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Revised and updated edition of the classic work on spiritualleadership In A Work of Heart, bestselling author and missionalexpert Reggie McNeal helps leaders reflect on the ways in which Godis shaping them by letting us see God at work in the lives of fourquintessential biblical leaders: Moses, David, Jesus, and Paul.McNeal identifies the formative influences upon these leaders,which he sees as God's ways of working in their lives: the sameinfluences at work today forming leaders for ministry in our times.He explores the shaping influence of culture, call, community,conflict, and the commonplace. Offers guidance for church leaders to let God shape theirhearts from the inside out Reggie McNeal is the author of the bestselling bookMissional Renaissance Gives reassurance for maintaining perspective while doing thedemanding work of ministry The book includes illustrative stories of contemporary leadersopening their hearts to God's guidance.… (more)
User reviews
If the idea of delving into scripture to mine leadership qualities doesn't bother you, then this book is one of the best that I've read.
McNeal begins by examining the lives of Moses, David, Paul,
In the second half of the book, McNeal examines six areas where the leader's qualities are worked out:
1) Culture
2) Call
3) Community
4) Communion
5) Conflict
6) Commonplace
I was privileged to read this book through with a Bible College student in a mentoring relationship. There was always plenty of material and insights to discuss.
Here are a few of my problems with leadership books in general. The Bible doesn't speak about leadership—shepherding and servanthood are the key metaphors.
Furthermore, the idea that there is a separate class of people who operate on a special "leadership" level seems foreign to the thrust of the New Testament. Jesus' disciples didn't look like people with high-level leadership qualities. They became effective once they were empowered by the Spirit.
We should examine what we mean by "leadership qualities," too. Don't we mean the sort of personal characteristics that make people successful in the business world today? What right do we have to dive anachronistically through scripture in an attempt to uncover these 21st century values?
On a hermentutical level, why do we assume that the personal qualities of people like Moses and David are qualities we should emulate? Scripture is the story of how God used these people—not how they were skilled enough to be used.
There you have it. If you enjoy the "christian leadership" genre, this is one of the best on the topic. If you share my reservations, leave this book on the shelf.