Guided by Grace: Servant Leadership for the Local Church

by Paul Chappell

Our culture promotes a wide variety of leadership philosophies. Even in ministry, you will find a great diversity among leadership models. Some believe leaders must be "authoritative." Some believe leaders must be "driven" or "dogmatic."

Many leaders fear competition, so they stifle input. Some leaders are insecure, so they avoid confrontation. Some leaders are self-centered, so they have everything "their way." Some leaders fear rejection, so they accommodate compromise. Other leaders harbor envy, so they attack good men. God's work requires a different kind of leadership.

God's people need love. They need nurture. They need transparent leaders who will mentor them, equip them, and serve with them - shoulder to shoulder. People without Christ need Christian leaders who will be genuine with them. They need to hear the Gospel from the heart and then see it lived out in sincerity.

This book flows from the heart of a pastor who has learned and is still learning some tough lessons on leadership. These Biblical principles have formed the philocophy that has driven the growth and spiritual development of one of America's largest independent Baptist chuches.

In fourteen years Lancaster Baptist Church has grown from a handful of faithful attendees to over 3,000 weekly. Thousands of people have trusted Christ and have been nurtured in their faith. The spirit of the church is dynamic yet compassionate and evangelistic. There has never been a growth goal. There has never been an attendance contest.

So how has it happened? Simply, God has done it. He has blessed in a way that no one could have anticipated. Why did He choose to bless this way? Because the philosophy of leadership was "to serve." God blesses those who focus on serving - living out the life of Christ before others.

Our world and our churches are crying out for this kind of Christ-like leadership. Those who have turned a deaf ear to the Gospel could soften their hearts in the light of this kind of leadership. Those who have become disillusioned with "religion" could come to Christ when embraced with the reality of transparent love.

If your heart yearns to lead the way Jesus did, read this book, live its principles and pass them on to others. Your ministry will never be the same!

212 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Dr. Paul Chappell is the senior pastor of the Lancaster Baptist Church and president of West Coast Baptist College in Lancaster, California. His biblical vision has led the church to become one of the most dynamic independent Baptist churches in the nation. He has been married to his wife for over thirty-six years and is the father of four married children all serving in Christian ministry. His books can be found at http://www.strivingtogether.com.

Reviews

[Julie Ruch]

Christian NonFiction So many good points

The more I think about what I learned from this book, the more I appreciate it.

Here are some of my favorite quotes.

The greatest single need of the servant of God is time with God in prayer.

We are not called to organize or adminstrate. We are called to gird ourselves with a towel and wash feet.

We don't need to compare ourselves with others. We need to be content with the gifts we have received and remain humble concerning them - they are gifts after all...

I also really appreciate the chapter about fellowship with purpose.

Although this is a book written to pastors, I believe anyone serving in their local church will be convicted and challenged by the godly wisdom found here.

[Jason Harris]

A disturbing experience reading this book. Bizarre. Scary.

[Michael]

This book shows many examples of Pastor Chappell in the ministry. It's a good read and is good for those wanting to go into ministry.

[Kevin Campbell]

This is an excellent book on leadership, walking with God, and those who serve God with you, building teams, training servants, and striving together for the faith of the gospel.

[Bill Beatty]

Every church leader, and member should read this.