The Making of a Leader

There are many leadership books out today. A number that I have read seek to reflect on the leadership principles or even styles of noted historical figures (e.g., Robert E. Lee, Teddy Roosevelt). Some have done a good job of isolating and presenting the principles of Christ. You cannot go wrong there. But one leadership writer that I have greatly benefited from is Dr. J. Robert Clinton of Fuller Theological Seminary. In my morning reading, I am greatly enjoying his The Making of a Leader: Recognizing the Lessons and Stages of Leadership Development (1988, Navpress). I have so enjoyed it that I ordered other books by Clinton. His approach is solidly Biblical, focused on the purposes of God in a person’s life, and well researched. His presentation of a leader’s profile in terms of his natural gifts, spiritual gifts (and “clusters” of those gifts, an interesting and helpful lesson), aquired skills and experiences allow anyone to reflect on where you have been, how God has shaped you, and how you can best serve Christ where you are. More than that, it is helpful in discerning a call before you. I recommend the book.