- ISBN13: 9780764204821
- Condition: NEW
- Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
“Christ-Based Leadership” paints a portrait of Christian leadership within a biblical framework while comparing and contrasting it to today’s hottest leadership and organizational methods, books, and styles. David Stark shows how Christian leaders are called to live beyond the sins of power in how they relate to people and organizations. Christian leaders will develop a vision of how to act and organize differently, yet live with the reality of being sheep among wol… More >>
#1 by Trevin Wax on April 6, 2010 - 2:12 pm
David Stark’s book Christ-Based Leadership: Applying the Bible and Today’s Best Leadership Models to Become an Effective Leader (2005, Bethany House, Minneapolis) contains important questions that church leaders would do well to ask themselves. Each chapter is a question: “What is the truth of your ambition?” “Who is Lord of your leadership?” “What is your definition of success?” “Do you play to strengths so people can do their best?”
Stark combines biblical insights with current teaching on leadership and encourages us to be Christ-centered leaders. If you wish you had more time to read all the current books on leadership philosophy, then you will enjoy this book. Stark does a good job of drawing from a wide variety of leadership sources, and he has even included many graphs and charts from other books. The book’s brevity (under 200 pages) keeps the reader moving and hits the highlights of current leadership philosophy.
Stark uses Scripture in every chapter; sometimes he quotes entire narratives. Unfortunately, the discerning reader will see that much of the Scriptural content is plugged in to bolster the argument from current leadership strategies. It’s not that the material is unbiblical; it’s that the leadership focus is not biblically derived. Stark’s greatest insights come from the other books on leadership, and then he finds Scripture that back them up. Contrast this book to Henry Blackaby’s Spiritual Leadership.
I do not want to give the impression that there is nothing of substance in this book. Surely there is! This book is well worth the price I paid for it, and I will probably read it again. Stark does not uncritically accept all leadership teaching either. My only disappointment was the sometimes-superficial way in which Scripture was unintentionally treated.
Rating: 3 / 5
#2 by Christian Book Previews.com on April 6, 2010 - 4:45 pm
Comprehensive and well researched, this book realistically investigates the structure of church leadership. By comparing biblical teaching with the methods used by successful businesses, readers will be shown startling similarities which can transform current ministries.
While the author’s blueprint for ministry comes from the words and actions of Jesus, many churches miss the significance of this scriptural model. The Lord equipped His disciples to function as a single unit, made up of individuals in the body of Christ. By utilizing the gifts of each member, the overall effect promotes unity, while shifting the focus from personal achievement to the benefit of the group. The author has observed that in a church setting where the pastor’s role is dominant, the roles of others go dormant. At this point, the ministry ceases to be practical and effective.
Yet, that doesn’t need to happen. Through a systematic analysis of successful business policies and practices, readers will see an amazing correlation to the principles Jesus set forth. While some of the secular models can’t be adapted for church use, the concepts explained in this book give food for thought. It’s clear the author is sincerely trying to encourage Christian leaders to explore the current trend toward a more sensitive approach to ministry.
With quotes and research from leading authorities in this field, as well as penetrating questions for the reader, this book is a comprehensive view of the issue. Scripture supports each principle, while a specific business theory is explored on a parallel plane. The details merge with precision and give weight to the ideas presented.
Christ-Based Leadership uniquely blends biblical wisdom with contemporary success for a timeless look at real leaders. – Joyce Handzo, Christian Book Previews.com
Rating: 4 / 5