One of the greatest needs inside and outside the Church today is or leaders to godly leaders to arise to lead people toward God. Before I attended Bible College and seminary I spent some time reading leadership books. Often such books would focus on how to improve this or that in one’s leadership. What was missing then in the literature and what has been built on by others—is the need for godly character in leadership. Recently Christian books on leadership have seemed to emphasize the leader taking care of himself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. In this vein of thought Dr. Jeff Iorg wrote Seasons Of A Leader’s Life Learning, leading, and Leaving Your Legacy, a book that identifies the Apostle Peter as someone who lived through all three phases of leadership in the New Testament. According to the author, in the Gospels Peter was a learner, in Acts he was a leader, and in 1 and 2 Peter he wrote his legacy. In this book, the he blends Scripture with leadership principles that will help the reader better understand biblical leadership.
Part one looks at lessons for emerging leaders. Here the author talks about the believer’s identity in Christ, the call of God, spiritual disciplines and humility. Part two examines priorities for active leaders. In this section the author writes about the challenges of confronting sins, paradigms, decision making, defending the faith, making mistakes and working with other leaders. In the final section, the author explores convictions of maturing leaders by exploring the sufficiency of Jesus, purity, relationships, the Word of God and giving glory to God.
As I read this book, I was impressed not only by the authors engagement with the text of Scripture but also with the way he sought to shepherd his readers, likely young Bible college and seminary students just getting into the work of ministry. As I read this book; even though, I’ve read many like it over the years, I was blessed and encouraged. Here’s a man whose been there and done that and now leads a major seminary of the Southern Baptists. Young leaders and even seasoned leaders need to learn from those with more experience, wisdom and insight. In this book Dr. Iorg distills biblical wisdom and does so in a way that the reader can be helped by. Not only with this book challenge young leaders to assess where they are in their spiritual growth but it will also help them to understand how they can love and care for the people of God.
Whether you are new to ministry or you’ve been at it awhile—every Christian leader needs to be reminded of their identity in Christ and the reason they serve. It is for this reason that I highly recommend Seasons Of A Leader’s Life. As I read this book I was blessed, encouraged, and convicted by areas where I still need to learn and grow in. It’s been said, leaders are learners. Seasons of a Leader’s Life encapsulates this idea so well and demonstrates through the life of Peter how to learn, lead and leave a godly legacy to the glory of God. I highly recommend Seasons of a Leaders Life and pray the Lord will use it powerfully to refresh and equip young and seasoned leaders for Kingdom work to the glory of God.
Title: Seasons Of a Leader’s Life: Learning, Leading, and Leaving a Legacy
Author: Jeff Iorg
Publisher: B&H (2013)
I received this for free from B&H book review program for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah. He is a writer, editor, and speaker living in beautiful Southern Oregon. Dave is a lover of Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology. He serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries, the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine, the Host and Producer of Equipping You in Grace Podcast, and is a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word. He is the author of The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024). You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, or read his newsletter. Dave loves to spend time with his wife, going to movies, eating at a nice restaurant, or going out for a round of golf with a good friend. He is also a voracious reader, in particular of Reformed theology, and the Puritans. You will often find him when he’s not busy with ministry reading a pile of the latest books from a wide variety of Christian publishers. Dave received his M.A.R. and M.Div through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
