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Wisdom in Leadership: The how and why of leading the people you serve
In Wisdom in Leadership Craig Hamilton shares what he has learned through many years of being a student of the Bible and theology; a discerning reader of books on leadership; a keen observer of life and the way things work; and a loving leader of the people God has placed around him.
This book is a goldmine of helpful insights for pastors and anyone else with leadership responsibilities in their church. With 78 chapters covering an extensive range of topics, this may well be the only book on church leadership you'll ever need to read. (Click on thumbnail images above to see the full Table of Contents.)
"Wisdom in Leadership" lays down foundational principles in the opening chapters, and then provides a comprehensive array of practical applications on a wide variety of topics. It is not necessarily the sort of book you will read from cover to cover but, having read the principles, you will find yourself helpfully dipping into the various practical chapters as you have time and feel the need.
"Reading this book won't make Christian leadership easy. But it will make it easier. The strategies and principles here won't remove all frustration from Christian leadership. But they will make it less frustrating. This book won't solve every problem. But it will help you solve a whole bunch of unnecessary problems that you really don't need to face."
- Craig Hamilton, Author
About Craig Hamilton...
Craig Hamilton is a graduate of Moore Theological College, and is responsible for leadership development and strategy at a suburban church in Sydney. In this position he coaches leaders in addition to recruiting, developing, and deploying leaders and helping to set up leadership structures for many different ministries across the church.
This book is a goldmine of helpful insights for pastors and anyone else with leadership responsibilities in their church. With 78 chapters covering an extensive range of topics, this may well be the only book on church leadership you'll ever need to read. (Click on thumbnail images above to see the full Table of Contents.)
"Wisdom in Leadership" lays down foundational principles in the opening chapters, and then provides a comprehensive array of practical applications on a wide variety of topics. It is not necessarily the sort of book you will read from cover to cover but, having read the principles, you will find yourself helpfully dipping into the various practical chapters as you have time and feel the need.
"Reading this book won't make Christian leadership easy. But it will make it easier. The strategies and principles here won't remove all frustration from Christian leadership. But they will make it less frustrating. This book won't solve every problem. But it will help you solve a whole bunch of unnecessary problems that you really don't need to face."
- Craig Hamilton, Author
About Craig Hamilton...
Craig Hamilton is a graduate of Moore Theological College, and is responsible for leadership development and strategy at a suburban church in Sydney. In this position he coaches leaders in addition to recruiting, developing, and deploying leaders and helping to set up leadership structures for many different ministries across the church.
589 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2015
122 people are currently reading
252 people want to read
About the author
Craig Hamilton
4 books8 followersCraig Hamilton is a graduate of Moore Theological College, and is responsible for leadership development and strategy at a suburban church in Sydney. In this position he coaches leaders in addition to recruiting, developing, and deploying leaders and helping to set up leadership structures for many different ministries across the church.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 16, 2016
Read the full review on my blog.
A book for "leadership people" and "theology people"
In the Christian world, there are leadership people who read books by John Maxwell and Bill Hybels, and there are "theology people" who read more of D.A Carson and John Stott. Hamilton wants to bring each of these sometimes divided mentalities together to exercise wise leadership.
Some Christian leadership books seem to state a leadership principle, and then tie a weak Scripture reference to it as a proof-text. Others look down upon other leadership books written by non-Christians because they aren't believers. Hamilton's take:
Can I learn from an atheist whose book is all about how to make money and crush the competition? Well, if his observations are true then they're true—regardless of how he chooses to apply those truths, I can still learn from them and apply to them what I'm doing in the church context. (16)
Hamilton sees all truth as God's truth that "fit within the doctrine of creation and under the category of wisdom" (16). When truth from a variety of sources is filtered through a gospel lens and applied wisely to ministry situations, it helps leaders avoid common mistakes, and thus strengthens their ministries.
Do we need a 500-page leadership book? YES.
When I first heard about Wisdom in Leadership, I groaned and thought it was the last thing busy leaders would need. "Another leadership book?—this time 500 pages?!"
Read the full review on my blog.
A book for "leadership people" and "theology people"
In the Christian world, there are leadership people who read books by John Maxwell and Bill Hybels, and there are "theology people" who read more of D.A Carson and John Stott. Hamilton wants to bring each of these sometimes divided mentalities together to exercise wise leadership.
Some Christian leadership books seem to state a leadership principle, and then tie a weak Scripture reference to it as a proof-text. Others look down upon other leadership books written by non-Christians because they aren't believers. Hamilton's take:
Can I learn from an atheist whose book is all about how to make money and crush the competition? Well, if his observations are true then they're true—regardless of how he chooses to apply those truths, I can still learn from them and apply to them what I'm doing in the church context. (16)
Hamilton sees all truth as God's truth that "fit within the doctrine of creation and under the category of wisdom" (16). When truth from a variety of sources is filtered through a gospel lens and applied wisely to ministry situations, it helps leaders avoid common mistakes, and thus strengthens their ministries.
Do we need a 500-page leadership book? YES.
When I first heard about Wisdom in Leadership, I groaned and thought it was the last thing busy leaders would need. "Another leadership book?—this time 500 pages?!"
Read the full review on my blog.
March 24, 2018
I find myself nearly agreeing with the back cover, which says, "this may be the only book on leadership you'll ever have to read."
This long book made up of many short chapters, which read like independent blog posts, covers so many topics with such keen insight that I can't recommend it highly enough.
This long book made up of many short chapters, which read like independent blog posts, covers so many topics with such keen insight that I can't recommend it highly enough.
March 15, 2016
I loved this book. Really practical advise on leadership. Covered everything from prayer to running meetings well. Practical but reminded why we do things.
October 1, 2021
It's full of helpful insights into leadership and the author is clearly very experienced in this area. Some of the illustrations that he uses were great and I've made a note of them for future reference.
But there was nothing here that blew me away. And it's not because I know lots about leadership - I don't think I know that much to be honest!
But this felt a bit "common sense-y". Being a Christian book, I expected a whole lot more input from the Bible. Maybe a chapter on the Pastoral Epistles and what we can learn from them.
But the truth is there's nothing of the sort. I think there are actually more quotes from non-Christians than from the actual Word of God. And that is something that worries me a bit. Do we believe that the Church has more to learn about leadership from the CEO of a big company than the apostle Paul? Of course not. And yet, this is somewhat the message that is passed on when we're quick to quote CEO's and not the Bible.
Now, there ARE things we can learn from outside the Church. And Hamilton explains that well under the umbrella of common grace and us being created in the image of God. But that shouldn't be our primary source. So, let's begin with the Bible, shall we?
P.S. - this is a personal peeve of mine but I sometimes found his humour a bit on the annoying side. That said, it didn't take away anything from the content itself.
But there was nothing here that blew me away. And it's not because I know lots about leadership - I don't think I know that much to be honest!
But this felt a bit "common sense-y". Being a Christian book, I expected a whole lot more input from the Bible. Maybe a chapter on the Pastoral Epistles and what we can learn from them.
But the truth is there's nothing of the sort. I think there are actually more quotes from non-Christians than from the actual Word of God. And that is something that worries me a bit. Do we believe that the Church has more to learn about leadership from the CEO of a big company than the apostle Paul? Of course not. And yet, this is somewhat the message that is passed on when we're quick to quote CEO's and not the Bible.
Now, there ARE things we can learn from outside the Church. And Hamilton explains that well under the umbrella of common grace and us being created in the image of God. But that shouldn't be our primary source. So, let's begin with the Bible, shall we?
P.S. - this is a personal peeve of mine but I sometimes found his humour a bit on the annoying side. That said, it didn't take away anything from the content itself.
February 11, 2023
Hamilton’s Wisdom in Leadership is a game-changer for anyone in a position of leadership. His book is of particular use for those in a leadership position in a ministry context, but it also contains countless valuable insights for secular leaders as well.
For me personally, I have found Hamilton’s book stimulating, encouraging and challenging as I’ve stepped into a new position of leadership this year. The lessons within have been of great assistance as I’ve sought to navigate the complexities of tension and complacency, and to spur on the culture of encouragement and positivity in the team I lead. We’re utilising Hamilton’s book for training for our youth who are looking to step into serving and leadership, as it contains innumerable helpful insights for both first-time and vastly experienced leaders.
I would highly commend Hamilton’s Wisdom in Leadership for all seeking to grow in their leadership.
For me personally, I have found Hamilton’s book stimulating, encouraging and challenging as I’ve stepped into a new position of leadership this year. The lessons within have been of great assistance as I’ve sought to navigate the complexities of tension and complacency, and to spur on the culture of encouragement and positivity in the team I lead. We’re utilising Hamilton’s book for training for our youth who are looking to step into serving and leadership, as it contains innumerable helpful insights for both first-time and vastly experienced leaders.
I would highly commend Hamilton’s Wisdom in Leadership for all seeking to grow in their leadership.
March 21, 2021
With this book, Craig Hamilton set out to write a book for ministers and other Christian workers, to distil the sort of practical wisdom he was finding in other more business-related / leadership books. The result is a large book full of 78 short chapters on many, many aspects of organisation and leadership.
It makes a great one-stop shop on many different topics, and Craig is a great communicator. If you weren't in the Christian worker context, you might want something different. But at a high level, he has a lot of good info for leaders.
It makes a great one-stop shop on many different topics, and Craig is a great communicator. If you weren't in the Christian worker context, you might want something different. But at a high level, he has a lot of good info for leaders.
January 6, 2019
This is a good book. It's 78 chapters of thought, tips, and helpful practical wisdom about leadership. Never mind that I started it 2.5 years ago. It's still a good book. Easily digestable. And, worth going back to in terms of helps of church leaders.
November 1, 2025
If you need a leadership book to read, this is not the one.
December 30, 2019
Get this book!
There are several chapters in this book that will change the way you lead yourself, lead others, and whole organizations.
There are several chapters in this book that will change the way you lead yourself, lead others, and whole organizations.
May 19, 2016
It’s a while since I’ve been as excited about a book on leadership as I am about this one. Craig Hamilton’s Wisdom in Leadership is a treasure chest of wisdom. It’s set to become my “go to” book for Christian leaders and I’ve already pre-ordered copies for each member of our church’s leadership group.
Craig has managed to successfully integrate Christ-focused biblical theology and gospel priorities with the best of the literature and practical wisdom. There is a depth of maturity about this book that belies the age of the author. He’s studied the Scriptures, he’s read widely from the best, and he’s tested and refined his wisdom in the course of his own ministry.
Wisdom in Leadership begins with a clear theological foundation that avoids the common practice of arguing prescription from the descriptions of leaders in the Bible. I’d buy the book for this section alone. It’s an excellent example of how to think theologically and then apply our thinking to what we do. The gospel of Jesus, the strength of God, the dependability of the Bible, the necessity of prayer, the significance of serving others, and the importance of being before doing — all take priority over the particulars and practicalities of leadership.
This is a big book. It’s almost 500 pages and it contains 78 different chapters. It’s really a compendium of quality advice on a wide range of leadership matters. When I first read it, I could imagine it being a series of short books on a range of leadership topics, or a long series of posts on a quality leadership website. But I love the fact that Craig has gathered so much together into one volume. It’s the type of book to write notes in, to return to topics over and again, and to dip in and sample, rather than having to read from cover to cover. I expect to refer to chapters and use them as discussion starters with different groups of leaders. I’ve already written summaries, comments, questions, and tips for application in the margins of my book. I’ve typed up a 20-page summary of quotes and ideas from the book, so that I can remember where to go for what.
“
It’s the type of book to write notes in, to return to topics over and again ...
”
Here’s a taste of quotes to whet your appetite:
"The biblical model of leadership" is a stupid title because of the words "leadership", "model", "biblical", and "the". I do want to make it clear, though, that I quite like the word ‘of’. (p 30)
You want to be a leader? Good. You want to be a great leader? You want to be the greatest? That’s good too. Be a servant. Be the greatest servant. Serve everyone you can. Everyone you meet. Be all about others; be in it for others. (p 53)
Who God wants you to be will always have an impact on what God wants you to do. Secret sins will choke your heart and erode your ministry. Deal with them tirelessly and repent of them quickly. (p 73)
Submitting to authority, being a follower, is a mark of maturity. Those who can’t follow, or are unwilling to follow another leader, shouldn’t lead. It’s a lack of character that needs to be addressed. (p 120)
Leading is pain. It’s part of the job. And if you’re planning on not being hurt then you’re planning on not being a leader. (p 135)
Dave McDonald is a Canberra-based church-planter, pastor and sports chaplain. He and his wife Fiona have four children, two daughters-in-law, and two grandchildren. He has lived in Canberra for the last 26 years, where he has served as the pastor of a church called Crossroads, and more recently Stromlo Christian Church. Dave blogs at macarisms.com, and is the author of Hope Beyond Cure.
Craig has managed to successfully integrate Christ-focused biblical theology and gospel priorities with the best of the literature and practical wisdom. There is a depth of maturity about this book that belies the age of the author. He’s studied the Scriptures, he’s read widely from the best, and he’s tested and refined his wisdom in the course of his own ministry.
Wisdom in Leadership begins with a clear theological foundation that avoids the common practice of arguing prescription from the descriptions of leaders in the Bible. I’d buy the book for this section alone. It’s an excellent example of how to think theologically and then apply our thinking to what we do. The gospel of Jesus, the strength of God, the dependability of the Bible, the necessity of prayer, the significance of serving others, and the importance of being before doing — all take priority over the particulars and practicalities of leadership.
This is a big book. It’s almost 500 pages and it contains 78 different chapters. It’s really a compendium of quality advice on a wide range of leadership matters. When I first read it, I could imagine it being a series of short books on a range of leadership topics, or a long series of posts on a quality leadership website. But I love the fact that Craig has gathered so much together into one volume. It’s the type of book to write notes in, to return to topics over and again, and to dip in and sample, rather than having to read from cover to cover. I expect to refer to chapters and use them as discussion starters with different groups of leaders. I’ve already written summaries, comments, questions, and tips for application in the margins of my book. I’ve typed up a 20-page summary of quotes and ideas from the book, so that I can remember where to go for what.
“
It’s the type of book to write notes in, to return to topics over and again ...
”
Here’s a taste of quotes to whet your appetite:
"The biblical model of leadership" is a stupid title because of the words "leadership", "model", "biblical", and "the". I do want to make it clear, though, that I quite like the word ‘of’. (p 30)
You want to be a leader? Good. You want to be a great leader? You want to be the greatest? That’s good too. Be a servant. Be the greatest servant. Serve everyone you can. Everyone you meet. Be all about others; be in it for others. (p 53)
Who God wants you to be will always have an impact on what God wants you to do. Secret sins will choke your heart and erode your ministry. Deal with them tirelessly and repent of them quickly. (p 73)
Submitting to authority, being a follower, is a mark of maturity. Those who can’t follow, or are unwilling to follow another leader, shouldn’t lead. It’s a lack of character that needs to be addressed. (p 120)
Leading is pain. It’s part of the job. And if you’re planning on not being hurt then you’re planning on not being a leader. (p 135)
Dave McDonald is a Canberra-based church-planter, pastor and sports chaplain. He and his wife Fiona have four children, two daughters-in-law, and two grandchildren. He has lived in Canberra for the last 26 years, where he has served as the pastor of a church called Crossroads, and more recently Stromlo Christian Church. Dave blogs at macarisms.com, and is the author of Hope Beyond Cure.
January 29, 2020
I'm not a real fan of leadership books but this one just might make me a fan. There's not a whole lot that's groundbreaking in this book. But it excels in taking a TON of vague leadership ideas and crystallizing them into a usable form. Again and again I found myself realizing I had had vague thoughts about this or that leadership idea that Hamilton quickly and concisely encapsulates into easy to digest chapters. This in no way minimizes the content. But the value of this book lies not just in the content but in the breadth of topics covered and the clear presentation of that content. This book is a fantastic foundation for other books to build upon. I can see using this book again and again in bite size pieces with my leadership team for specific instruction or as a primer for new leaders. I am incredibly surprised how much I enjoyed this book. Fantastic!!
November 19, 2025
Really really helpful and practical!
Craig Hamilton has written an incredible book doing exactly what the title suggests! it's highly practical and gets into the notty gritty of leadership! It's not a particularly big picture book—Al Mohler's 'The Conviction to Lead' seems to be more along those lines! However it is very comprehensive on practical steps!
There's so much wisdom condensed into every chapter and it is a book you can dip in and out of easily to be refreshed in! I also appreciate how many secular leadership books Hamilton has read and fed into his work! I will keep dipping into this great resource as I seek to grow in wisdom in leadership!
Craig Hamilton has written an incredible book doing exactly what the title suggests! it's highly practical and gets into the notty gritty of leadership! It's not a particularly big picture book—Al Mohler's 'The Conviction to Lead' seems to be more along those lines! However it is very comprehensive on practical steps!
There's so much wisdom condensed into every chapter and it is a book you can dip in and out of easily to be refreshed in! I also appreciate how many secular leadership books Hamilton has read and fed into his work! I will keep dipping into this great resource as I seek to grow in wisdom in leadership!
March 18, 2024
Hard to convey what's so helpful and good about this book... it just is. Craig does a fantastic job at distilling both biblical wisdom and secular management/leadership wisdom into bite-sized chunks that are clear, easy, and practical. It's worth reading slowly, on your own, from cover to cover, or one bite-sized chapter at random. It's also well worth reading with others and/or as a team. I've read through random chapters as needed for years and found it helpful. This is my first time actually reading it through cover to cover - which is well worth doing so.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
September 21, 2021
Fabulous combination of biblical truth and wise grace. If it had a Scripture index, it would be 5 stars.
Fabulous combination of biblical truth and wise grace. I will continue using this and referring others to to it even though I don't agree with everything in it because of his consistent attitude of grace while giving sound and practical advice and applications. If it had a Scripture index, it would be 5 stars.
Fabulous combination of biblical truth and wise grace. I will continue using this and referring others to to it even though I don't agree with everything in it because of his consistent attitude of grace while giving sound and practical advice and applications. If it had a Scripture index, it would be 5 stars.
October 3, 2018
Great book on Christian leadership. Covers introducing change, communication, successful meetings, innovation, mentoring and much more. At almost 500 pages it took many months to get through, but most chapters are small: designed to be taken in small chunks. (Doesn't have to be read in order, but found it easier)
May 9, 2023
Lots of helpful leadership nuggets. So much so that I found it overwhelming at times. It would probably be best read as a one chapter a day kind of book, just to give you time to think over what’s being encouraged. Still, I found many of the insights helpful and imagine that I’ll be coming back to it.
September 27, 2017
So far so good, I'm constantly finding nuggets of gold in this book that I want to implement.
I recommend it. Try tackle around 3-5 of the small chapters per sitting and you'll get through it in no time.
I recommend it. Try tackle around 3-5 of the small chapters per sitting and you'll get through it in no time.
November 22, 2017
This is one of the best books I've read on leadership. Hamilton covers a myriad of topics and his wit, insight, and wisdom are apparent on every page.
February 7, 2018
Really helpful. Not a read-straight-through kind of book (although I did just that). One to return to for reference purposes.
July 1, 2018
I will read this book multiple times. Great leadership principles in short, accessible chapters.
August 13, 2018
Completely biased: excellent read.
January 12, 2022
A lot of wisdom in leading people. But as for the ‘go-to for Christian leadership’ I’d have liked more.
October 10, 2023
It is exactly what it claims to be on the cover: helpful wisdom for those in leadership.
January 1, 2025
Leadership Treasure Chest
This book is like an encyclopedic treasure chest. Bathed in the gospel, filled with nuggets of wisdom, and easy to read and apply.
This book is like an encyclopedic treasure chest. Bathed in the gospel, filled with nuggets of wisdom, and easy to read and apply.
October 6, 2025
Very useful as a manual on leadership where you may desire to refer back to specific challenges or areas for growth. Some of his chapters reveal genuine wisdom and are worth re-reading and re-consideration.
A very boring read if you desire to read it as a novel.
Very pragmatic, and I feel he could have been much more precise and ecomonic with his words. The book should have been half the size.
A very boring read if you desire to read it as a novel.
Very pragmatic, and I feel he could have been much more precise and ecomonic with his words. The book should have been half the size.
March 1, 2017
Extremely helpful! Biblical, practical, useful!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews