Enfoca en cuatro - el desánimo - el estancamiento - las relaciones personales - la juventud Ofrece pautas para mantener la frescura espiritual, llevar una vida plena y un ministerio fructífero.
John R. W. Stott is known worldwide as a preacher, evangelist, and communicator of Scripture. For many years he served as rector of All Souls Church in London, where he carried out an effective urban pastoral ministry. A leader among evangelicals in Britain, the United States and around the world, Stott was a principal framer of the landmark Lausanne Covenant (1974). His many books, including Why I Am a Christian and The Cross of Christ, have sold millions of copies around the world and in dozens of languages. Whether in the West or in the Two-Thirds World, a hallmark of Stott's ministry has been expository preaching that addresses the hearts and minds of contemporary men and women. Stott was honored by Time magazine in 2005 as one of the "100 Most Influential People in the World."
A short yet convicting book where Stott addresses challenges for Christian leaders. Stott identifies 4 problems: Discouragement, Self-Discipline, Relationships and Youth. A key take away is that a Christian leader’s most important attribute is not their knowledge or teaching, it is their character. Ones character overflows into all aspects of ministry and is essential for true servant leadership. Character overrides any charisma, knowledge or skills one may have. Christian leadership is about being a servant of others. In Jesus we see the personification of what God expects of leadership, servant heartedness, sacrifice and love.
In navigating discouragement, Stott uses 2 Corinthians to highlight the spiritual and physical problems leaders face. When we teach God's word faithfully even in spite of our weaknesses God can challenge and change minds. He shared a story where he lost his voice when preaching in Australia, of how despite his physical weakness God moved through the sermon that was faithful to the word.
Another key take away was with self discipline where he highlights the importance of setting aside a monthly or weekly time of rest, to reset and not burn out. Along with this he recommends having a hobby to take one’s mind off ministry and to be reminded of God’s creation e.g he had a hobby watching birds birds. Stott also emphasises the important of devotions, to ensure that a minister of the word is first convicted by the word. Moreover he highlights the importance of listening, in order to minister to others through understanding their underlying deep concerns.
An interesting observation that caught my attention was made by one of Stott’s assistant student ministers. Every day as he gave Stott a coffee Stott would mutter the words “I am not worthy”, revealing Stott’s understanding of Grace, remembering God even in the seemingly unimportant things in life. This attitude highlights his reverence, showing the importance of character and humbleness in ministry.
This book was a challenging, convicting reminder to do everything in ministry and in life to glorify God. It is a short yet impactful book that uses scripture to deliver timeless advice, relevant to all young leaders.
La muy amena y lúcida pluma de John Stott nos entrega cuatro capítulos cortos, pero nutritivos, acerca del liderazo cristiano: 1. El desánimo. 2. Estancamiento. 3. Relaciones personales. 4. Juventud. Está basado en unas charlas que dio en 1985 en Ecuador. Los consejos que dio allí, y están en este libro, no han perdido vigencia desde entonces. Recomendado para líderes y todo creyente que tenga un pastor al que animar y orar por él.
Also audible, but more modern I guess, so a bit more stuck in my brain I think. it did make me thank God for John Stott and his commitment to living a life of integrity, not letting anything be the "thin end of the wedge" that takes away God's grace. also his suggestion to pray over your tasks for the day (so you don't forget them too!) and the importance of a day off.
he talked about the value of sleep too, which was hard for me, listening at 3am wanting to sleep but not being able to!
This was such an encouraging book especially for those desiring to pursue or beginning in ministry. Each one of his four points speak to many common problems for those beginning ministry. I would encourage everyone to seek advice and learn from those who have experienced what we are now facing in our life and allow them to point us to the cross and cause our focus to be put on Christ.
This was a helpful little volume. The core of it is based off four talks Dr. Stott gave while in South America. He addresses 'The Problems of Discouragement', 'The Problem of Self-Discipline', 'The Problem of Relationships', and 'The Problem of Youth'. Each chapter is clear and concise offering bits of wisdom. The last chapter is written by two men who were his assistants. They shed light into Dr. Stott's life and character.
This brief description of 4 main struggles Christian leaders face is excellent. I readily identified with the first chapter on discouragement. Stott presents the "veil and the body" as two aspects that can create great frustration and evaporate spiritual zeal. This little volume, only recently in print, highlights a conference series where Stott spoke on leadership. His points are biblical, practical, and memorable. I found it inspirational as devotional material.
I treasure any insight I can gain from Stott on Christian discipline and pastoral leadership. I dream with being obsessed with the Gospel to his degree. His advice was on a more practical end in this book and I found it to be insightful and Lord willing part of my pastorate going forward. My only issue with it was length. The book is so short! I would have loved more.
I never hear people talk about this little book, but I think it’s essential reading. I read it for the first time in college, and I think it’s some of Stott’s best work. It’s essentially 4 sermons that he gave in Quito in the 80’s. If you’re a Christian leader, pick it up. You can read it in an afternoon. I have many times, and I’m always blessed by it.
This book packs in so much despite its tiny size. So much that I’m going through it again already (don’t worry, I won’t count it the second time round - it’s too small for that). Actually a series of short sermons each so profound. If you want to learn to be a better Christian leader this is really helpful!
Bukunya yang tipis dan menyegarkan. Bahasanya menbumi berisi nasihat praktis tentang hal paling esensi dalam kehidupan. Bukan hanya untuk pendeta atau pemimpin Kristen, tapi bagi mereka yang menyebut dirinya pengikut Kristus.
Short and sweet meditations on what is required for longevity, integrity, and faithfulness in Christian ministry. Easy to return to for encouragement and exhortation. I’ll come around to it again in a year or so.
Not too many new insights for me, probably because of the fact that Stott’s work has been widely taught in Taiwan. He is still tad too Pietism for me. He has surely demonstrated how to be a Evangelical intellectual in the old times.
De una forma muy sencilla y breve Stott muestra 4 desafíos básicos que enfrenta el líder cristiano, y sin fórmulas mágicas el traza la Palabra para guiarte a lidiar con ellos sabiamente. Lectura corta y necesaria.
Literatura cristiana que busca en los corazones de los creyentes, para encontrar diferentes obstáculos en el liderazgo cristiano. Una excelente manera de encontrar que la humanidad del liderazgo también es frágil.
This is a compilation of messages Stott offered on aspects of leadership. Because of that, it isn't the most cohesive book, but it has some great insights in it. I enjoyed having two of Stott's former apprentices write reflections that conclude the book.