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Spiritual Leadership: Principles of Excellence For Every Believer (Sanders Spiritual Growth Series) Paperback – May 1, 2007
Purchase options and add-ons
Over 1 million copies sold
What every church will always need
The need for talented, vigorous leaders in the church cannot be overemphasized. Such times demand active service of men and women who are guided by and devoted to Jesus Christ.
With more than 1 million copies sold, Spiritual Leadership stands as a proven classic for developing such leadership. J. Oswald Sanders, a Christian leader for nearly seventy years and author of more than forty books, presents the key principles of leadership in both the temporal and spiritual realms. He illustrates his points with examples from Scripture and biographies of eminent men of God, such as Moses, Nehemiah, the apostle Paul, David Livingstone, Charles Spurgeon, and others.
Featured topics include:
- The cost of leadership
- The responsibility of leadership
- Tests of leadership
- The qualities and criteria of leadership
- The art of reproducing leaders
- The one indispensable requirement of leadership
Sanders holds that even natural leadership qualities are God-given, and their true effectiveness can only be reached when they are used to the glory of God. Let this classic be your guide for leadership, and watch how God works through you to do great things for His glory.
- Print length208 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherMoody Publishers
- Publication dateMay 1, 2007
- Dimensions6 x 0.5 x 9 inches
- ISBN-100802482279
- ISBN-13978-0802482273
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Editorial Reviews
Review
Spiritual Leadership is the best book I've read on Christian leadership. I give copies to every key associate.
-Charles Colson, Chairman, Prison Fellowship
As a young pastor, J. Oswald Sanders’ book Spiritual Leadership was the first book I read that awakened me to the subject of leadership. It started me on a 30-plus year journey of teaching leadership to pastors and laypeople. No other book has influenced my life the way this one has.
-John C. Maxwell, Author, speaker and founder—the INJOY Group
Spiritual Leadership by J. Oswald Sandersis a classic among the classics. I read it as a young Christian, later as a leader, and needed what's been taught in this book. I highly recommend it!
-Chip Ingram, President, Walk Thru the Bible
Spiritual Leadership should be the constant companion of every undershepherd in the Savior’s service. Most helpful is the fact that its emphasis is not on methods, but on character, passion, and godliness. I read it often to regrip the basic perspectives of my task, and have given it to the entire leadership team in our church.
-John MacArthur, Pastor-teacher, Grace Community Church
I first read Oswald Sanders’ Spiritual Leadership as a young woman heading into ministry. It helped to shape my perspective, priorities, and passion and to ground my heart and mind in the timeless truths of Scripture. Anyone who desires to serve the Lord would do well to digest and internalize this classic.
Many Christian workers today are enamored of the latest trends, marketing models, and bestselling books by leadership gurus; they aspire to a sense of greatness and success that exalts human giftedness and rests on shifting sand. By contrast, the kingdom of God will always and only be advanced by humble servants of God who lead out of a clear sense of divine calling, personal integrity, spiritual depth, and dependence on Christ--men and women of prayer, full of the Word and wisdom, and anointed with the power of the Spirit. These are the ingredients Sanders urges us to prize and pursue.
-Nancy Leigh DeMoss, Author, Host of Revive Our Hearts Radio
The accelerated change in both the church and larger society compels the revision of the language of a classic like Spiritual Leadership. The ideas of Oswald Sanders are of too great value to risk losing any of their power to the ever-changing idiom of the present century.
-D. James Kennedy, Ph.D., Author and Senior Minister, Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church
J. Oswald Sanders' book Spiritual Leadership came to my hand shortly after it was published and was a great help to me as a young minister. I recommend it highly, not only to pastors and Christian workers, but to all Christians who want to know something about God's leadership in their own lives.
-Warren W. Wiersbe, Author, Conference Speaker
This book proves that a godly attitude lies at the heart of Christian leadership. It does not borrow principles of leadership from the world and apply them to the church, but rather derives priniciples of leadership directly from the Scriptures. It ought to be read by all of us at least once a year.
-Erwin W. Lutzer, Senior Pastor, Moody Memorial Church
From the Back Cover
To aspire to leadership is an honorable ambition. (1 Timothy 3:1 NEB)
The need for talented, vigorous leaders in the church today cannot be overemphasized. Such times demand the active service of men and women who are guided by God and devoted to Jesus Christ.
With more than 750,000 copies in print, Spiritual Leadership stands as a proven classic for developing such leadership. In these pages, J. Oswald Sanders presents the key principles of leadership in both the temporal and spiritual realms, illustrating his points with examples from Scripture and the biographies of eminent men of God (Moses, Nehemiah, Paul, David Livingstone, Charles Spurgeon, and others). He writes that even natural leadership qualities are God-given, and their true effectiveness can only be reached when they are used to the glory of God. Featured topics include:
¿ The cost of leadership
¿ The responsibilities of leadership
¿ Tests of leadership
¿ The qualities and criteria of leadership
¿ The art of reproducing leaders
¿ The one indispensable requirement of leadership
New to this updated edition are a “For Reflection” section and a growth-empowering study guide designed to enhance the usefulness of Spiritual Leadership as a training tool for future generations.
About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : Moody Publishers; New edition (May 1, 2007)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 208 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0802482279
- ISBN-13 : 978-0802482273
- Item Weight : 10.4 ounces
- Dimensions : 6 x 0.5 x 9 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #453,899 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #908 in Christian Church Leadership (Books)
- #31,213 in Christian Living (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

J. OSWALD SANDERS (1902-1992) was a Christian leader for nearly seventy years and authored more than forty books on the Christian life including The Incomparable Christ, Spiritual Discipleship, Spiritual Leadership, and Spiritual Maturity. He left a promising law practice in his native New Zealand to serve as an instructor and administrator at the Bible College of New Zealand. Dr. Sanders later became general director of the China Inland Mission (now the Overseas Missionary Fellowship), and was instrumental in beginning many new missions projects throughout East Asia.
Customer reviews
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find this book to be a must-read that serves as an excellent resource on Christian leadership, filled with great references to additional information. Moreover, the book receives positive feedback for its visual quality through effective illustration, and one customer notes how it outlines essential qualities such as vision. Additionally, customers appreciate its sturdiness as a solid classic, and find it challenging, with one review mentioning how each chapter quickly becomes a challenge to implement.
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Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as a must-read and a classic, with one customer noting it makes them think deeply.
"...Leadership: Principles of Excellence for Every Believer is a timeless guide that explores the biblical foundations of true leadership, emphasizing..." Read more
"...It is a timeless book that has the propensity to be used by God to transform his church if people would invest the time to read it...." Read more
"...classic status for some, is because Sanders weaves together a tapestry of rich quotes and real life stories of people who are modeling the enduring..." Read more
"This was a gift for a church friend. She's thrilled with it fir her Bible study. Thanks, Bobbie B" Read more
Customers find this book to be an excellent resource on leadership, describing it as one of the most challenging books on Christian leadership, and consider it a must-have for Christian leaders.
"...Drawing from Scripture and the lives of great Christian leaders, he outlines essential qualities such as vision, wisdom, and integrity while warning..." Read more
"...Because he does this, the book is beneficial for all persons within the body of Christ and not just leaders (or potential leaders)...." Read more
"This is a great book for every leader. It will help you as you make decisions and lead people and teams." Read more
"...Sanders weaves together a tapestry of rich quotes and real life stories of people who are modeling the enduring qualities that he is talking about...." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's content, which is filled with great references to additional information and covers many topics that are easy to overlook.
"...Finally, Sanders is comprehensive, covering many topics that are easy to overlook like those mentioned earlier about abilities to read and write or..." Read more
"This is a great book for every leader. It will help you as you make decisions and lead people and teams." Read more
"...For this read, I was particularly struck by the section on succession planning and its importance...." Read more
"Informative. Great in the classroom setting. Helps learners to keep things in proper perspective. Love the book!" Read more
Customers appreciate the book's sturdiness, describing it as a solid classic with integrity, and one customer notes its enduring qualities.
"...leaders, he outlines essential qualities such as vision, wisdom, and integrity while warning against the dangers of pride and complacency...." Read more
"...us to remember the importance of personal example and reminds us of the enduring qualities which we should all seek to emulate by God's power...." Read more
"...not a how to book; but a book that emphasizes walking in character, integrity, humility, and obedience to the Word of God...." Read more
"...He does not hold back it does not sugar coat of what it take to be a strong spiritual leader...." Read more
Customers find the book challenging, with one mentioning that each chapter quickly becomes a challenge to take.
"Sanders’ book is a challenging and exhaustive reference for any believer who aspires to leadership...." Read more
"...It really challenges a reader on what is necessary spiritual discipline to live out a successful life as a leader...." Read more
"...Therefore, despite the shortness of the chapters, the material requires time to read because of the need to be both reflective on it and convicted..." Read more
"I love this book. Each chapter quickly becomes a challenge to take, a discipline to adopt and practice...." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's visual presentation, with several noting its effective use of illustrations, and one customer highlighting how it outlines essential qualities such as vision.
"...and the lives of great Christian leaders, he outlines essential qualities such as vision, wisdom, and integrity while warning against the dangers of..." Read more
"...Sanders makes fantastic use of illustrations and quotations from other people (Christian and non-Christian and great military leaders)...." Read more
"Sanders, does a great Job outlining both the amazing joys that comes with leadership as well as the hard times...." Read more
"I really enjoyed reading this book the author did a wonderful job of using illustration and writing from other great authors...." Read more
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- Reviewed in the United States on February 27, 2025J. Oswald Sanders’ Spiritual Leadership: Principles of Excellence for Every Believer is a timeless guide that explores the biblical foundations of true leadership, emphasizing character, humility, and dependence on God rather than worldly ambition. Sanders argues that spiritual leadership is not about status or authority but about servanthood, self-discipline, and a willingness to sacrifice for others. Drawing from Scripture and the lives of great Christian leaders, he outlines essential qualities such as vision, wisdom, and integrity while warning against the dangers of pride and complacency. The book challenges believers at all levels to pursue excellence in leadership by cultivating a deep spiritual life, prioritizing prayer, and seeking God’s guidance in every decision. Through practical insights and spiritual wisdom, Sanders provides a roadmap for anyone who desires to lead with Christlike character, whether in the church, workplace, or home.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2017In the course of reading J. Oswald Sander’s Spiritual Leadership it is fascinating that the Lord brought me to a conversation that contained the usual perception about church leadership. Earlier in the evening a gentleman had expressed interest in being a pastor and then over dinner reiterated that when talk turned to his current work. He expressed a displeasure in his current vocation and so when I asked what type of work he would like, he indicated that in reality he doesn’t like to work which is why being a pastor interested him.
Unfortunately spiritual leadership is often thought of in this way. This mindset it both saddening and maddening. It indicates a very low view of not just pastors, but all of those in leadership within the body of Christ and explains why we are content with just warm bodies rather than placing those both qualified and called into positions of leadership. Several years ago I was fortunate enough to read Spiritual Leadership for the first time and have considered it necessary reading for all believers. This month Moody Publishers is offering a redesigned of the updated version released 10 years ago. It’s worth noting that the only versions I have read have been updated and not the original, and in this latest release I see no discernible differences in the text from the 2007 update.
Originally put together as a a series of lectures, the book version is both logical and thoughtful. One cannot read the book without appreciating the effort that Sanders has put forward in conveying the material. The author delves deep into the realm of leadership addressing not just qualifications as many are so used to, although Sanders elevates these points to higher integrity than most, but he also tackles topics such as the pastor’s ability to read, write, and communicate. The final chapters convey the necessity of building up other leaders. Therefore, despite the shortness of the chapters, the material requires time to read because of the need to be both reflective on it and convicted by it. While deep, the points are cleanly made and the path of reading is done in a logical and sequential order so that readers can ponder all aspects of leadership from beginning to end. Therefore, readers can expect the initial chapters to cover qualifications of leadership, who should be a leader, and some basic insights for becoming a leader, while the rest of the book continues to cover the process of leading itself to the eventual stepping aside from leadership and training up others to continue the work.
J. Oswald Sanders discussion points can be considered the ABC’s of leadership in that they are (a) advanced, (b) balance, and (c) comprehensive. Sanders conclusions about leadership are advanced beyond basic thinking. Instead, he challenges both modern notions about leadership and conveys just how much is involved in leading God’s people God’s way. Additionally, the author presents many aspects with a very balanced way, avoiding the pitfalls of going to one extreme or the other. For example in discussing essential qualities of leadership he tackles the topic of anger in such a way that shows its necessity, but cautious about unloving anger. Finally, Sanders is comprehensive, covering many topics that are easy to overlook like those mentioned earlier about abilities to read and write or spiritual qualities such as prayer. He also looks at areas that many are prone to put off or avoid, like disqualification, replacing leaders, and training up new ones. Such details combined with an emphasis on biblical authority makes Sanders book an easy recommendation.
Perhaps my one complaint is not with Sanders’ teaching at all, but rather with the additions that the publisher and editors have chosen to put further. The updated edition includes questions for discussion, which generally are very appreciative because they stimulate thinking and application. However, the questions are often asked in such a way that suggests that all believers are called to spiritual leadership and seem to ignore whether or not that person has been called to such a position. To be clear, Sanders nowhere advocates this. I have never had access to the first release and so lament my inability to comment upon the editor’s updates and faithfulness to Sanders’ intentions in the original publication.
One thing is certain: Sanders has a high regard for spiritual leadership as God’s work. Therefore, he conveys the seriousness with which it must be undertaken. It comes with great costs of energy, patience, pride, and so much more, and the author is certain to convey that to readers so that they understand the importance of spiritual leadership. Because he does this, the book is beneficial for all persons within the body of Christ and not just leaders (or potential leaders). It is a timeless book that has the propensity to be used by God to transform his church if people would invest the time to read it.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher at no cost to me for the purpose of review. However, my review was not influenced in anyway by outside sources and instead is the result of my own response to the reading of the book (in fact, I did a review of this book several years ago also highly recommending it and my opinion of it has not changed since).
- Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2024Great seller, arrived in good shape and timely fashion. Everything we expected. Would buy again!
- Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2024This is a great book for every leader. It will help you as you make decisions and lead people and teams.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2007Overview
In this book, which has been labeled a classic by many, Sanders takes us on a tour of leaders in the past -primarily spiritual leaders - in an attempt to help us understand the character qualities, the life, the cost and the potential pitfalls of leadership. His premise is that God is looking for people to do His work in this world and that it is a good and honorable thing for people to seek to partner with God in His work. Along the way he helps us to see through scripture and history, the kind of people that God is looking for - people of character who are willing to pay the price of leadership. Not only does he discuss the life and responsibilities of spiritual leaders, but also the common pitfalls that leaders should avoid.
Proactive Questions
What idea did Sander write about in 1967 that seems especially significant for our day?
One of the basic ideas that Sanders communicated in his day that is significant in our day is the importance of incarnation and example. As communal beings it seems that more is caught than taught, so how we live our life in the midst of others, significantly shapes those around us. Sanders points to the primacy of example by loading his book with examples; from the example of Christ, to the example of the prophets, and to the examples of spiritual leaders both in and outside of scripture - people like Nehemiah, Hudson Taylor, A.B. Simpson and John Wesley. Because we live in a culture where we are keenly aware of the many pitfalls of leadership, both through our personal experiences as well as the media, one of the more powerful ways of moving past skepticism and cynicism is through incarnation. People yearn for a living, breathing tangible example that they can both see and imitate. What Sanders mentioned about Jaffrey - a missionary to Vietnam - speaks to this, "Nothing can take the place of affection.... Intellect will not do. Bible knowledge is not enough. Jaffrey loved people for their own sakes..." So while the responsibilities for leadership may include a long list, it seems that being living examples of Christlikeness should continue to top the list. Not only will this meet a great need in our day, but it will also help us to avoid the common pitfalls of leadership.
Which quotes, thoughts or ideas especially spoke to me at this time in my life?
While there were many thoughts, quotes and ideas that spoke to me as I was reading, I want to point out the ones that stood out the most. I really enjoyed the section on wisdom where Sanders said, "If knowledge is the accumulation of facts, and intelligence the development of reason, wisdom is heavenly discernment. "Wisdom is nine-tenths a matter of being wise in time," said Theodore Roosevelt. Most of us are "too often wise after the event." I would say that I have felt the pain of some unwise decisions as of late, which makes this particular saying speak loud. Most of the thoughts on this short section of wisdom (Pg. 57,58) were meaningful. Here are some other sections that really spoke to me: When Sanders reminds us about the importance of humor (Pg. 67,68) the importance of listening (Pg. 75) the importance of prayer (chapter 11) as well as giving us advice on how and what to read (chapter 13.) Other significant sections for me were: the tests of leadership (chapter 17) and the perils of leadership (chapter 21.) In particular I found the section on the role of the prophet and leader (Pg. 159) very thought provoking and would like to take more time to consider the similarities and differences between a leader and prophet.
Which ideas in the books seem contrary to our current cultural context?
Overall I felt the book to have a strong hierarchal leaning as well as an emphasis on men, which probably fit the 1960's well, but seems a bit out of place in my current context. For example when Sanders says, "One more way to improve leadership potential: resist the idea of `leadership from the rear.' True leadership is always from the top down, never from the bottom up. It was leadership from the rear that led Israel back into the wilderness." (Pg. 113) While it is possible that I am misunderstanding Sanders here, I feel that this quote demonstrates the leaning of this book. My sense is that in my current context - North America, we have been seeing a shift from hierarchal structures to flatter structures, from a solo leader to more egalitarian teamwork, and from Moses on Mt. Sinai to "open source" when it comes to ideas and the implementation of ideas. And while context doesn't determine everything, the scripture seems more flexible than static in terms of leadership. After all there are five equippers in Ephesians four, not one. While Sanders rightly stresses the importance of character, he sometimes seems to go to the extreme when talking about time and cost (especially the section on the cost of the one man's family Pg. 122); he also seems to emphasize the spiritual hero concept more the wounded healer who leads in the context of the entire community. Len Hjalmarson talks about a new way to lead in an article called Leading from the Margins where he says, "Instead of leading over, we lead from among; instead of leading from certainty, we lead by exploration, cooperation and faith; instead of leading from power, we lead in emptiness depending on Jesus; instead of leading as managers, we lead as mystics and poets, `speaking poetry in a prose flattened world' and articulating a common future; instead of leading from the center, we lead from the margins."
Summary and Synthesis
In Spiritual Leadership, Sanders demonstrates that we can learn much about leadership as we examine the lives those who have gone before us. He helps us to remember the importance of personal example and reminds us of the enduring qualities which we should all seek to emulate by God's power. Probably one of the reasons that this book has risen to a classic status for some, is because Sanders weaves together a tapestry of rich quotes and real life stories of people who are modeling the enduring qualities that he is talking about. And while there is much to recommend in this book, as it relates to the character, cost and pitfalls of leadership, I think it will be both wise and important to understand the context in which it was written, as well as our current context. As God moves us toward the eschaton, I think it would be vital for us to evaluate our current practices anticipating the reality of God's future, which is different from our past. So while we are called to imitate the faith of those who have gone before us, we must remember where we are at in God's story. For faithfulness to God and to His story requires being immersed in the text and rightly following God in our context as we anticipate our future.
- Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2024A great book for deep leadership insights
- Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2024This was a gift for a church friend. She's thrilled with it fir her Bible study. Thanks, Bobbie B
- Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2024Great book for growth
Top reviews from other countries
- SabrinaReviewed in Australia on September 6, 2014
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
♥️
- Amazon CustomerReviewed in the United Kingdom on August 27, 2020
5.0 out of 5 stars Best book on Christian Leadership
For anyone who is family with leadership, they may have come across the phrase 'leadership is influence.' This phrase often credit to John Maxwell, was coined by Sanders. In his book he gives very challenging, but also very practical direction on what it looks like to be a Spiritual Leader. It's a must for anyone in Christian ministry and a book I've gone back to time and again.
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Coach FadlerReviewed in France on March 24, 2017
5.0 out of 5 stars Ce livre est inspirant
Excellent livre pour un leaders qui veut avancer. Je recommande ce livre à tous ceux qui veulent changer le monde
- WelileReviewed in Canada on October 27, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent delivery!
Excellent! Delivery. Arrived on time. Everything was packed up well.
Thank you!
- Gareth William KillaReviewed in the United Kingdom on October 7, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars An important addition to your library.
This is my second purchase of the same book, I gave my last copy away whilst speaking on Leadership in Nepal. Such a powerful tool to use when studying Christian Leadership.