Problems of Christian Leadership: A Book Review
Several months ago I intended to write an essay on the challenges leaders face. Facing so many of my own, it only seemed appropriate! The main issue so preventing me was the difficult task of deciding which challenge to begin with. If all the Christian leaders reading this were to place their cards on the table, they’d likely name challenges that couldn’t be numbered on just one hand. God has a sense of humor, though.
In perusing Intervarsity Press catalogs in recent months, I have been delighted to see them continuing to provide the Christian community with the fruit of the late John R. W. Stott’s ministry. Stott (1921-2011) was an incredibly influential British pastor and author whose impact spanned many decades, continents, and denominations. Yet it is his latest posthumous publication, Problems of Christian Leadership (IVP, 2014), that I have recently acquired, read, and meditated upon that has heightened my enduring gratitude for a man I’ve never met [1].
Format
The book is framed around four chapters that are derived from a series of messages Stott once gave to a Christian student fellowship in Ecuador. Though originally published in Spanish, they have now been made available in English. In less than 100 pages, readers are given clear, biblical counsel on four specific problems that Christian leaders encounter. Readers should take note of the fact that this material, though presented in 1985, hasn’t lost its relevance.
What adds to the book’s authentic touch is the additional material that follows these four problems. Chapter five provides excerpts from two of the many “Timothys” who Stott influenced during his ministry. These excerpts are followed by a single Appendix which provides some additional insights from Stott on pastoral ministry.
Substance
Chapter topics unfold quite simply and can easily be read as stand-alone subjects.
Chapter one deals with the problem of discouragement. Stott helps show how Christian leaders can “persevere under pressure.” He shows that most of the discouragement we encounter in ministry derives from two problems as seen in 2 Corinthians: The first is the “veil that lies over the minds of unbelievers,” and the second is the frailty of our own mortal bodies [2]. In other words, the first problem is spiritual, and the second physical. Neither problem can be handled by us alone—“We cannot lift the veil, we cannot cure the blindness of unbelievers, and we cannot overcome the frailty of our own minds and bodies” [3].
Stott shows that the Gospel is essential for dealing with the first problem as it casts light into the darkness of the human heart. For the second problem, we pray that our occasional thorns be removed, just as Paul did. Above all we pray for God’s grace and power to be manifested in our mortal bodies in order that He might be glorified.
Chapter two takes up the problem of self-discipline. In other words, “How do we maintain spiritual freshness?” Stott points to three different forms of discipline that can not only help us to avoid discouragement, but also stay spiritually fresh. The first is rest and relaxation. Though we may not understand the complex relationship between body, mind, and spirit, we know that “the condition of one affects the others” [4]. This will require that we take time off, even as the Lord Jesus took time to rest and pray. Stott also commends hobbies as means to provide exercise and release (some of which are also good ways to appreciate God as the Lord of Creation). A final type of rest/relaxation is the time we take for family and friends. Stott helpfully shows from Scripture how God uses the presence of people to comfort us.
Remaining spiritually fresh will also require that we manage time well. It means that we have our priorities in order so that we can give sufficient time for each task a day brings. But a second aspect of time-management that Stott highlights is the need for an occasional quiet day when we break away from things (he recommends once a month) and “seek to be drawn up into the mind of God” [5]. This was one of the most practical words of advice I encountered in the book.
The final aspect of self-discipline concerns our devotions. Stott urges leaders to come to their Scripture reading with expectation that the living God will speak to them. As such, he recommends we adopt some structured plan for Scripture reading. But prayer goes right along with our engagement with Scripture. Stott poignantly reminds us that “the devil knows that prayer is the major secret of Christian living, and he is determined to stop us praying if he can” [6]. This was an eye-opening reminder to me as I read.
You also cannot minister without facing “people problems,” which chapter three calls the “problem of relationships.” Stott shows that leaders must treat people with respect, which is founded upon a proper estimation of others’ worth. A Christian understanding of creation and redemption helps us hold high all persons’ worth. Practically, Stott shows from Colossians that we should (1) treat our neighbors as if we were Jesus Christ (Col. 3:17), and (2) treat our neighbors as if they were Jesus Christ (Col. 3:23). How we listen to others and make decisions are practical areas where these aspects of obedience will be evident.
The final leadership problem is found in chapter four: the problem of youth. Stott recognizes that many leaders may assume their roles at a comparatively young age. This creates a particular set of tensions that will have to be navigated skillfully.
In this section Stott offers a close reading of 1 Timothy 4:11-5:2 in order to show how Timothy is an excellent example by which young leaders can be instructed. In fact, setting an example is the first piece of advice young leaders will need to follow if they want to be accepted. Second, they must be clear about the authority in their ministries. This authority is derived from the Scriptures, and so the preaching, teaching, and public reading of Scripture is an indispensable part of authentic spiritual leadership.
In a similar way, young leaders should exercise the gifts they have. In doing this, they acknowledge that these have been given by God, recognized through ordination, and are to be used for the benefit of people. As an extension of this, one should be showing progress and improvement in his ministry as time goes on. People need to not only see who we are, but what we are becoming. This will require us to mind our consistency. As Stott puts it, “[Timothy] was to practice what he preached and to apply his teaching to himself and others equally. Balanced Christian leadership demands that we persevere in both” [7].
Finally, in order to maintain credibility as young leaders we must “adjust our relationships” [8]. By this, Stott means that we, like Timothy, instruct and rebuke people in a manner fitting to their place in God’s family, especially in a congregation mixed in sex and age. Though cultural mores may shape this to some extent, the church is a family. And since there will be mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, the wise leader will thoughtfully treat all with sensitivity, respect, and love.
Reflection
We should be grateful for the literary executors of the Stott estate for helping to make new publications available posthumously. In simple prose, he shares fresh insight into many Scriptures we’ve read countless times which will fuel Christian leaders. One of the most delightful features is the sprinkling of personal stories into each chapter which help illumine the principles being explained. With the spiritual reputation Stott earned in his ministry, these are ones that readers can digest with great appreciation.
All told, this 95-page book is clear, crisp, and an inexpensive primer that all pastors would benefit greatly from. I would especially encourage seasoned pastors to use this as a tool in their mentoring of young ministers.
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[1] John Stott, Problems of Christian Leadership (IVP Books, 2014); 95 pgs. $6.50 (paperback).
[2] Stott, 15-16.
[3] Ibid., 18-19.
[4] Ibid., 28.
[5] Ibid., 38.
[6] Ibid., 42.
[7] Ibid., 71.
[8] Ibid., 72.
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