Called to Lead: 26 Leadership Lessons from the Life of the Apostle Paul

by John F. MacArthur Jr.

What makes a true leader?

Is leadership a title? Authority? Charisma? Whatever gets the best results? Today more than ever, Christians need a model of leadership that is based on God’s Word, that brings God glory.

In Called to Lead, best-selling author, pastor, and teacher John MacArthur explains the characteristics of a leader drawn from one of the Bible’s most renowned leaders, the apostle Paul.

Focusing on Paul’s letters to the church, Called to Lead shows you the twenty-six key qualities of a leader who can achieve results without forfeiting faith and obedience, qualities such as:

✝Trustworthiness
✝Discipline
✝Christlikeness
✝Sincerity
✝Decisiveness

Called to Lead presents a compelling, biblically sound explanation of the leadership God established when Jesus called and commissioned the apostles . . . and when God called you to lead.

Genres: Leadership, Christian, Theology, Christianity, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Religion

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1939

About the author

John F. MacArthur, Jr. was a United States Calvinistic evangelical writer and minister, noted for his radio program entitled Grace to You and as the editor of the Gold Medallion Book Award-winning MacArthur Study Bible. MacArthur was a fifth-generation pastor, a popular author and conference speaker, and served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California beginning in 1969, as well as President of The Master’s College (and the related Master’s Seminary) in Santa Clarita, California.

Reviews

[Cara Putman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable audiobook and great look at leadership through the lens of Paul’s life.

[Dbsdos · Rating 4 out of 5]

In short, this has left me with much conviction and challenges concerning leadership role as a whole. On one side, as he flesh out all the different characteristics of a leader through Paul’s life and walk, I was very thankful for my own leader and pastor who reflects the same traits. On the other hand, it has also made me reflect in all the ways I fall short and how much I need God’s wisdom and strength to grow. There is hope! These are the very areas where God’s grace and leading may abound in my life. Definitely not called to be a pastor, but I do want to be a leader who follows Christ boldly, wholeheartedly, with clear understanding and direction, steadfastly! May Christ be honored and magnified with every step in this life!

[Humphrey Kutosi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Herein MacArthur describes what good leadership looks like with Scripture as the authority. Following the story of the Apostle Paul, he shows this kind of leadership to us. His approach to leadership so much contrasts with the world's ways of leadership that are about manipulation rather than service. This is a book would definitely recommend to every Christian since each of us have been called to lead at least at some level.

[Owen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book on leadership based on the Apostle Paul’s example. The points were all laid out well with references to both scripture and personal experience. I loved learning more about Paul and his incredible, prolific ministry as well.

[Bobby Kern · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible read that focuses on the life of Paul. THrough the life of this apostle, Macarthur describes several traits of what makes an effective leader. My favorite paragraph in the whole book?

"God is still bypassing the elite. He's leaving the proud intellectuals in universities and seminaries, and He's looking for clay pots who will carry the treasure of saving truth with humility. By using frail and common people, God makes it clear that the power is His, not ours. The fact that God can make spiritual leaders out of such unsightly clay jars is proof of the greatness of His power. Spritual power is not the product of human genius or human technique. The power is from God."

[Jimmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Want to read a book on biblical leadership? I know there are books out there that are “Christian leadership” that sometimes is more secular based than biblically based where worldly view of leadership is “baptized” with Christianese but it might not be God-centered. Well, this is not those kind of bad books. Instead this is an excellent book by Pastor and Teacher John MacArthur and I thought it was really well written and relevant and applicable. At the same time this book in its exploration of the Apostle Paul’s example of leadership is also a good example of what does solid Bible exposition and preaching and teaching looks like.
I know the subtitle of the book is “26 Leadership Lessons from the Life of the Apostle Paul” and that can sound like a lot but do not worry; the book consists of twelve chapters grouped under three parts: Part 1 is about Leadership in Action which consists of four chapters that look at Paul’s ministry under chains. Part 2 is leadership under fire that focuses on Paul’s ministry in and to the Church in Corinth. This section consists of five chapters. Part three is titled “An Approved Workman: Leadership held to a Biblical standard” and has a chapter on how not to be disqualified and another on “Who is Fit to lead?”
I must admit this exceeded my expectation. MacArthur does a good job here and I’m saying this as I’m in the middle of another one of his book that wasn’t as good as this one. His exposition on parts of the book of Acts is filled with a lot of informative background of Paul’s travel in the Mediterranean sea with discussion of weather, geography and maritime experience that made the experience of Paul comes alive and you appreciate Paul’s leadership in a deeper multi-dimensional way. It was truly a joy to read this book. While I read this as part of resources for teaching a series on church leadership with my church’s mid-week Bible study still I read this in the morning chiefly as a devotional reading and for my own personal edification; of course my leadership series also used other resources as well and it wasn’t only from this book. But I enjoyed starting out reading this book first. I think at this point if I was asked what leadership books I recommend this would be up there of what I would recommend to people. Worth buying a copy; I know I’m keeping my physical book for some time to come.

[Enrique Oriolo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Para meditar profundamente en el liderazgo bíblico

Libros como este deberían ser una lectura obligatoria para todo joven y no tan joven que esté aspirando al buen deseo de ser un líder en el cuerpo de Cristo. El liderazgo bíblico nos sacude las estrategias del mundo actual y nos sumerge en el impacto de una vida transformada como la de apóstol Pablo. Es Cristo el modelo de sus líderes, o mejor dicho, sus siervos. Es Cristo a lo que todo líder debe aspirar imitar no exteriormente sino por una transformación genuina del corazón por medio del Espíritu Santo y La Palabra. Solo siendo como Cristo haremos un bien a la Iglesia. No dejes de leerlo, por favor. Si amas a aquellos que sirves, esto les hará un bien.

[Jay Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

MacArthur is excellent and he goes through the attributes common in all leaders. I agree on all but one of his assertions. He states that a leader must a person of unquestioned morals. I disagree as to the degree to which he takes it. I have found good leaders in those that have been formally sinners and at times their sins have been great. One historical example is David, adulterer and murderer. Yes, I know he is talking about spiritual leaders, but this is a book on leadership and not spiritual leadership. Even in spiritual leadership, if you are to give me a sermon on the wages of sin, I take it better from someone with experience. He uses mainly Paul in his descriptions and no matter what your opinion of Paul, he did lead the new Church to prominence. I happen to dearly love Acts and his letters. Not a long read, but well worth it.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so interesting! And I’m going to be honest, I found myself more interested in all the historical context provided about Paul and his ministry than I found myself interested in the leadership lessons. Yes, I picked up the book to learn about leadership, but I left understanding Paul’s ministry, the people he taught, disciples, the places he went and more. It was so interesting and provided so much context for his letters!

[Brenton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twenty-six Characteristics of a true leader gained from men in the Bible.

[Andy Febrico Bintoro · Rating 4 out of 5]

26 characters of a good leader, derived from Paul. Its rather wide, and its impossible to achieve all of these characters, and its only for the grace of the Lord that we could do our ministry.

[Emily Attaway · Rating 1 out of 5]

I would give this zero stars if I could.

[Nathan Taake · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF not worth what little I did read. Leadership traits were basic. Some points the author would make were “a stretch” at the least.

[Daniel Borton · Rating 4 out of 5]

MacArthur sometimes seems to get a little redundant and at times he also draws more out of the Biblical texts he cites than may really be there. On the other hand, he provides many important principles and invaluable lessons for Christian leaders. If you are looking to grow as a leader, this book should help you.

[Santiago Zuleta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excelente

Es un libro excelente. Lectura obligada para los lideres de hoy no solo aquellos q conocen a Cristo, sino para todos.

[Nathan Wanderski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this far more than I expected to. It was a great dive into Paul’s life and ministry while pulling applicable leadership lessons from scripture. Would recommend to any believer.

[Letícia Lyria · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit repetitive but still valuable insight.

[Richard Angelus · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are 26 characteristics of a true leader outline in the book and it is divided into three parts. MacArthur writes largely based on biographical material from the life-action of Paul from the Book of Acts and autobiographical from his letters. In Part 1: Paul In Chains: Leadership In Action, he examines from Acts 27 how Paul’s leadership was manifest in the most unlikely of situations; in Part 2: Paul In Corinth: Leadership Under Fire, he helps us to see how Paul deals with issues regarding spiritual leadership and how to handle conflicts in the church primary based on 2 Corinthians; in Part 3: An Approved Workman – Leadership Held to Biblical Standard, he answers these two questions, “How Not to Be Disqualified” and “Who Is Fit to Lead?”; and in Part 4: Epilogue, my favorite, where he skilfully highlights Paul’s triumphant last days on earth even though he might seem to the world as a failure due to his imprisonment and execution. I’m touched by Paul’s testimony in 2 Timothy. “Paul measured his own success as a leader, as an apostle, and as a Christian by a single criterion: He had ‘kept the faith’ – meaning both that he had remained faithful to Christ and that he had kept the message of Christ’s gospel intact, just as he had received it.” Indeed, this is his legacy (come on, LEGASI!) in this life and through eternity. Amazing. To you who are called to lead, read this book!

To read further, CLICK HERE: https://legasitv.blogspot.com/2021/05...

[Michael Haney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a challenging and instructive study of leadership using the experiences of the apostle Paul as the basis. John MacArthur makes good use of the Biblical record and personal testimony to illustrate principles of leadership including self discipline, accountability, initiative, enthusiasm, decisiveness, knowing one’s limits, and when to delegate responsibility, just to name a few.

When coupled with honest self-evaluation, I found this book to be a necessary blend of humbling conviction, re-focused purpose, and confident encouragement. I have taken much more away from this book than I had expected and am grateful for it. The use of scriptural examples of both flawed and ideal leadership was difficult to face at times, given my conscience-weighted reflection, but as dross is purged from an ore through fire to purify, I found that to face a challenging truth and resolve to react constructively results in spiritual strength, a more mature faith, and character development. Recommended for serious consideration.

[Kevin Bessey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book on spiritual leadership from John MacArthur. He was able to bring 26 qualities that all Christians should exhibit in their daily walk. MacArthur uses Acts 27 (Paul's shipwreck) and 2 Corinthians (Paul's defense to the church) to make his points on how Paul behaved, responded, and carried himself to model Christ and emerge as a leader.

He also used examples from Acts 6, that were not necessarily tied to Paul to show other qualities in servant leaders. I loved how MacArthur pointed out that leadership does not come with style, lessons, or practice, but it comes from character - specifically the character that we have through an identity in Christ.

Pros: really great overview of how scripture provides a model through Christ in how we're called to lead and influence those around us
Cons: the chapter under Part 3 regarding clay pots was a bit drawn out and dry. Could've been shortened.
Bottom line: highly recommend to anyone in church leadership, or aspiring to sharpen and hone their biblical leadership skills.

[Julian Hammontree · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Book of Leadership” by John MacArthur is an excellent book for anyone that is looking to develop the qualities of a leader in a Christ like way. John MacArthur is a pastor at Grace Community Church in California and he is the President of Master’s College. MacArthur explains the qualities of a leader that are displayed throughout the New Testament in Paul’s life, so people can apply those same principles in their lives. He also provides us with ways to be a strong leader and Godly leader.
MacArthur provides ways to assert your leadership and effectively lead people, so that the followers do not rebel or resist your God appointed leadership. He also give reasons why you should not doubt your leadership abilities as it often results in bad things. I would recommend that any person who feels like they are being called to a position of leadership or that is already a leader read this book, so they can know how to be a leader in an effective, biblical and Godly way.

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

John MacArthur! That's really all you need to know, but there's much more. This book on leadership is based on Paul's life, especially as recorded in 2 Corinthians. It would be an essential read for elders, deacons, pastors, and teachers preferably BEFORE they begin to serve. Although there would be some great ideas for secular leaders, that is irrelevant given the high calling of church leaders. MacArthur is such a masterful writer! Each sentence and paragraph is vitally important on its own but also vitally crafted to fit exactly where it's placed in the book. It makes it easy to read the flow of his thoughts and makes the book a quick read. Although it was the longest of my three books I'm currently reading, it was finished first. Recommend this book to your pastor and elders.

[Gracie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As John MacArthur states in his first few sentences, people all over the world are seeking for the "secrets to leadership" - and looking in all the wrong places. Leadership takes hard work, humility, and a desire to better others...and looking at the leaders in the Bible is one of the best examples to follow. I appreciated John's walk through the different characters' lives in the Bible, as well as his explanation behind each Leadership Principle. Best leadership book I've ever read (including the ones I had to read for college and grad school). Highly recommend for those who A.) desire to be godly leaders, and B.) are prepared to be incredibly challenged to walk the high road.

[Bradfor Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

Another great book by John MacArthur touching on a subject that is much needed in the church and world. Leadership and true leaders are needed more than ever and John shows us lessons from one of the best leaders of the Bible. John’s ability to weave history in with the stories of Paul and pull out lessons is great. The book is an easy read and it is just a lot of fun to feel like you are on the adventure with Paul and his friends. Grab this book and grab your Bible and get ready to learn some great lessons from one of the most influential apostles.

[Jeremy Pynch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I strongly dislike books regarding leadership especially when it comes to spiritual leadership. Mainly because I realize how far I fall short of God's calling. Nevertheless, this book ought to be read by every Christian as we strive toward holiness and desire to grow in our leadership abilities. This book will challenge you, it will encourage you, it will upset you, and hopefully (and most importantly) it will cause you to run back to Christ! I strongly suggest this book by Dr. MacArthur.

[D. Ferguson · Rating 4 out of 5]

John MacArthur is one of the key leaders in the Church worldwide today. This book is mostly a summary of what he learned about leadership in his study of 2 Corinthians and in his experience as a church leader over the past 50+ years. He briefly develops 26 characteristics of a good leader. It isn’t the most helpful thing I’ve ever read from MacArthur, but there are definitely some worthwhile principles.

[Christian Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this brief book by MacArthur he provides a helpful introduction to true biblical leadership. He does this by identifying the biblical texts that provide criteria for leaders and also points to Old Testament saints as examples of what godly leadership looks like throughout the redemptive history. Ultimately, this biblical exposition of leadership focuses on godly leaders having godly characteristics.

[Dean Harrington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear, well defined and sourced commentary on leadership. I found very little 'new' or 'revolutionary' but much of it was 'affirming'. MacArthur is a gifted thinker and communicator. I found this a book that disqualified you as a leader as much as one that included you as one. Quite convicting in that regard.

The framing of the lessons around the life of Paul cemented my awe and respect for his ministry. True leader!

[Donald · Rating 4 out of 5]

While very informative and truly inspiring. JMac can get a little dry sometimes. However, I was expecting biblical insights on leadership, but what I got was so much better. You will walk through the life of Paul, examining his life from multiple perspectives, and you will discover that Jesus gave us a true example of leadership through the life of Paul. Really encouraging.

[Clara Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Leadership for the Christian always has a spiritual dimension." "A true leader inspires followers". "To put it simply, leadership is influence." "Real leadership seeks to motivate people from the inside, by an appeal to the heart, not by external pressure and coercion." If I were in a leadership book this would be one helpful book.