Basic Christian Leadership: Biblical Models of Church, Gospel and Ministry

by John R.W. Stott

Leadership today is no easy task. Christian leaders called to shepherd others get caught in power struggles and are tempted to abuse their pastoral authority. Pastors feel that they must project strength and certainty in order to preach and minister credibly. Too often our models of leadership are shaped more by culture than by Christ. John Stott offers an alternative vision in this biblical approach to servant leadership, exemplified by the apostle Paul in his ministry to the church in Corinth. Above all, Stott reassures us that God is at work even in the midst of our human weakness. "God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong." 1 Corinthians 1:27 A clear articulation of the nature of leadership as well as the thoughtful study of Scripture we have come to expect from John Stott, this exposition of 1 Corinthians 1--4 offers us a model of ministry surprisingly relevant twenty centuries later: leadership rooted in humility and grace, serving the church with the love of Christ. Study guide included.

Genres: Leadership, Christian, Christian Living, Theology, Church Ministry, Church, Nonfiction

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

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."

Reviews

[Andy Littleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite thing about this book, and how it differs from other leadership books, is that it’s simply drawn from Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 1-4. I will keep it in my self as a commentary to that text.

[Nick Barzilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an easy, helpful read that expounds on key truths about leadership in the church demonstrated in 1 Corinthians 1-4. Stott walks verse by verse through the scriptures and seeks to base all of his claims on the word. He shows how Paul overturns the idols of our culture (including those within Christian culture), such as power, wisdom, self-love, and comfort, to call leaders to true humility. Stott emphasizes the need for leaders to understand their role as weak servants who glorify God when his power being displayed in them. The book is focused on our heart in ministry rather than giving practical leadership help, but definitely is still practical. I would recommend this to anyone aspiring to or involved in any form of leadership in the church.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a simple yet challenging book that exposes surprising and challenging insights from 1 Corinthians chapters 1-4.
The author, John Stott, is not afraid to point out the counter-cultural message found in these chapters:
- that the church is ambiguously holy but not yet fully arrived
- that the power of the gospel us through weakness
- that we are reliant on the work of the Spirit from start to finish when dealing with Scripture
- that leaders are given to the church and not vice versa
- That leaders need to exercise humility toward Christ, scripture, their opponents, and their congregation

A good little read and a good basis for a sermon series or class!

[Don Kauffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not what I expected in a leadership book, but I love this guys heart. John Stott does a good job of being simple in his explanation. He does a better job of walking through how to be lead in leadership

[Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid advice for ministry leaders developed out of 1 Corinthians 1-4. Not so much a book on "Leadership from a Christian perspective" but a book on pastoral leadership. Brief and direct, but a challenging read. I would highly recommend for anyone studying for the ministry at any level.

[Wade · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid book focusing on I Corinthians 1-4 and the biblical models of leadership presented there.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Refreshing to pick up this used 20+ year book from Stott. A fresh reminder of the heart of the gospel and what authentic pastoral or church leadership is meant to be - not lording over, not platforms and publicity, not seeing the church as “mine,” but stewarding the gospel, equipping with love, a humility before God, the scripture, the world and the church.

It’s also a great study or exposition on 1 Corinthians!

Helpful read especially if most of your influence on the nature of the church or leadership is coming from secular or capitalistic sources.

[Samuel Kassing · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this little book was an excellent treatment on some of the distinctives of Christian Leadership. This book was written in 2002 but Stott’s thoughts on Christian celebrity culture are sheer gold. And the way he approaches Christian leadership through the lens of humility and 1 Corinthians is superb. The last chapter on models of Christian ministry is worth the price of the book.

[Jared Donis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again this enlightening book confirms Stott’s enduring relevance for the contemporary church. In the first four chapters of 1 Corinthians, he sums up the essence of Christ-like leadership. The book is filled with his treasured insights, with the usual care to be loyal to the NT text. Respect!

[Widmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well worth the time

This is an excellent and concise biblical theology to guide a ministry leader, shepherd, or missionary. Paul does not often get viewed in the lens off pastoral care, but he and we should use this lens more often.

[Joshua Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not so much a book on Christian leadership as a (light) exposition of 1 Corinthians 1-4 with some applications for pastors. A good book, but not what I was expecting.

[Matt Hasquin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meant for students entering the clergy. It used the first four chapters of 1 Corinthians as the study necessary for scripturally sound leadership. I found it to be an enlightening read.

[David Royer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent in its brevity.

[Seth Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read! May we remember it! 9/10

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is an exegesis of 1 Cor 1-4. It is not a book on Christian leadership, but on pastoral leadership, that is, leading in the Church in a pastoral role. The group with whom I read it was seeking to find a book on leadership principles they could apply in their workplace, and while this book (and really 1 Cor 1-4) does supply some discussion, the secular workplace is not the aim of this book. Pastors and lay ministers of various kinds will find this book helpful, as will anyone who is trying to help another person grow in their faith.

It is worth reading if you're a pastor.

[Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Classic Stott.