Seasons of a Leader’s Life: Learning, Leading, and Leaving a Legacy

by Jeff Iorg

Learning, leading, and leaving a legacy are the seasons of a leader's life. The beginning phase involves the passion of youth and excitement for the future and is a time of earning degrees, finding mentors, and more. And while leaders are always learners, soon enough the true season of leadership arrives where the leader leads, employing key practices to advance the mission of their work. Finally, a leader must consider her legacy -- the wisdom gained, the people influenced, and the model of leadership that's left behind to inspire a subsequent generation ahead.

In Seasons of a Leader's Life , seminary president Jeff Iorg identifies Peter from The Bible as someone who lives through all three phases in the New Testament. In the Gospels he was a learner. In Acts he was a leader. In 1 and 2 Peter he wrote his legacy. Looking through that lens, Iorg blends scripture with leadership principles while prompting readers to see a bigger Which season are you in right now? What should you be learning? How can you improve what you are doing? What will you leave for future generations? These questions surely lead to better leadership.

Genres: Leadership

240 pages, Paperback

First published September 15, 2013

About the author

Dr. 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.

Reviews

[Landon Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first time I read through this book, it wasn't high on my list of leadership books. However, as I've thought about the concepts and revisited the book, I have a greater appreciation for what Iorg is saying. Perhaps that's because at my age I can feel myself moving through the seasons of a leader's life as Iorg has presented them. The book tracks the life of Peter and notes how he grew as a leader from the gospels, to Acts, to 1-2 Peter.

[Wayne Kinde · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very helpful and practical book for those who are in or desiring a role in pastoral leadership. This book is very insightful as it walks the reader through the various ages of a pastor's life, from young leaders to older ones. It provides the benefits and pitfalls of each stage ("season"). Very helpful for team building as well.

[Jeff Glenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Using 1 & 2 Peter as the context for study, this book is a great biblical resource on leadership. I read the chapters as part of a Bible study, first reading the chapter references from The Bible, and then reading the corresponding chapters from the book.

[Jeff Ragan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A surprisingly profound, encouraging look at Peter's legacy and how it can orient our own ministry life. Jeff Iorg does a fabulous job of weaving Biblical texts, leadership principles, and personal stories into a thought-provoking, encouraging manual of our leadership lives.

[RevRonR · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a gift shortly after meeting the author. Dr. Iorg is a pleasant man of faith who has expansive ministry experience as both a pastor and administrator. I was often gripped by his comprehension of the faith and his willingness to often share both his victories and challenges in leadership in an honest and clear way. This is not a leadership book as we normally think about them. I consider it to be more of a devotional that at times offers some good lessons and pitfalls to avoid as well. The author is an Evangelical and clearly believes in the authority of Scripture. I will say he's not so Evangelical as to not veer outside the Evangelical box at times - not in any way controversial, just in a way to demonstrate God's providence and mysterious ways on occasion. His book has been a joy to read and I'm sure I will look back at it at times for wisdom direction, and encouragement in the future.

[Jeff Alkire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read about leading - especially in a church setting. This is the next book I will be studying with my discipleship group.