Calling Christian Leaders: Biblical Models of Church, Gospel and Ministry

by John R.W. Stott

Contemporary models of Christian leadership are often shaped more by culture than by Christ. Ineffective leadership, overbearing authority and burnout are endemic.In stark contrast, John Stott urges that our view of leadership must be determined by our view of the Church, and not the other way round. He demonstrates that the theme of 'power through weakness' is central. He expounds the role of the Holy Spirit in God's revelation, and he examines four of Paul's most striking models of ministry, each of which is an aspect of humility.In contrast to seductive styles of leadership being advocated by the wisdom of the world, John Stott urges Christian leaders to be characterised above all else by 'the meekness and the gentleness of Christ'.

Genres: Leadership, Church, Christian

Paperback

First published May 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

[Rohan · Rating 4 out of 5]

helpful on 1 Corinthians 1-4, on the importance of humility in being a leader in God's church, with God's word, as God's servant, for God's growth. Ended quite suddenly.

[Luuya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is wonderful books on the Christian Leadership.
John Stott is great Christian writers. He expounds clearly and shows clearly what the Christian leadership means.

[Tim Norman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little book by Stott. Walks through 1 Corinthians 1-4 and relates the passages to modern Christian leadership.

[John Lim · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book attempts to serve two purposes: biblical exegesis of 1 Corinthians 1-4 and then its application to pastoral ministry. Personally, I find that it achieves the first goal far better than the second. I rated it three stars because I came in expecting more of the latter.

This is the first book of Stott that I am reading. In terms of analysis of the biblical text, Stott does a fantastic job of unpacking 1 Corinthians 1-4. It is accessible to the average reader, and elegantly summarizes important Christian doctrines that are often overlooked on Sunday. These include understandings of the Spirit, the inspiration of the Bible, and the here-and-not-yet of the eschaton. All these are considered in relation to the church’s identity.

That said, this book is more exegetical than applicational, which makes the title/subtitle feel misleading. Stott only deals briefly with the role of the pastor in the final chapter and the 3-page conclusion. Granted, understanding the identity of the church is vital for the pastor to understand how to relate to it. However, a book that has such a practical title ought to offer more practical tips than this one does. Yes, a biblical understanding of leadership is key, but having finished the book, all that I have is an abstract concept of leadership.

[Rebekah Hanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great look at 1 Corinthians 1-4 which reveals the shocking overlap that often occurs between the attitudes in secular and Christian leadership which makes one yearn for more servant-leadership in our churches and from ourselves

[Mário Fonseca · Rating 5 out of 5]

O que falar Jonh Stott, leia tudo..nesta obra um verdadeiro tratado com a liderança ministerial.
li pela segunda vez!