Introduction
This book aims at giving encouragement to those that seek or take up leadership positions especially within the church context. Apostle Paul, of the Bible, is Mac Arthurs personality for study. Nevertheless, he has also explored on other leaders such as Nehemiah who was a great leader too. This book has articulated 26 leadership principles which are the core values for great leadership (MacArthur 67). These principles include: a leader is trustworthy, initiative, has sound judgment, speaks with power, empowers others, enthusiastic and optimistic, by no means compromises the absolutes, focused on objectives and not impediments, empowers by model, encourages loyalty, has empathy, has a clear conscience, decisive, reckons time to change his mentality, never neglect his authority, never abandons role when in opposition, knows his calling, aware of his limitations, resilient, passionate, courageous, discerning, disciplined, energetic, delegates fairly and finally a leader is Christ-like.
We can dissect this book into three portions for easier analysis. The book starts by drawing leadership principles from Paul’s journey when he was going to Rome. At this time Paul was a prisoner (MacArthur 13). He was chained and making him the least likely person to be a leader anyone not even the ship they sailed in and there entire crew.
The second part of the book dwells in Paul’s leadership of the church of the Corinthians. The church he had laid his life down for was falling apart from him. This led him to rebuke the false teacher and those moving astray but yet in a loving way (MacArthur 217).
Lastly, the book takes a look at Paul’s last letter, II Timothy. It gives an in-depth discusses of how a leader should keep his leadership focused to the end of the race with integrity.
The writer of this book has written this book from the point of view of a pastor. He has looked at the motives that leader have in taking up this positions and constantly reminds the leaders that they are ultimately answerable to the almighty on the manner with which they have led the people. Looking at Paul’s ministry, Paul was highly motivated by the people he had led to salvation despite the opposition he faced.
Mac Arthur in his arguments says that leadership articles have dwelled so much on the corporate world, its leaders and role models consequently neglecting the true word of God. A leader is not just a leader according to the writer. He believes that there must be a calling to this profession. A leader in doubt will easily falter and fall (MacArthur 73). Arthur emphasizes that the most common short coming of a leader is the lack of self discipline or self control. This has led to the downfall of many great leaders. Arthur believes that God builds the church as is shown by his example when he uses Paul as an illustration. Paul said that he was just but a piece of clay. Paul, in his effective leadership had a good understanding of spiritual leadership.
John Mac Arthur speaks of self discipline as being organized in all of life’s aspects. In practical sense, he says you should clean your office, be organized and make time for all this activities in an orderly manner (MacArthur 103). Leaders without discipline loose their credibility. Leaders should be able to overcome the bodily desires. It takes a strong person to be self disciplined since you have to consistent and faithful. In the writers view, church leadership should be reserved for the well deserving and not anybody else. In regards to integrity, ill reputed persons have been allowed to be leader, therefore making the issue of ethical leadership imperative.
Work cited
MacArthur, John. “Called to lead” 26 Leadership Lessons from the life of Apostle Paul. Thomas Nelson, 2010.
