This morning I started reading through J. Oswald Sanders’ classic book, Spiritual Leadership. This is the second or third time I’ve read through this book and as always am deeply moved by it! John Maxwell says of this book, “No other book has influenced my life the way this one has.”

Over the next few weeks I’m going to post highlights from this book. Hopefully you’ll go pick up a copy, but if not, at least you’ll have these notes! Here we go…

Chapter 1 = [Leadership] An Honorable Ambition

• “Desiring to be great is not a sin. It is motivation that determines ambition’s character.” The integrity of ambition is determined by this question – why do you want to be great?

• “Ambition that centers on the glory of God and welfare of the church is a mighty force for good.”

• “True greatness, true leadership, is found in giving yourself in service to others, not in coaxing or inducing others to serve you. True service is never without cost. Often it comes with the painful baptism of suffering. But the true spiritual leader is focused on the service he and she can render to God and other people, not on the residuals and perks of high office or holy title. We must aim to put more into life than we take out.”

Chapter 2 = The Search for Leaders

• “The Bible shows us that when God does find a person who is ready to lead, to commit to full discipleship and take on responsibility for others, that person is used to the limit. Such leaders still have shortcomings and flaws, but despite them, they become spiritual leaders.”

• “To be a leader in the church has always required strength and faith beyond the merely human.”

• “If the world is to hear the church’s voice today, leaders are needed who are authoritative, spiritual, and sacrificial. Authoritative, because people desire leaders who know where they are going and are confident of getting there. Spiritual, because without a strong relationship to God, even the most attractive and competent person cannot lead people to God. Sacrificial, because this follows the model of Jesus, who gave Himself for the whole world and who calls us to follow in His steps.”