to go through each of the nine points, but here are some highlights from Iorg’s treatment of the first two character qualities that I found helpful: submission and security.
The first character quality is submission. To be a leader, you must be in submission to Jesus as Lord (Matt 28:18; Acts 2:36; Phil 2:9-11). This is an easy thing to affirm theologically, but it is much harder to live out. It is much harder to believe that Jesus is the Lord of your life.
Iorg gives four prayers that he prays to remind himself of the Lordship of Christ in his life:
(1) “Lord, I am expendable. Another day or another decade of life, whatever pleases you” (29).
(2) “Lord, I serve at your pleasure. Use me, or not, whatever pleases you” (30). He adds, “Sometimes, God does not use a person for a while as part of his purpose for them” (30), and gives the example of Paul in Roman custody – “when two years had elapsed” (Acts 24:27).
(3) “Lord, your kingdom matters. Mine doesn’t. Advance your cause, whatever that means for me” (31).
(4) “Lord, you are God. I am not. Help me keep that straight today” (32).
An important aspect of being in submission to Christ as Lord is to see yourself as a steward of that which belongs to Christ (Luke 16:1-15; 1 Cor 4:1-2). A steward is someone who manages something that belongs to someone else (33). If you have a leadership role, it is only because Christ has given you that role as a stewardship, a little part of his kingdom. It is his kingdom, his church, his ministry – and he expects you to take good care of it on his behalf (34). “You are only the current occupant of your leadership role. You are always a temporary employee. You are a transition person for your job” (34). Imagine if you were to die suddenly. There would be grief for a time, but then you would be replaced and people would move on. “You are not as indispensable as you think you are” (35).
One way the Lordship of Christ can be made real in your life, i.e., where the rubber meets the road, is if you are in submission to human authority structures that God has placed in your life. We learn to trust Jesus to work through others to correct, guide, and direct us (37). Our ultimate boss is Christ, but he uses earthly bosses to give us boundaries and keep us accountable, such as a session or board of elders. “When we trust Jesus to work through others to correct, guide, and direct us, we will grow in integrity” (37).
The second character quality is security. Iorg begins this second characteristic by pointing out the importance of security. “Secure leaders feel less pressure to perform, less pressure to please people, and less pressure to prove their worth by their accomplishments than insecure leaders do” (47). Conversely, insecurities can drive you to act in ways that are compulsive, selfish, sinful, and harmful to others.
Iorg lists some of the symptoms of insecurity:
- You can’t say no without feeling guilty.
- You crave the admiration, affirmation and adulation of others.
- Inability to trust others to make decisions.
- Inability to keep work in perspective.
What is the solution? It is to find your security in Christ (John 10:28-29). In ordinary life, security comes from relationships – people seek it in wife, husband, child, mother, father, followers, etc. (63). But true security comes from your relationship with Christ. Because of Christ, God validates you, accepts you, and gives you worth and meaning. Your life is significant and important to God, even if your contribution or sphere of influence is limited.
What are some benefits of being secure in Christ?
- Secure leaders are free to obey God (65).
- Secure leaders are confident without being arrogant (67).
- Secure leaders are relaxed, resting in Christ (67). “They have nothing left to prove, nothing left to conquer, and are not beholden to anyone” (67).
Anyway, that is just a taste of the first two character qualities. You'll have to read the whole book to get the rest.
What I found interesting about all this is that these are qualities that all Christians, especially Christian men, should have. I conclude that being a leader in the church is simply a matter of being a follower of Christ, living out of union with him, having his character formed in us, and thus leading ultimately not by force but by example. As Jesus said (Mark 10:35-45), leadership is not about power or authority, but about being a humble servant who exhibits the character of Christ.
Iorg summarizes it well: “The aroma surrounding our actions – the unmistakable aroma of Jesus Christ – is what marks real servant leaders … Servant leadership is about the heart. It’s primarily about motive. A servant leader is driven by his or her love for God and people … Servant leaders leave a vapor trail of the sweet aroma of Jesus’ humility formed in them” (130, 137).
February 16, 2023
Not very pastoral, very concerned with harshly distinguishing the minister from those they lead. Very “us-them.” Some good stuff, but concerned with being a leader and not being a person. I wasn’t a fan but I know many people are.
Read
April 15, 20252025-04-15
Review 2025.03.009
Reviewers Note: It is the beginning of 2025 and one of the skills I desire to grow in is that of writing book reviews (having never done this before). I am doing this so I can better hone my writing (and reading) skills as I seek to think more critically about the books I am reading. I am sharing on Goodreads for my own personal development. I know this will be something I am always growing in so if you actually read these, please be patient with me as I develop this skill. I will also receive constructive criticism if you desire to help me become a better writer (and reader). I plan to use this disclaimer for the entire 2025 year.
The Character of Leadership by Jeff Iorg
240 Pages
This was a really good Christian leadership book. It was short and an easy read. Nothing overly complicated. An encouragement for me to be sure.
One of the quotes I did not highlight but should have was “Lord, I serve at your pleasure. Use me, or not, whatever pleases you.” I have shortened this for my journal to just “Use me or not” and sometimes I add “I serve at the behest of my King.” because I love the word behest. Can we bring that back into common use?
Most, if not all, of the chapters were impactful but chapter two “Maintaining Integrity” and chapter five “Learning Humility” were the two that did the most work in my life. Even among those two, the one about humility was the most needed in my life at that point in time. And if I read it again, probably then too.
In that chapter, he talks about a key question and pulls the question straight from 1 Corinthians 4:7 where the Apostle Paul asks “What do I have that I did not receive?” What indeed? Nothing. All the life experiences and gifts I have are a gift from God, so I can boast in nothing. Pride is one of the hardest sins to overcome. It actually seems impossible but there are things we can do to grow in humility which he lists in the chapter.
Some of those ways include developing a teachable spirit, giving others credit, developing thankfulness, and of course praying and asking for prayer. They all sound easy but they are not. I was trying to determine which one was the most difficult of those four (or five - depending on how we count) but found myself waffling on that. Needless to say, I am working on all the ways to grow and choose humility.
I highly recommend this to Christian leaders and Christians who want to become leaders (even though technically we are all leaders already).
Review 2025.03.009
Reviewers Note: It is the beginning of 2025 and one of the skills I desire to grow in is that of writing book reviews (having never done this before). I am doing this so I can better hone my writing (and reading) skills as I seek to think more critically about the books I am reading. I am sharing on Goodreads for my own personal development. I know this will be something I am always growing in so if you actually read these, please be patient with me as I develop this skill. I will also receive constructive criticism if you desire to help me become a better writer (and reader). I plan to use this disclaimer for the entire 2025 year.
The Character of Leadership by Jeff Iorg
240 Pages
This was a really good Christian leadership book. It was short and an easy read. Nothing overly complicated. An encouragement for me to be sure.
One of the quotes I did not highlight but should have was “Lord, I serve at your pleasure. Use me, or not, whatever pleases you.” I have shortened this for my journal to just “Use me or not” and sometimes I add “I serve at the behest of my King.” because I love the word behest. Can we bring that back into common use?
Most, if not all, of the chapters were impactful but chapter two “Maintaining Integrity” and chapter five “Learning Humility” were the two that did the most work in my life. Even among those two, the one about humility was the most needed in my life at that point in time. And if I read it again, probably then too.
In that chapter, he talks about a key question and pulls the question straight from 1 Corinthians 4:7 where the Apostle Paul asks “What do I have that I did not receive?” What indeed? Nothing. All the life experiences and gifts I have are a gift from God, so I can boast in nothing. Pride is one of the hardest sins to overcome. It actually seems impossible but there are things we can do to grow in humility which he lists in the chapter.
Some of those ways include developing a teachable spirit, giving others credit, developing thankfulness, and of course praying and asking for prayer. They all sound easy but they are not. I was trying to determine which one was the most difficult of those four (or five - depending on how we count) but found myself waffling on that. Needless to say, I am working on all the ways to grow and choose humility.
I highly recommend this to Christian leaders and Christians who want to become leaders (even though technically we are all leaders already).
July 20, 2018
I did not expect much from the book. I thought it would be just another ripple in the vast amount of books on leadership. I was wrong. Deeply convicting and consistently clear, the Character of Leadership speaks to matters of the heart from an unashamedly biblical perspective.
Iorg is transparent about his own leadership throughout the book. He says at the beginning, “In my twenties, I was determined to change the world. In my thirties, I tried to reform the church. In my early forties, I discovered I was the problem. That was a most difficult day.”
His list of essential characteristics for leadership are as follows:
Maintaining Integrity
Finding Security
Maintaining Purity
Learning Humility
Developing Servanthood
Gaining Wisdom
Practicing Discipline
Showing Courage
Sustaining Passion
A very good book. Very useful for the Christian leader. Read it again and again.
Iorg is transparent about his own leadership throughout the book. He says at the beginning, “In my twenties, I was determined to change the world. In my thirties, I tried to reform the church. In my early forties, I discovered I was the problem. That was a most difficult day.”
His list of essential characteristics for leadership are as follows:
Maintaining Integrity
Finding Security
Maintaining Purity
Learning Humility
Developing Servanthood
Gaining Wisdom
Practicing Discipline
Showing Courage
Sustaining Passion
A very good book. Very useful for the Christian leader. Read it again and again.
February 8, 2019
Wow, this book went from a practical help to an emotional and spiritual impact. I have been deeply helped and challenged by the stories and mindsets that Jeff introduced. I found myself continually praising the Lord while reading! Hallelujah!
Wow, this book went from a practical help to an emotional and spiritual impact. I have been deeply helped and challenged by the stories and mindsets that Jeff introduced. I found myself continually praisingthe Lord while reading! Hallelujah!
Wow, this book went from a practical help to an emotional and spiritual impact. I have been deeply helped and challenged by the stories and mindsets that Jeff introduced. I found myself continually praisingthe Lord while reading! Hallelujah!
April 28, 2021
This book is different than most Christian leadership books, for instead of saying, “Here are the nine things you need to develop in order to be a better leader.” It focuses working through the biblical attributes of a godly leader. In doing so it points to the great need that leaders have to rest on the Lord in their development of the necessary attributes to be a good leader. This work is saturated with calls for prayer, and heavily points the reality that leaders are to walk in a humility. A solid and easy to read book.
April 21, 2023
3.5 stars. This was a fine book on leadership, designed well for pastors and ministry leaders. Iorg focuses on nine character qualities the Christian leaders must develop. While I think that he makes a decent case for each trait he emphasizes, I think that a better biblical case can be made for other character qualities (say, 1 Timothy 3?). Iorg does try to stretch certain Scripture passages beyond their original intent. From a practical perspective, there are some helpful applications in the areas where he does focus. Overall, there are better books on church leadership.
August 9, 2017
Very good. One of the best leadership books I've read. Highly recommend.
April 14, 2020
For the most part, good insights. At least once a chapter I found myself either scratching my head about a statement or shaking my head completely.
August 20, 2021
School reading. Decent to good. Good biblical traits.
October 14, 2021
The other took his time to explain and illustrate the tragedies of not growing in walk with God which shapes our character over the long journey throughout life and ministry.
June 12, 2024
Lots of great nuggets to grow as a leader
Jeff provides a guide for practical growth for Christian leaders. Biblically based with insight for those already in leadership or those just beginning on this path.
Jeff provides a guide for practical growth for Christian leaders. Biblically based with insight for those already in leadership or those just beginning on this path.
August 8, 2021
3.5 stars
Not a super fast read, but definitely a good one nonetheless. I really think that this book should be read by every leader working within the church, or anyone who wants to eventually work within the church.
Not a super fast read, but definitely a good one nonetheless. I really think that this book should be read by every leader working within the church, or anyone who wants to eventually work within the church.
January 15, 2022
I don't remember anything noteworthy about this book, but I remember it being helpful. I will probably read it again some time.
February 12, 2015
The Character of Leadership by Jeff Iorg should be on every Christian leader's book shelf - in the read once a year section. Yes, this book is that good!
One thing I highly value in a book about leadership is stories from the author's own life. Dr. Iorg has given many examples from his own life's experience, both successes and failures, as God has worked to develop Christ-likeness in him. So, Dr. Iorg is not talking about theory, but the practice of developing character over a lifetime. And, he offers suggestions for the reader to try to also build character.
The book has 11 chapters: The Quest for Character, Maintaining Integrity, Finding Security, Maintaining Purity, Learning Humility, Developing Servanthood, Gaining Wisdom, Practicing Discipline, Showing Courage, Sustaining Passion and Continuing the Quest for Character.
If those character traits don't appeal to you probably all the more reason to read this book. They are essentials, non-negotiables, for Christian leaders.
One thing I highly value in a book about leadership is stories from the author's own life. Dr. Iorg has given many examples from his own life's experience, both successes and failures, as God has worked to develop Christ-likeness in him. So, Dr. Iorg is not talking about theory, but the practice of developing character over a lifetime. And, he offers suggestions for the reader to try to also build character.
The book has 11 chapters: The Quest for Character, Maintaining Integrity, Finding Security, Maintaining Purity, Learning Humility, Developing Servanthood, Gaining Wisdom, Practicing Discipline, Showing Courage, Sustaining Passion and Continuing the Quest for Character.
If those character traits don't appeal to you probably all the more reason to read this book. They are essentials, non-negotiables, for Christian leaders.
August 23, 2012
Jeff Iorg provides practical strategies for those interested in improving their leadership. Leadership is based upon Character. This book looks at 9 qualities of Leadership in a Biblical way with the aim of improvement. The transparency of the author gives insights into his own leadership development - not for self promotion, but for the benefit of the reader to see that leadership can be developed with time and perseverance. I recommend this book for current and future ministry leaders.
January 20, 2016
I have read many books on Christian Leadership and this is one of the best. Easy to read and challenging. Jeff Iorg is a great minister of the faith and I am thankful for his willingness to write this book for the benefit of all who read it.
September 16, 2011
Birthed out of Iorg's personal experiences, this is a good reminder of some basic principles each leader should maintain.
March 2, 2012
I read this for Second Mile's Persevering in the Second Mile, and it's given me so much practicality to think about in leadership.
May 6, 2015
book came at perfect time, consistently good and practical throughout, will recommend often
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews