Guided by Grace: Servant Leadership for the Local Church

by Paul Chappell

The world promotes a wide variety of leadership philosophies. Even in ministry, there is a great diversity of 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 insist that everything must be done 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―grace-filled servant leadership. God’s people need love. They need nurture. They need transparent leaders who will mentor them, equip them, and serve with them. 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 sought to grow in grace as he has served a single church family for over three and a half decades. These biblical principles have formed the philosophy that has driven the growth and spiritual development of Lancaster Baptist Church in northern Los Angeles County, California. Over the past thirty-five years, this church has grown from a handful of weekly attendees to thousands of faithful, spiritually-maturing members. And it has all been a result of God’s grace. 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.

224 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.