The Book on Leadership: A Guide to Discovering the Characteristics of a True Leader Based on the Ministry of the Apostle Paul

John MacArthur's latest book, unimaginatively titled The Book on Leadership, has one of the finest-looking covers I have ever seen. With its leather-looking cover, rough-cut pages, gold lettering and marbled inside pages, it looks like a wonderful, valuable, antique book. Truth be told, I probably would not have purchased it were it not for that cover. I am not so shallow that I would purchase it based soley on the cover, but a great cover and an author I respect are too much for me to pass up.In this book, MacArthur provides his spin on a topic that is gaining prominence in the church. I suspect the books published on the subject of leadership in the church in the past five years would by far outnumber thoese published in the prior 2000 years of Christianity. Leadership has become a buzz-word, and leadership skills are more highly-valued by many than the ability to write good sermons, to relate to people or to express clear doctrine. For many people today a pastor's role should primarily concern leadership with the preaching of the Word taking on a secondary role. In this context I looked forward to gleaning from the wisdom of John MacArthur.This book is based around the apostle Paul (rather than Nehemiah, who seems to be the subject of many leadership manuals), drawing lessons about leadership through two of the situations he faced: his time in prison and his time pastoring the church at Corinth. I was surprised to find that the leadership principles outlined by the author are not expositorily drawn out of the Scripture, for expository teaching is what we have come to expect from MacArthur. Instead, he uses Paul's life to point to principles of leadership. For example, the sixth principle of leadership is that a leader is optimistic and enthusiastic. MacArthur shows this in Paul's life by referencing Acts 27:25 where the apostle tells the men aboard his doomed ship to "take heart ... for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told." There are twenty six of these principles introduced in similar fashion throughout the text.While the book does a respectable job of introducing principles of leadership, I found its primary value in serving as a commentary on portions of the books of Acts and Corinthians. MacArthur is a skilled expositor and does deep research in the Scriptures. Thus he brings to light many situations and tidbits of information that helped me better understand these passages of the Bible and to understand Paul. Reading the book purely as a commentary will be rewarding in itself, with the principles of leadership serving as icing on the cake.I have to admit I found this book a little disappointing, primarily because it was not entirely expository in nature. The twenty six principles of leadership are sound and will no doubt serve to strengthen many future and current leaders. In the final analysis, though, while they are proven from the life of Paul, they were not drawn explicitly from Scripture. Despite that, a man who exhibited those qualities would no doubt be an godly man and one well-suited and eminently qualfied for leadership in the church. I do recommend this book both as a commentary on parts of the life of Paul and as a guide to important qualities necessary for godly leadership.

I had never considered Paul as a case study in leadership, but this book brought Paul's ministry to life and highlighted many significant leadership truths that he exemplified. Many of these leadership principles are ones I have heard before in secular leadership books and from leadership courses in the military, but viewing these same principles through a spiritual lens gave them new meaning and significance. I read this book out of a desire to become a better spiritual leader for my family, and God has definitely used the lessons from this book to grow me in that area if my life. My one criticism of this book is that the author has over 20 leadership principles, which is a lot to keep track of. Some of the principles were similar enough that they could have been condensed in order to shorten the list. Coming from a military background I've found that the most effective models (whether they're leadership, decision making, our problem solving models) are short and easy to remember. That's not to say they're simple, each step or principle can have additional layers of depth, but keeping the top level model short makes it easier to remember and apply from memory. Otherwise this was an excellent book that I've already recommended to several friends.

This book is an excellent survey of biblical leadership based on the life of the Apostle Paul. I provide it to students who are willing to learn about leadership from a biblical worldview.

The author has you assesses your true Spiritual walk with Jesus by comparing ALL your actions in accordance to The Word of God!I purchased this book because, I, have 30+ years of military experience and consider myself a very good leader of men, however, my awakening of a true Spiritual leader was very eye opening! I must admit that ALL my leadership gifts received by my Heavenly Father was not me at all, but He through me!ALL church leaders should read, acknowledge, understand, and pray for Gods revelation of the wisdom provided in this book with The Word of God!I assure you that God will provide a clear understanding of the message that the author was greatly blessed to provide for all of us.God Bless

In a day of pragmatic Christian leadership this book is a refreshing and solid source for Biblical leadership. The author examines Biblical leaders and draws out timeless principles for Christian leaders today.

Love MacArthur’s book. This is the best leadership book I’ve ever read since it traces historical perspectives to scripture. This should be a Christian leader’s go to book on leadership principles.

MacArthur carefully outlines the leadership qualities of Paul and makes them real for us. Anyone who strives for true leadership (Christ like) will welcome this resource! Highly recommended!

I really like this book. I have it in the hard book but when it came out in the ebook, I had to have it because now I can read it and store without cluttering my book shelves. I’d recommend this book 📖 to anyone who is in a leadership position. There are so many golden nuggets to gather that will help elevate you as a leader.

A good understanding of apostle Paul's life and ministry, highlighting why he was such a great leader. Characteristics that we all should take and apply to our lives.

Thank you

great work

Still reading

Superb book by John MacArthur. Not all of us are called to 'wear the badge' but all Christians are called to lead.