Book Review: The Book on Leadership

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Leadership. One Word, but it says it all. Often heard, often spoken about, and often referenced to. But what is it? Well, one might say that leadership makes them think about John Howard, and how through his leadership as Prime Minister, he served his country for four consecutive terms. Most will agree he will be remembered as one the greatest Prime Ministers this country has seen.

 

Another might think of the example of Damien Hardwick, the AFL coach of the Richmond Tigers. It was through his leadership and coaching that Hardwick turned the Richmond Tigers into a triple premiership winning team.

 

I’m sure you can think of more examples. Turn to your Bible, flick through Biblical history and you will see many more examples of great leaders. Leaders who were directed by God to work for and amongst His people. And thankfully, this is very well recorded. One of those great leaders, who wrote a fair share of the New Testament, is the Apostle Paul.

 

A great book that I would like you to consider reading is John MacArthur’s book: 'The Book on Leadership'. I enjoyed reading this book, even though I must admit that reading does not come naturally to me. This, however, is one book that I have read cover to cover. Even after reading just one chapter, it certainly will give you much to think about already. If you are like me, where reading does not come naturally to you, there is also an audio version online that you can download and listen to. MacArthur himself narrates the audio version, and he has an enjoyable speaking voice to listen to which helps to keep you engaged. So, if you rather listen and ‘read’ this book in this manner, the audio version will certainly appeal to you.

 

'The Book on Leadership' lays out the foundation of Biblical leadership throughout the book, and in doing so, MacArthur demonstrates how worldly leadership styles are not right. Early on in this book, he reveals how our society craves leadership-themed books and material.  It is no surprise then how people just love to read the secrets of leadership from certain famous individuals, like businessmen, financial gurus, and sports stars, etc. There are shelves devoted to this theme at bookstores and even podcasts on Spotify on the subject. Ironically, this book also sold well in bookstore.

 

There is, however, a great contrast in the work of John MacArthur on this topic. He clearly demonstrates that the Bible is the only real source of where and what true leadership looks like. To do this, MacArthur chooses the Apostle Paul and his strong leadership as the example that we should follow. Why follow the example of Paul? Because he was a real leader, specifically, one that followed Christ. This is what MacArthur stresses early on in this book. Want to learn from fellow leaders? You better establish very soon, whether they follow Christ or not.

 

MacArthur uses Paul’s example of His journey on this earth, and His work in God's Kingdom and cleverly applies Paul’s leadership into everyday leadership principles. That is one benefit about this book, you can take what MacArthur writes on true Christian leadership and apply these principles and characteristics to everyday life. With Christian Leadership principles instilled in you, MacArthur assures you as a reader, that this helps you with the everyday life decisions that you face. Whether it is in your office at work, on your job site, or in your shed just tinkering around, he exhorts you to make your decisions built and based on true Christian principles that only our Lord Jesus Christ teaches, principles that Paul follows.

 

It is my opinion that it is the men who could benefit from this book the most. As such, I would encourage fathers and their sons to read this book, maybe together, or on their own in their own time, and then perhaps reflect on it and engage with it, one on one. If one were to read this book at a time when, perhaps as a teenager or young man (woman), he (or she) was making big decisions in life, I am sure that learning from the example of the Apostle Paul, would give that person the guidance and direction that is very helpful in steering oneself towards becoming a sound leader in the future.

 

Another setting for this book could also be found in book study between fellow brothers in your church, or friends that you catch up with regularly. I had the privilege of doing this with a few brothers in my church (FRC Mundijong). Its easy reading format and content will certainly generate good, encouraging discussions. I am sure it will fill any evening discussion and will not leave you wondering what to talk about.

 

I also strongly believe that our more experienced brothers would benefit from the content of this book as well. I am sure that what they have learnt in their journey of faith and what they will read of in this book, can become one of those ‘tools in the workshop’ to help lead others. It is you brothers who need to lead, direct, and encourage those younger men and brothers. It is your example, your love for God and His Church, your care, and your leadership example that the next generation will follow.

 

So, I encourage you to read this book and I recommend it for your bookshelf. If you do have it, but cannot find the discipline to read it, then I strongly encourage you just to read the 26 principles and characteristics of a true leader in the back of the book, on page 209, and to reflect on it. But you never know, there may a situation in your life that you wish to read more about, and that is where you might find having this book on your shelf beneficial. When the time does come for you to lead, you will be well equipped!

 

Malachi Pleiter, Mundijong

Leadership. One Word, but it says it all. Often heard, often spoken about, and often referenced to. But what is it? Well, one might say that leadership makes them think about John Howard, and how through his leadership as Prime Minister, he served his country for four consecutive terms. Most will agree he will be remembered as one the greatest Prime Ministers this country has seen.

 

Another might think of the example of Damien Hardwick, the AFL coach of the Richmond Tigers. It was through his leadership and coaching that Hardwick turned the Richmond Tigers into a triple premiership winning team.

 

I’m sure you can think of more examples. Turn to your Bible, flick through Biblical history and you will see many more examples of great leaders. Leaders who were directed by God to work for and amongst His people. And thankfully, this is very well recorded. One of those great leaders, who wrote a fair share of the New Testament, is the Apostle Paul.

 

A great book that I would like you to consider reading is John MacArthur’s book: 'The Book on Leadership'. I enjoyed reading this book, even though I must admit that reading does not come naturally to me. This, however, is one book that I have read cover to cover. Even after reading just one chapter, it certainly will give you much to think about already. If you are like me, where reading does not come naturally to you, there is also an audio version online that you can download and listen to. MacArthur himself narrates the audio version, and he has an enjoyable speaking voice to listen to which helps to keep you engaged. So, if you rather listen and ‘read’ this book in this manner, the audio version will certainly appeal to you.

 

'The Book on Leadership' lays out the foundation of Biblical leadership throughout the book, and in doing so, MacArthur demonstrates how worldly leadership styles are not right. Early on in this book, he reveals how our society craves leadership-themed books and material.  It is no surprise then how people just love to read the secrets of leadership from certain famous individuals, like businessmen, financial gurus, and sports stars, etc. There are shelves devoted to this theme at bookstores and even podcasts on Spotify on the subject. Ironically, this book also sold well in bookstore.

 

There is, however, a great contrast in the work of John MacArthur on this topic. He clearly demonstrates that the Bible is the only real source of where and what true leadership looks like. To do this, MacArthur chooses the Apostle Paul and his strong leadership as the example that we should follow. Why follow the example of Paul? Because he was a real leader, specifically, one that followed Christ. This is what MacArthur stresses early on in this book. Want to learn from fellow leaders? You better establish very soon, whether they follow Christ or not.

 

MacArthur uses Paul’s example of His journey on this earth, and His work in God's Kingdom and cleverly applies Paul’s leadership into everyday leadership principles. That is one benefit about this book, you can take what MacArthur writes on true Christian leadership and apply these principles and characteristics to everyday life. With Christian Leadership principles instilled in you, MacArthur assures you as a reader, that this helps you with the everyday life decisions that you face. Whether it is in your office at work, on your job site, or in your shed just tinkering around, he exhorts you to make your decisions built and based on true Christian principles that only our Lord Jesus Christ teaches, principles that Paul follows.

 

It is my opinion that it is the men who could benefit from this book the most. As such, I would encourage fathers and their sons to read this book, maybe together, or on their own in their own time, and then perhaps reflect on it and engage with it, one on one. If one were to read this book at a time when, perhaps as a teenager or young man (woman), he (or she) was making big decisions in life, I am sure that learning from the example of the Apostle Paul, would give that person the guidance and direction that is very helpful in steering oneself towards becoming a sound leader in the future.

 

Another setting for this book could also be found in book study between fellow brothers in your church, or friends that you catch up with regularly. I had the privilege of doing this with a few brothers in my church (FRC Mundijong). Its easy reading format and content will certainly generate good, encouraging discussions. I am sure it will fill any evening discussion and will not leave you wondering what to talk about.

 

I also strongly believe that our more experienced brothers would benefit from the content of this book as well. I am sure that what they have learnt in their journey of faith and what they will read of in this book, can become one of those ‘tools in the workshop’ to help lead others. It is you brothers who need to lead, direct, and encourage those younger men and brothers. It is your example, your love for God and His Church, your care, and your leadership example that the next generation will follow.

 

So, I encourage you to read this book and I recommend it for your bookshelf. If you do have it, but cannot find the discipline to read it, then I strongly encourage you just to read the 26 principles and characteristics of a true leader in the back of the book, on page 209, and to reflect on it. But you never know, there may a situation in your life that you wish to read more about, and that is where you might find having this book on your shelf beneficial. When the time does come for you to lead, you will be well equipped!

 

Malachi Pleiter, Mundijong