There are countless books in the world on the topic of leadership. There are also plenty of Christian books on Christian leadership, so the question is, do we really need more? Well, I think we do, each book can have its place providing it does something different or it is better than a book that is already on the market. Let me introduce you to two books on christian leadership and I’ll point out why each of them deserves their place.
Leaders who follow by Andy Mason
In this book you journey through nine key points in Luke’s and John’s Gospel focusing on how as disciples and leaders we must follow in Jesus’ footsteps. The chapters are;
- Following Jesus
- Loving Jesus
- Depending on Jesus
- Feeding on Jesus
- Proclaiming Jesus
- Slaving for Jesus
- Longing for Jesus
- Knowing Jesus
- Seeing Jesus
In each chapter you’ll find encouragement, challenges and hope as you’re pointed to the grace of Jesus for every leader. The thing I like about this book is that Andy takes the structure of his book, and the lessons that he draws out, from Scripture. So many leadership books are birthed out of experience, and Andy has experience, but they aren’t always rooted in Scripture. Leaders who follow takes you straight to Jesus, it makes Him the hero of the story and it makes Him the person to follow and to work for. This would be a good book to give to an elders team, a staff team or ministry team to help them refocus their minds on why they are serving and for whom they are serving.
Workers for your joy by David Mathis
This is a bit of a bigger book, coming in at 325 pages, but it is worth it. This book is obviously written by an American with an American context in mind, so there will inevitably be bits that might not cross over well into the UK ministry context. Nevertheless, this is most likely the book I will recommend from now on for anyone with a desire to go into pastoral ministry. Why?
Because Mathis walks through the characteristics of any elder/pastor and draws out what that means and what that looks like in the day to day. In a world that is so against any sense of authority, in a world where Christian leaders can often be picked for their charisma and gifts rather than their character, this book is a healthy correction.
In each chapter Mathis outlines the qualifications and activities of a pastor/elder that will encourage and challenge every readers. I will say that there were points, more cultural than anything else, where I would disagree with Mathis. I would love to grab a coffee with him one day and chat, but for the most part, this is a book that I get behind and will definitely give to guys going into ministry (vocationally or as elders) who want to see the joy and responsibility of such a position.
Mathis is a great writer; think the enthusiasm of Piper, the depth of Carson and a conversation in a coffee shop, that sums up Mathis’ writing style well. He has great depth and insights, but he communicated it in such a way where you don’t feel bogged down or too stretched. If you’re a pastor/elder, buy this book for your team and grow together. If you’re in the process of becoming, or are hoping one day to become a pastor/elder, read this book!
Buy your copy here. You’ll grow, you’ll be challenged and you’ll be encouraged to see the privilege, joy and weight of responsibility that comes with being a Christian leader.
*** I received a copy of these books from the publishers in exchange for honest reviews. This does not change the way I rate the books. My views are my own. ***
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