Book Review: Paul and His Team, by Ryan Lokkesmoe

“What does the Bible say about leadership?”

All too often that question is never answered. The question that’s actually answered is, “How can I use the Bible to support this latest leadership principle that I want to promote?”

That’s not the case with Ryan Lokkesmoe’s book, Paul and His Team: What the Early Church Can Teach Us about Leadership and Influence. He first delves into what it means to have influence. We all have it is some measure. And so, just as the master who handed out “talents” in Jesus’ parable, we’re expected to do something with it. Handling that influence is the essence of leadership.

Next, Lokksemoe digs deep into particular Pauline passages to find the most important leadership lessons. Instead of working the text backwards (“What does this say about what I already believe about leadership?”) he works it the right way round (“How can this story, this text inform my leadership process?”).

This book is great for pastors and church leaders, but can also find room on the shelf of Christian leaders – CEOs, managers, shop owners, teachers – anyone who follows Christ and has a following, basically. Pick it up next time you see it and enjoy!

Disclaimer: The publisher provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.