Being Leaders: The Nature of Authentic Christian Leadership

This book is not so much an original contribution to the field of leadership studies as a handy distillation of the ideas of other writers. If you haven't got time to read lots of books about leadership in the church context, this one will give you an idea of what many of the respected authors have to say about it. One of the useful features of the book is the appendicies, which include a number of different self-test surveys, including a spiritual gifts inventory, passions audit, and leadership style inventory. The quality of these tools is somewhat variable (it is almost impossible to score anything other than "You are a strong Christian Leader" on the "Christian Leader Audit"), and there is no indication that they have been subjected to any scientific form of evaluation, but they at least start you thinking about the relevant issues. I have now read several of Aubrey Malphurs' books, and I have found them all quite readable and filled with sound advice. This book was the least useful to me personally so far, because it contained no new insights, but as I have indicated above it should be quite useful to those who have not read extensively in the field of leadership. Malphurs' most useful book so far, from my point of view, has been "Values Driven Leadership".

Purpose of the Book Malphurs recognized that many today are taking about the importance of leaders and leadership, but few have adequately marked out what leadership is and what leaders do. Further complicating the issue is the distinction between secular and sacred leaders. Thus, in the eight chapters of Being Leaders, Malphurs provided eight characteristics that comprise his definition of an authentic Christian leader in today's world. Malphurs addressed the topic of Christian leadership from a biblical perspective informed and clarified by his professional research. Malphurs further hoped that by offering his opinions he would provoke Christian leaders to thoughtfully consider their own definition and philosophy of leadership. Organization and Content Malphurs began by clarifying his definition of a Christian leader and Christian leadership. Specifically, "Christian leaders are servants with the credibility and capabilities to influence people in a particular context to pursue their God-given direction" (10). Similarly, "Christian leadership is the process whereby servants use their credibility and capability to influence people in a particular context to pursue their God-given direction" (10). Malphurs's definitions may lack in pithiness, but they are strong in substance. The flow of the book fleshes out his definitions. In chapter 1, Malphur's discussed his eight characteristics of Christian leadership and how those characteristics were evident in first-century Christian leaders. A Christian leader is fundamentally a committed follower of Jesus Christ, guided and empowered by God, serving God's purposes in the church, and doing it all with a Christ-like character and attitude. In chapter 2, Malphurs examined the role of leaders (specifically pastoral leader) as shepherd and servant. Four core values make up a servant leader's heart: humility, service, others-centered, and love. As a servant, the leader equips members to pursue their God-given purposes. Chapter 3 addressed the leader's need for credibility and trustworthiness. Malphurs offered eight ingredients that build leadership credibility and five steps for regaining lost credibility. Chapter 4 dealt with the leader's capabilities. The leader's capabilities are "his or her God-given and God-directed special abilities for ministry" (73). They include the leader's spiritual and natural giftedness, passions, temperament, knowledge, skills, and emotions. Malphurs asserted that leaders are both born and made. Given the right context a "born leader" or "made leader" can accomplish God's purposes (75). Leadership is about influence. In chapter 5, Malphurs examined the varied ways leaders influence other to follow. Malphurs stated, "Every leader has a style of influence that has an impact on people, so it's important that leaders correctly perceive how they influence their followers" (93). Thanks to the Leadership Style Inventory (appendix M), this reviewer realizes his predominant s

This book is the second one I have read by Aubrey Malphurs. The first one dealt with values-driven leadership in general, this one focuses on the role of the pastor in particular. His comments in both volumes are insightful and inspirational.The most memorable point Malphurs makes is that the primary job of a shepherd is not just to love, but to lead. He refutes the popular notion that being a shepherd of God's people implies focusing on the ministry of pastoral care. While pastoral care should not be neglected, the biblical truth is that the shepherds primarily lead. Getting back to this scriptural pattern will empower the church to be a more effective, transforming force in the world today.Malphurs' work is always top-notch. He is profound, yet not difficult to follow. He is deep, but never bogged down. I recommend this work highly to all Christian pastors.