by Henry & Richard Blackaby, Broadman & Holman Publishers, USA, 2001

One wonders whether there is anything new to learn on Christian leadership after the writings on the subject by quotable authors like John Maxwell, Tim Elmore, Bill Hybels, George Barna, Robert Clinton, Henri Nouwen and Oswald Sanders. Besides, one can mine precious gems on Christian leadership from reading the biographies of great leaders of God in the past and the present.

Is there anything new or unique that Henry & Richard Blackaby can add to the already rich and vast storehouse of Christian leadership knowledge? In a sense they have not brought in anything new or novel. But their book is certainly worth our time to read as it repackages old ideas in a refreshing and enlightening manner and critique secular leadership materials in a biblical wholesome way.

In a nutshell, the authors defined spiritual leadership as ‘moving people on to God’s agenda.’ This understanding of leadership applies not only to the church but equally as well in our workplace and the business world. This is a strong and unique emphasis of the authors and it is demonstrated by the fact that Henry Blackaby regular consults with CEOs of Fortune 500 companies (pp 22, 143).

The book covers the subject comprehensively in eleven chapters and it can be used as a handy reference handbook for all Christians. The authors pre-suppose that spiritual leadership occurs when a Christian has a vital living relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ as when as a servant of the Lord, he obeys and does what God’s agenda is moment by moment . No Christian leadership is seen without knowing and doing God’s will. The authors have dealt with this important issue in other books like Experiencing God, Experiencing God Day-by-Day and When God Speaks.

Following his very basic theology of leadership of moving people on to God’s agenda will free us from the many pitfalls of leaders. Many a leader has reaped an agonized soul when his family left him in his pursuit of success in his leadership. A very sad case of a young driven pastor who lost his wife and children is narrated (pp 280, 281 ). The Blackabys point out in no uncertain terms that spiritual leadership covers the home as well and not just the church or the workplace. Recognizing his duty of leadership in the home will then help the leader to balance his stewardship of his time and energy. He will wisely not spend all his time or energy at his work but also have these resources for the family. By following these principles, Henry Blackaby is a very proud father of five grown-up children who are following the Lord just like the father.

Another liberating principle from their writings is the freedom of the tyranny of the urgent and the harassment of busyness. Their stress on walking close to God moment by moment will help us to do just the assignment given us by the Lord. This will free us to say ‘no’ to other loads not meant for us and to delegate other tasks that others can do. This will contribute not only to our effectiveness as leaders but also without sacrificing our health in our success.

Today with technology, marketing techniques and managerial tools, a leader can build a large church or organization with huge budgets and beautiful buildings to impress. But have we led by leading God’s people on to His agenda? Have we done His will and remained faithful? Henry Blackaby has walked his talk and has finished well. We do well to listen to him.

Lim Yew Foo
Faith Methodist Church
Kuala Lumpur