What do you think?
Rate this book
Agape Leadership: Lessons in Spiritual Leadership from the Life of R.C. Chapman
"Agape Leadership" promises to be one of the most spiritually inspiring books you have ever read. As we start the 21st century, we desperately need examples of what Christian leaders are to be like. Robert Cleaver Chapman (1803-1902) provides an extraordinary example of Christ-like, agape leadership. Although little known today, he was a widely respected Christian leader in England during the last century. Chapman became legendary in his own time for his gracious ways, his patience, his kindness, his balanced judgment, his ability to reconcile people in conflict, his absolute fidelity to Scripture, and his loving pastoral care. By the end of his life, Chapman was known worldwide for his love, wisdom and compassion. See godly, pastoral leadership in action through these biographical snapshots from Chapman's life.
98 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 1991
57 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
November 9, 2021
This book is a 80-page snippet collection of R.C. Chapman's biography. Chapman was a 19th century pastor who counted among his friends George Mueller, Charles Spurgeon, and John Nelson Darby (he famously tried to get Darby not to separate from his group). This book is interesting because it's pretty much 19th-century hagiography, very similar to the stories I have heard about George Mueller.
The first few chapters are an inspiring account of how, when Chapman had a group of dissidents claim they did not like his management, he turned over the building to them in peace, in an attempt to love his enemies. The best part was that he also was extremely careful about the issue of baptism, not using it to cause quarrels in his congregation (it's pretty amazing that this practical issue has been such a pain point for church unity). There is also a brief story of how he handled a particularly nasty split with Darby. He was so beloved that pretty much everybody in the schism liked Chapman, no matter what side they were on. We need more folks like that.
The rest of the book has very little about leadership and is more about service. Chapman was a single man who showed L'Abri like hospitality, served as a missionary in other countries, and always exhibited a cheerful spirit with people. The book is, for that reason, truly inspiring. We might call him a cheerful Protestant monk-pastor, who loved the people around him and just didn't allow anxiety to rule him.
The one thing that this reminded me of was the missionary-genre that I used to grow up reading, because this book didn't really get into his sins or struggles. One would think Chapman was walking on air the whole time, which I am sure was not the case. I am more inspired nowadays by the lack of foresight of people like Luther, Calvin, and Jonathan Edwards, men who did the right thing but still had major blind spots like me.
Anyway, some true gems here.
The first few chapters are an inspiring account of how, when Chapman had a group of dissidents claim they did not like his management, he turned over the building to them in peace, in an attempt to love his enemies. The best part was that he also was extremely careful about the issue of baptism, not using it to cause quarrels in his congregation (it's pretty amazing that this practical issue has been such a pain point for church unity). There is also a brief story of how he handled a particularly nasty split with Darby. He was so beloved that pretty much everybody in the schism liked Chapman, no matter what side they were on. We need more folks like that.
The rest of the book has very little about leadership and is more about service. Chapman was a single man who showed L'Abri like hospitality, served as a missionary in other countries, and always exhibited a cheerful spirit with people. The book is, for that reason, truly inspiring. We might call him a cheerful Protestant monk-pastor, who loved the people around him and just didn't allow anxiety to rule him.
The one thing that this reminded me of was the missionary-genre that I used to grow up reading, because this book didn't really get into his sins or struggles. One would think Chapman was walking on air the whole time, which I am sure was not the case. I am more inspired nowadays by the lack of foresight of people like Luther, Calvin, and Jonathan Edwards, men who did the right thing but still had major blind spots like me.
Anyway, some true gems here.
January 20, 2023
This very little book is a gem. it is a short overview of R.C. Chapman's ministry. Chapman was a 19th century Baptist pastor renowned both in the town he pastored and across England for his servant leadership. What's phenomenal about this book is how ironically simple and Christian, and yet rare, his style of life and leadership was then and is today among pastors. definitely a book to pass out to ministry friends, staff and future leaders in the church.
November 17, 2019
Excellent book for the pastor or believer. It challenges us to examine our lives in Christ. What should true Christian leadership kook like. It is a good and fast read. Very convicting. Chas Morse
January 14, 2020
Short work by Strauch on the larger and fuller biography written by Robert L. Peterson. Don't let it's small size fool you, this book will melt your heart as you follow in the footsteps of Robert Chapman, a 19th century pastor in Barnstaple, England. Chapman was a man who never married and was used so greatly of God as he displayed Christ-likeness in his life and ministry.
I've read this book at least three times and I'm convicted every time regarding my own heart towards others. The title of the book is "Agape Leadership" but it should be read by every Christian especially those who serve in the local church.
The life of Chapman helps you consider the legacy of your life. How much of Christ will people remember in your life? How much of an example were you to spur others on towards godliness? Read this book and ask God to mold you more into the image of His beloved Son!
I've read this book at least three times and I'm convicted every time regarding my own heart towards others. The title of the book is "Agape Leadership" but it should be read by every Christian especially those who serve in the local church.
The life of Chapman helps you consider the legacy of your life. How much of Christ will people remember in your life? How much of an example were you to spur others on towards godliness? Read this book and ask God to mold you more into the image of His beloved Son!
December 11, 2023
A good book about a really faithful man. Chapman’s patient leadership especially comes to the forefront. Church leadership has a lot to learn from this man.
January 19, 2021
If you are looking for pointers in learning what it means to be a godly leader, this quick, easy read is a great place.
November 26, 2022
If you think you’re good at leadership and ministry read this.
April 14, 2010
I picked this book up because I recognized one of the authors, Alexander Strauch, who also authored "Biblical Eldership" which was a pretty thorough book about 'shepherds of the flock'. One of the comments on the cover by Charles Spurgeon also enticed me: "The saintliest man I ever knew".
I was not disappointed.
This biography consisted of snapshots of the life of Robert Chapman. He lived from 1803 to 1902. He never married and had a full life of devotion and service to Jesus Christ. He was a pastor, teacher, missionary and evangelist. Some referred to him as the 'apostle of love' because of his consistent Christ-like attitude and spirit.
He eventually pastored a church in Barnstaple, County of Devon, England. When he took it over at age 29, he had been a Christian for ten years. Ebenezer Chapel was a small project for him and he persisted in teaching and loving the congregation and they matured throughout the years of his ministry.
He loved the Bible, was known for unity, and modeled Christ-like character with men, women and children. He was also known for hospitality. He owned a house with extra bedrooms and had people like Hudson Taylor and other missionaries stayed at his house which was like a version of our modern day Bed and Breakfast set up - at no charge. Many came to his home and were the beneficiaries of his care, concern, and mentoring.
He wrote dozens of hymns and had a wood shop that he made stuff in. He helped the poor in his small town and was just a great guy.
It is so encouraging to hear a story of a fulfilled man, single and able to reach out to others for his entire life.
I was not disappointed.
This biography consisted of snapshots of the life of Robert Chapman. He lived from 1803 to 1902. He never married and had a full life of devotion and service to Jesus Christ. He was a pastor, teacher, missionary and evangelist. Some referred to him as the 'apostle of love' because of his consistent Christ-like attitude and spirit.
He eventually pastored a church in Barnstaple, County of Devon, England. When he took it over at age 29, he had been a Christian for ten years. Ebenezer Chapel was a small project for him and he persisted in teaching and loving the congregation and they matured throughout the years of his ministry.
He loved the Bible, was known for unity, and modeled Christ-like character with men, women and children. He was also known for hospitality. He owned a house with extra bedrooms and had people like Hudson Taylor and other missionaries stayed at his house which was like a version of our modern day Bed and Breakfast set up - at no charge. Many came to his home and were the beneficiaries of his care, concern, and mentoring.
He wrote dozens of hymns and had a wood shop that he made stuff in. He helped the poor in his small town and was just a great guy.
It is so encouraging to hear a story of a fulfilled man, single and able to reach out to others for his entire life.
January 23, 2016
Read this today! Such remarkable humility taught by this man. Favorite R.C. Chapman quotes,"When I bow to God, God stoops to me." "There are mysteries of grace and love in every page: it is a thriving soul who finds the Book of God growing more and more precious." "Humility is the secret of fellowship; and pride the secret of division." "All who labor for Christ will receive great wages for little toil"
November 29, 2020
Devotional Biography
Short and uplifting, reading this account of Chapman’s life has been a great addition to my morning devotionals. I feel challenged to lead with less concern for my own reputation/legacy and with more concern for the name of Christ in my personal life and relationships with others. I think there is a more full and well-rounded biography that this book was derived from if the reader wants to dive deeper.
Short and uplifting, reading this account of Chapman’s life has been a great addition to my morning devotionals. I feel challenged to lead with less concern for my own reputation/legacy and with more concern for the name of Christ in my personal life and relationships with others. I think there is a more full and well-rounded biography that this book was derived from if the reader wants to dive deeper.
May 30, 2022
Becoming acquainted with the life of Robert Chapman was very enriching. What a godly example to aspire to. We hear of the Moody's, the Spurgeon's, and the Whitefield's of the world but many of the church's saintliest men have flown under the radar and desired it to be so. Chapman was one such man. An inspirational read.
May 19, 2019
Excellent!!! I could glean so much from the life of this great man as long as I live. What a blessing R.C. Chapman’s life was to countless and continues to be thanks to this well written biography by Robert L. Peterson and Alexander Strauch. God’s nature was lived out in Chapman’s character.
February 3, 2024
75 pages that is one of the easiest reads you will ever have. This is an absolute must read for anyone considering any type of ministry position, especially pastors. CH Spurgeon said he is the saintliest man he has ever known. Chapman mentored Hudson Taylor. He lived to 99 years old and preached an hour and a half a few weeks before his death. He destroyed any letter ever written to him because he did want anything to be taken away from Jesus Christ. He gave up everything to pastor a church in a small town in England. His faith was epic as you will see and he was an epic man of prayer. Chapman once said "My business is to love others, not to seek that others should love me". Also, "It is better to lose your purse than your temper". He walked all over Spain sharing the gospel. Imagine how much time that took - how much will you take to read this book. It outlines what Godly leadership is in simple an easy terms and more importantly how to honor our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ each and every day.
February 7, 2025
Drowned out are those who truly exemplify a joyous life. We see happiness in social media, tv shows, others shortcomings. Scroll culture sucks us in, taking up our time and selling lies, facades, and the current trend. Though we know it already; this is not joy. It's empty and fleeting and somehow that one person always has it better anyways.
I didn't expect to be so convicted by such a small book (Literally the thinnest little thing). But here I am, questioning my future and all I've planned or achieved. Chapman life, however, is one self-discipline, self-sacrifice, devotion; completely content to act in the moment without any regard to the moments after. But isn't that the most beautifully desired and joyous life we deeply miss? To see life in seconds, rather than years?
"If we act only because our path is clear of difficulty, this is not faith. Faith acts upon Gods Word whatever the difficulty; and to walk by faith brings highest glory to God." - R. C. Chapman
I didn't expect to be so convicted by such a small book (Literally the thinnest little thing). But here I am, questioning my future and all I've planned or achieved. Chapman life, however, is one self-discipline, self-sacrifice, devotion; completely content to act in the moment without any regard to the moments after. But isn't that the most beautifully desired and joyous life we deeply miss? To see life in seconds, rather than years?
"If we act only because our path is clear of difficulty, this is not faith. Faith acts upon Gods Word whatever the difficulty; and to walk by faith brings highest glory to God." - R. C. Chapman
September 9, 2018
Fantastic book! This is a much smaller book written for the purpose of the title, "Agape Leadership". R.C. Chapman's autobiography by the same author is much longer. R.C. Chapman was close friends to several of the generals of the faith (Charles Spurgeon, Hudson Taylor, George Muller). There were many take aways from this little book. It is a very good read for minister, pastors or anyone looking to shepherd a congregation. The number one thing that R.C. Chapman is noted for is LOVE. I enjoyed this book thoroughly and soaked up all the goodness that the author could notate about R.C. Chapman. Autobiographies are some of my very favorite reads. I love reading and people and how they have impacted their lives upon others.
November 12, 2019
Excellent leadership book centered on the life of RC Chapman, described by Charles Spurgeon as “the saintliest man I ever knew.” This is a must read for all professing believers, regardless of their leadership position. Chapman’s goal or vision for his life is best summarized in his own words: “There are many who preach Christ, but not many who live Christ. My great aim will be to live Christ.”
February 27, 2020
Short but simple, and extremely convicting, the life of Robert Chapman is the life of a kind, humble man who sought to glorify God with everything he did. An encouragement to read, the legacy of Chapman is a convicting one to apply to my own life.
June 30, 2022
Short biographical sketch of the life of R. C. Chapman. The chapters seem roughly designed to correspond to some of the biblical passages about desirable qualities of a church elder. Good reminders, but short on details if that's what you're looking for.
January 2, 2023
This is a great little booklet to chew on. Because it’s essentially topical snippets from a larger biography it feels a little clunky. But some of the lessons are pure gold. Chapman really is a model worth imitating.
April 4, 2024
a life worth reading about
RC Chapman is the kind of man any believer can be inspired by. I’m left encouraged to pursue ever deeper God’s love—both in receiving and giving readily to others.
RC Chapman is the kind of man any believer can be inspired by. I’m left encouraged to pursue ever deeper God’s love—both in receiving and giving readily to others.
May 12, 2025
What love we have access to.
Amazing man to understand how a surrendered life can look. So completely yielded to not argue doctrine or personal preference. Amazing. I have learnt much through this book.
Amazing man to understand how a surrendered life can look. So completely yielded to not argue doctrine or personal preference. Amazing. I have learnt much through this book.
September 11, 2019
Best book I've read in years!
March 3, 2020
A good look a great and unknown man.
September 29, 2020
A book that should be reread every couple years.
Inspiring/motivating
Inspiring/motivating
January 13, 2021
An excellent book. I have been giving this away to people for many years.
June 4, 2022
No doubt an amazing and godly man, with much to admire and follow.. This book is however is an extreme example of hagiography.
December 6, 2024
I love this book - read it every few months.
January 19, 2016
FYI, my favorite chapter is 11 on Vision and Evangelism.
1. Agape Leadership
The kind of loving, mature church that God intends cannot develop, however, if the church leadership is not operating in agape love.
2. Love for God's Word
It is one thing to read the Bible, choosing something that suits me, and another thing to search it that I may become acquainted with God in Christ.
3. Spirit-controlled Character
In 1846, his mentor and friend, Harington Evans, after visiting Chapman at Barnstaple, wrote, I found beloved R. Chapman all that he ever was, and more-more like Christ, more self-denying, gentle, and full of love.
6. Disciplining and Reconciling
Agape love does not ignore sin, for love must never be separated from holiness and justice.
8. Hospitality
Tragically, most Christians do not realize that hospitality is not an option; it is a biblical command. That is one reason why the New Testament requires anyone who would be a church leader to be hospitable (1 Timothy 3:2), then their congregations will be inhospitable and our churches will become Sunday-morning religious institutions rather than the household of God (1 Timothy 3:15).
10. Working Together in Love
The true quality of our love is exposed by the stresses and strains of our relationships with others, especially those with whom we work the closest.
12. Self-discipline
The late Martin Lloyd-Jones... I defy you to read the life of any saint that has ever adorned the life of the Church without seeing at once that the greatest characteristics in the life of that saint was discipline and order. Invariably it is the universal characteristic of all the outstanding men and women of God.... Obviously it is something that is thoroughly scriptural and absolutely essential.
13. Prayer and Worship
One of his favorite sayings was, When I bow to God, God stoops to me. Those who knew Chapman saw ample evidence of his confidence that God would stoop to him and listen to his prayers.
1. Agape Leadership
The kind of loving, mature church that God intends cannot develop, however, if the church leadership is not operating in agape love.
2. Love for God's Word
It is one thing to read the Bible, choosing something that suits me, and another thing to search it that I may become acquainted with God in Christ.
3. Spirit-controlled Character
In 1846, his mentor and friend, Harington Evans, after visiting Chapman at Barnstaple, wrote, I found beloved R. Chapman all that he ever was, and more-more like Christ, more self-denying, gentle, and full of love.
6. Disciplining and Reconciling
Agape love does not ignore sin, for love must never be separated from holiness and justice.
8. Hospitality
Tragically, most Christians do not realize that hospitality is not an option; it is a biblical command. That is one reason why the New Testament requires anyone who would be a church leader to be hospitable (1 Timothy 3:2), then their congregations will be inhospitable and our churches will become Sunday-morning religious institutions rather than the household of God (1 Timothy 3:15).
10. Working Together in Love
The true quality of our love is exposed by the stresses and strains of our relationships with others, especially those with whom we work the closest.
12. Self-discipline
The late Martin Lloyd-Jones... I defy you to read the life of any saint that has ever adorned the life of the Church without seeing at once that the greatest characteristics in the life of that saint was discipline and order. Invariably it is the universal characteristic of all the outstanding men and women of God.... Obviously it is something that is thoroughly scriptural and absolutely essential.
13. Prayer and Worship
One of his favorite sayings was, When I bow to God, God stoops to me. Those who knew Chapman saw ample evidence of his confidence that God would stoop to him and listen to his prayers.
January 3, 2010
This book was given to me by my friends Paul and Janis Meiburger, whose lives exemplify agape leadership. (That's agape with three syllables, not two!)
R.C. Chapman was an evangelical pastor in 19th century England. He isn't well-remembered today, but at the time he was highly thought of as someone who wholeheartedly lived the Gospel as well as preaching it. He had an alarming tendency to give away all his money, including his train fare home. When friends would ask him how he expected to get home, he would respond: "Our Father knows all about it."
He always got home, at least in the instances recorded here.
The author describes R.C. Chapman this way:
"His teaching ministry was characterized by a humble, gentle spirit. He was never authoritarian or unapproachable; he was exceptionally tactful with people, compassionate, and understanding of their weaknesses."
Quite a resume for a pastor!
This is a slim book, but it's filled with power. It was a good way for me to start off my new year of reading.
R.C. Chapman was an evangelical pastor in 19th century England. He isn't well-remembered today, but at the time he was highly thought of as someone who wholeheartedly lived the Gospel as well as preaching it. He had an alarming tendency to give away all his money, including his train fare home. When friends would ask him how he expected to get home, he would respond: "Our Father knows all about it."
He always got home, at least in the instances recorded here.
The author describes R.C. Chapman this way:
"His teaching ministry was characterized by a humble, gentle spirit. He was never authoritarian or unapproachable; he was exceptionally tactful with people, compassionate, and understanding of their weaknesses."
Quite a resume for a pastor!
This is a slim book, but it's filled with power. It was a good way for me to start off my new year of reading.
March 20, 2011
Agape leadership is a must read for all Christians. It is an inspiring compilation of stories from an incredibly passionate Christian man, named R.C. Chapman, that lived a life of service and truly displayed agape love to all people. This book came about because of someone who read the biography of this incredible man and his faith but was disheartened that not many others knew about who R.C. Chapman was and how he lived his life. He decided that he wanted to take some of the main stories from Chapman's life and write a smaller book so that it would not be intimidating to those that would not call themselves readers and at the same time provide an account for the genuine life that Chapman lived. I loved this book and could hardly put it down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews