Redefining Leadership: Character-Driven Habits of Effective Leaders

by Joseph M. Stowell

Is successful leadership measured simply by the outcomes a leader achieves, or is there another―more essential―yardstick for measuring success? In Redefining Leadership, author, pastor, and college president Joe Stowell shows us that the best leaders are driven by Christ-formed character, and that truly successful leadership is not defined by the standards of this world but by the counter-intuitive practices and perspectives of the Kingdom of Christ. With compelling personal stories and insights from the Bible, he highlights the contrast between these two radically different leadership styles and demonstrates that the teaching and example of King Jesus, the world’s most unlikely leader, is the only model of leadership that leads to maximum results, results that will have an eternal impact.

Genres: Leadership, Nonfiction, Christian

176 pages, Hardcover

First published February 25, 2014

About the author

Dr. Joseph M. Stowell serves as the 11th President of Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Comprised of approximately 2500 undergraduate and graduate students, Cornerstone is a Christ-centered university with a passion for global influence through the transforming power of the gospel. The University is committed to creating an environment where students thrive both spiritually and intellectually as they prepare themselves to influence our world as followers of Jesus.

An internationally recognized conference speaker, Joe has also written numerous books including "The Trouble with Jesus, Simply Jesus and You, The Upside of Down" and "Eternity." Joe also serves with RBC Ministries, partnering in media productions, writing, and outreach to pastors. His "Strength for the Journey" web ministry, www.getmorestrength.org, features daily devotionals, weekly messages and commentary, downloadable Bible study curriculum, and an audio library of his most requested messages. Joe serves on the Board of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Wheaton College, and has a distinguished career in higher education and church leadership.

From 1987-2005, he served as the president of Moody Bible Institute, and as teaching pastor at the 10,000-member Harvest Bible Chapel in suburban Chicago from 2005 to early 2008 prior to assuming the presidency at Cornerstone University. He is a graduate of Cedarville University and Dallas Theological Seminary and was honored with a doctor of divinity degree from The Master's College in 1987. Joe and his wife Martie are the parents of three adult children and ten grandchildren.

Reviews

[Jalynn Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

About the Book:

Have you ever felt inadequate for the task of leadership? Great leaders know that leadership is not about power and authority, it's about influence---leading others with moral authority. But as failed, sinful people, we often fall short. We fail those who look to us for guidance and direction. We feel inadequate to the task, knowing that our decisions and our actions are often flawed by selfish ambition and pride. In Redfining Leadership, author, pastor, and college president Joe Stowell explores the unique way in which Jesus Christ transforms our understanding of leadership.

He shows us how our awareness of our weaknesses should lead us to greater dependence on God. Stowell explains why an emphasis on process trumps our short-term goal of producing, actually leading to greater long-term fruitfulness in ministry and life. He reminds us that while people matter more than our tasks, wise leaders will balance the needs of people with the vision that God has given to them. How we lead is never as important as who we follow. The best leaders don't rely on their own strength, they follow Jesus.

About the Author:

Dr. Joseph M. Stowell serves as the President of Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Joe also works with RBC Ministries, partnering in media productions, outreach to pastors, writing, and a web ministry called Strength for the Journey. His books include The Trouble with Jesus, Following Christ, Simply Jesus and You, and Radical Reliance. He earned degrees from Cedarville University and Dallas Theological Seminary. Joe and his wife Martie are the parents of three adult children.

My Review:

Many people that choose to or that have been called to stand in the position of leadership, really do feel overwhelmed with the sheer idea of it all--much less the actual physical capability of doing it. That is why I'm glad that there are books like this out there to first of all share one's experience and secondly to help you overcome your fears. It is an awesome undertaking so that is why we have to fully depend on God for accomplishing the task because we simply can not do it on our own. And God wants us to realize this and hand it over to Him.

This book talks to you about the different leader "types", then it leads you into redefining that leader and lastly the author speaks about how we should continue on the journey. Joseph Stowell, takes you on a journey of self discovery and in turn causes you to pause and look inside yourself to see what God sees. It is an amazing, authentic book worth using in a leadership role and to also refer back to occasionally.

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Book Look.

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would you be OK if people 100 years after your death don't remember your name?

For Joseph Stowell’s “Redefining Leadership,” making Jesus large is the ultimate outcome of leadership. If one does not point to Jesus through their actions and words, then their leadership is not centered in the Kingdom of God. Instead, it is rooted in the idolatrous love of ourselves.

Stowell argues forcefully with story and logic for all leaders to take the Kingdom of God seriously and ditch the power leadership styles of this age. The top down structure of Wall Street has no place in the bottom up structure of the Church. ‘

Stowell clearly describes two leadership styles rooted in either the kingdom of this world or God’s Kingdom and then he persuasively argues why you should take the latter approach. “Redefining Leadership” frames the conversation on leadership between character-driven leadership (CDL) and outcome-driven leadership. While the latter is driven by “getting [stuff] done” even if the means is not honorable, the former is centered on Kingdom centered leadership.

CDL is a much needed yet counterintuitive model because that is the road Jesus took. Jesus was humble and operated from the identity of suffering servant. Similarly, the follower of Jesus ought to operate under the same guiding principles that Jesus followed. As Paul would write in Philippians, “Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus…”

Even while leading in places that might be difficult or not very glamorous, Jesus calls us to follow him. Through our “followership,” Jesus is made known. Stowell’s leadership model can best be summed up as “follow me as I follow Jesus” and “for me, to lead is Christ!”

This is a book worth reading and I heartily recommend it for anyone in leadership (which is everyone!).

[AJourneyWithoutMap · Rating 4 out of 5]

Redefining Leadership: Character-Driven Habits of Effective Leaders by respected pastor and author Joseph M. Stowell is in truth a fine portrait of his life as a leader. Throughout his entire ministry, has been in the ministry of mentoring and molding the next generation of leaders, the principles of which he has crisply and succinctly laid down in his new book. The book provides an insight into his leadership style, which is solely dependent on God’s direction ad will.

At the heart of Redefining Leadership is the desire by Pastor Joe to convey the message that the secret of successful leadership is not just about how one leads but who the leader follows. This message is especially important for today’s Christian leaders. In a culture beset by worldliness and the desire to be more in tune with the world, Pastor Joe demonstrates that great leadership in God’s eyes begins when the leader’s heart is aligned with God’s.

Every Christian leader must make full use of the sage advice given by Joseph M. Stowell in this new book, and is a required for all who counts themselves as leaders.

[John Dobbs · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book was ok. There were a few great sections that would be good for all leaders to read, but I'm not sure that they are very unique to this book in particular. The book is written in a style that makes me think they were sermons or speeches that were re-written into chapters. I will say I saw nothing dangerous here, nor anything to avoid. In fact, how could you go wrong with an emphasis on the character of Jesus being the model for leadership? I think it just failed to grab my attention - and I admit that could be more about my perception than the book itself.

[Gabriel Magill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short book captures the importance of charter over outcomes in biblical leadership, looking at several biblical qualities God wants church leaders to develop. I wish Stowell had gone deeper in some sections as there is much to say on many of the topics he brings up, but what this book lacks in depth it makes up for in accessibility. I’d especially recommend this book as a tool for training up young pastors/leaders in your congregation to give them a God-centered focus to their ministry from the start.

[Mark Youngkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Retired president of Cornerstone University in Michigan, Joseph Stowell, has written an insightful, biblical and thought-provoking book on leadership. He focuses on the character God requires from leaders, and argues persuasively from Scripture. He also writes better than most authors on the subject. Highly recommended.

[Michael Vincent · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid, biblical look at the character of a leader. Outcome driven versus character driven leadership. In the second half of the work he uses the sermon on the mount as a template. Thoughtful, but not many how-to’s.

[Andreea Szasz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Notes for me: I like how he thinks and has some good tips. Some of it doesn’t apply to me but made me think about kingdom thinking in all aspects. Don’t think you ever make it too high up and can’t stoop low to help someone. ‘Upside down triangle’

[Danny Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned many excellent practical lessons from this book. I highly encourage anyone in leadership to read it.
I love how he saw the 6 main beatitudes as leadership qualities. I never saw that. Good read.

[Edward Kotynski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this several times... it is just good!

[Jake · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really solid reflection on what's really at the heart of good leadership. Very challenging for anyone considering leadership, but very encouraging at the same time.

[John Helmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. There are several life lessons that I personally applied to my life. Highly recommended for any christian leader. It is a must read!

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite possibly the finest, most actionable leadership book I've read in ages. I have a place in my office book shelf for it to remind myself not to let dust accumulate on it. I took away very specific tactical responses I need to keep top of mind to execute. Counter-intuitively, and repeatedly, what's called for to do (to be most effective in the long run), is the exact opposite of what my instinctual drives want me to do, in most situations. Lessons I know work because I've read about their success in life since I learned how to read. Non-Christians, don't bother with reading it. Based on Jesus' life and the underlying moral certainty and demonstrated proof of the eight beatitudes, this book finally shows me how to apply them in my 21st century professional life.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a good reminder that character is an ever important aspect of leadership. In our bigger is better culture, and even in InterVarsity's culture of growth, it is important to remember that character is still very important. I want to live right with high integrity.

[Dr. David Steele · Rating 4 out of 5]

A terrific leadership book by a proven leader.