John MacArthur. Called to Lead. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishing Company, September 5th 2010. 240 pp.
5 out of 5
Purchase: Amazon
Want to read a book on biblical leadership? I know there are books out there that are “Christian leadership” that sometimes is more secular based than biblically based where worldly view of leadership is “baptized” with Christianese but it might not be God-centered. Well, this is not those kind of bad books. Instead this is an excellent book by Pastor and Teacher John MacArthur and I thought it was really well written and relevant and applicable. At the same time this book in its exploration of the Apostle Paul’s example of leadership is also a good example of what does solid Bible exposition and preaching and teaching looks like.
I know the subtitle of the book is “26 Leadership Lessons from the Life of the Apostle Paul” and that can sound like a lot but do not worry; the book consists of twelve chapters grouped under three parts: Part 1 is about Leadership in Action which consists of four chapters that look at Paul’s ministry under chains. Part 2 is leadership under fire that focues on Paul’s ministry in and to the Church in Corinth. This section consists of five chapters. Part three is titled “An Approved Workman: Leadership held to a Biblical standard” and has a chapter on how not to be disqualified and another on “Who is Fit to lead?”
I must admit this exceeded my expectation. MacArthur does a good job here and I’m saying this as I’m in the middle of another one of his book that wasn’t as good as this one. His exposition on parts of the book of Acts is filled with a lot of informative background of Paul’s travel in the Mediterranean sea with discussion of weather, geography and maritime experience that made the experience of Paul comes alive and you appreciate Paul’s leadership in a deeper multi-dimensional way. It was truly a joy to read this book. While I read this as part of resources for teaching a series on church leadership with my church’s mid-week Bible study still I read this in the morning chiefly as a devotional reading and for my own personal edification; of course my leadership series also used other resources as well and it wasn’t only from this book. But I enjoyed starting out reading this book first. I think at this point if I was asked what leadership books I recommend this would be up there of what I would recommend to people. Worth buying a copy; I know I’m keeping my physical book for some time to come.
The Domain for Truth 
Thanks for the great review. I really appreciate John MacArthur. Can’t wait to read this one.
Blessings from might King Jesus.
[…] Review: Called to Lead: 26 Leadership Lessons from the Life of the Apostle Paul […]
Thanks for sharing this review!
You’re welcome sister. What additional rules do you guys have where you live, if any?
We have to wear a mask everywhere including inside our homes if we are visiting with other people. Visitors or people returning home to PA have to show proof of negative COVID tests when entering PA (people who live in Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio and work in PA they are exempt from this mandate—I NEVER thought I would write such a statement!) Now, who is actually enforcing these rules/restrictions/mandates I don’t know, other than to deter people from traveling. FYI you are to receive something in the mail from me tomorrow, l hope Amazon doesn’t change the gift message to y’all!
Sounds like an excellent resource. I noticed in your series on leadership many references to this book. Leadership has many pitfalls and there’s no doubt that JMac with his 50 years of pastoral ministry has great advice and counsel.
Yes I referred to this book quite a number of time. There’s some books and teachings by MacArthur I have really benefited from. This would be among them of books I really recommend by MacArthur. I know you read his book The Keys to Spiritual Growth earlier this year, was it an electronic copy or hard copy?
I downloaded that book to my Kindle thanks to your notice that Crossway was offering free downloads.
How’s your “day off” look? Just routine here in ROC.
Thank you for this resource. I’ve never read anything from John MacArthur. Maybe it’s time I do!
You’re welcome and thanks for reading this. How are you guys doing in your state with the virus and everything???
They bounce around from closing schools or not. We had 8 grandkids here Saturday though for cookie bake and frost fun. I don’t worry about such things yet respect the rules when I do go out to the stores…which is rare. Hope you are managing in your state. The election has me more up in arms. Need fairness and rule of laws upheld in our nation!
One can never go wrong reading MacArthur when he focuses on the Scripture
Sounds like a great book, although I think I’m more of an encourager than a leader.
I think encourager is a kind of leader, if by leader we mean someone influencing someone! How was the December 3rd procedure?
Shirley’s home and recovering. They said they got all the cancer and I thank God for that! Will continue to pray that she remains cancer free. Thanks for asking, Jim!
Great review. Thank you for sharing .
You are welcome sister! I think you and I both appreciate the teaching ministry of John MacArthur…grateful for his teaching of the Word of God accurately!
The Lord has taught me much through his ministry.
John MacArthur is such a gift to the Church. He’s live out what a godly leader is suppose to be like: uncompromising.
Jim, I appreciate this review. From your discussion, this book looks to be a great resource. I like the use of “Biblical” leadership.
I’m going to get this through Abebooks