Book Review: Spiritual Leadership: Principles of Excellence for Every Believer by J. Oswald Sanders

Sanders, J. Oswald. 2007. Spiritual Leadership: Principles of Excellence for Every Believer. Chicago: Moody.

“It is perhaps surprising that in the century that saw around 100 million people die because of the lunatic beliefs of political ‘leaders’, people in our time should have become obsessed with leadership and its applications in diverse fields—religious, military, political, entertainment, sport, arts and more.” (Spillane and Joullie, 2015, viii). Blackaby and Blackaby agree, indicating that “bookstore shelves overflow with leadership theories” (Blackaby and Blackaby, 2001, x). How has Spiritual Leadership by J. Oswald Sanders maintained for so long in the presence of boundless leadership material?

First printed in 1967, Sanders’ book is among the first in present-day literature to make an impact. The present volume under review exists as the third reprinting, last revised in 2007. Regardless of the publication date, this work has contributed to the works of many Christian authors as reflected in subsequent direct quotations or references. The editors, cognizant of the legacy of the book, have taken care to update and revise for the present-day reader.

Structurally, the book might be synthetically divided into three categories. Chapters 1-10 explores the qualifications of the spiritual leader including ambition to serve; the need for authoritative, spiritual, sacrificial leadership; a delineation between natural vs. spiritual leadership; insights from Paul and Peter on the subject; and, the qualities of leadership. Chapters 11-17 survey what this writer suggests as “the personal management of the spiritual leader” which is constituted of prayer, stewardship of time, and personal growth through reading. Sanders introduces improvements to leadership, the life investment of the leader, responsibilities and challenges. Chapters 18-22 look ahead into the translation and legacy of the spiritual leader through delegation, preparing for replacement and reproduction. Noting the general brevity of each chapter one might consider a devotional approach, reading one chapter per day and reflecting on the questions found at the end of each portion.

The by-product of a series of lectures, each chapter of this book echoes with the voice of a well-prepared orator. Each chapter is direct, concise, succinct and does not linger, meander or stray from its subject. Each chapter topic is addressed and is not overloaded with long stories or case studies nor is there an overabundance of illustrations, all of which are found in present-day quick-press literature. One example of this is the direct and unapologetic tone that announces the soul of the book, “A person must qualify to be a spiritual leader” (Sanders 2007, 19).

Rather than spew spiritual leadership principles for the sake of publishing a book and earning a living, Sanders carefully and reflectively walks his reader through personal examinations to let the reader determine spiritual leadership potential for himself or herself as seen in the bullet-points found on pages 38-40. The reader is made aware that, though “the sovereign selection of God gives great confidence to Christian workers” entering into the role of the spiritual leader is a somber decision. (Sanders 2007, 23).

As with any book, some content becomes outdated or falls out of relevance to the reader. Many sources and illustrations are nearly out of reach for a younger audience who is not widely read. For example, Samuel Brengle of the Salvation Army is a favorite of Sanders as evidenced by the frequent quotes, but if one is not steeped or much less, exposed, to revival history and the impact of revivalism under Brengle, Moody, and Studd for example, are minimalized. The missionary legacy of deeper life theologians as A.B. Simpson, A.W. Tozer, even J. Hudson Taylor might slip by some readers (though missionary leadership is briefly mentioned one page 171). This observation does not indicate a weakness on the author’s part. It only establishes the book in its time and presents a challenge for his audience to be more widely read, to spend more time in books and be challenged by great men.

One feature this reader was expecting to find was direct exposition from the scripture verses given at the start of each chapter by means of the chapter contents. While even the shortest chapters uphold the theme well, a longer chapter did not easily make the correlation. For example, the lesson of Chapter 13 was more easily identifiable in the light of the Bible texts; however, the qualities of leadership clearly laid out by the Bible text for Chapter 8 were not directly found in the qualities discussed by the author in the same chapter. Recalling the overall content was the result of conference talks, Bible exposition may not have been in Sanders purview.

One point that strongly resonated with this reader and writer was the point made in the language of commentary in Chapter 2, “The Master’s Master Principle.” Specifically, when the disciples responded “We are able,” with the prospect of working and serving the Kingdom, Sanders wastes no words or time to say, “what a tragic perspective! But Jesus knew what lay ahead.” (Sanders 2007, 23). He goes on to inform the reader there is no fast-track to learning about leadership. This one truth stands in direct contrast to the instantaneous success implied by present-day writers. Readers are deceived by looking at a small book that leadership comes easy.

The strongest point comes from Chapter 10, “Above All Else.” Sanders writes the soul of the book, “Spiritual leadership requires Spirit-filled people. Other qualities are important; to be Spirit-filled is indispensable.” (Sanders 2007, 91) One wishes that Sanders had explained how Jesus’ ministry did not begin until the Spirit descended upon Him. Other poignant statements from the chapter:

• “A person can have a brilliant mind and possess artful administrative skill. But without spirituality he is incapable of giving truly spiritual leadership.” (p.91)
• “Selecting leaders apart from spiritual qualifications leads always to unspiritual administration.” (p. 92) 
• “To be filled with the Spirit is to be controlled by the Spirit. The Christian leader’s mind, emotions, will, and physical strength all become available for the Spirit to guide and use. Under the Spirit’s control, natural gifts of leadership are lifted to their highest power, sanctified for a holy purpose.” (p. 95) 

Chapter 11, “Prayer and Leadership” falls with precision in the right place in this leadership training material. Perhaps the two chapters came from the same talk in Sanders’ original manuscript. He writes, “the leaders must use God’s power to move human hearts in the direction he believes to be the will of God” (Sanders 2007, 106). If there were any point of contention to be had in the entirety of this book, this would be the place to find it. Overall, the point is on-target. At great risk of nit-picking, and after all that’s been said, leaders do not use God’s power; rather, by submitting to the Spirit, God’s power moves leaders who in turn move people. Regardless, without prayer and Bible reading, the spiritual leader will not know God’s heart.

J. Oswald Sanders’ book has trained an uncountable number of spiritual leaders and perhaps even weeded a few misguided others out. One feels privileged to have this as assigned reading and would consider using the additional tools added within the book to walk with other men and women on the spiritual leadership journey.

Works Cited 

Blackaby, Henry and Richard Blackaby. 2001. Spiritual Leadership. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

Spillane, Robert and Jean-Etienne Joullie. 2015. Philosophy of Leadership: The Power of Authority. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.