Influential evangelical and best-selling author Albert Mohler sets out to recreate the Christian’s idea of leadership in The Conviction to Lead: 25 Principles for Leadership That Matters (978-0-764-21004-4, $22.99, hardcover), releasing this month from Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group.

“My goal is to redefine Christian leadership so that it is inseparable from passionately held beliefs, and to motivate those who are deeply committed to truth to be ready for leadership,” writes Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky., and hailed by TIME as “the reigning intellectual of the evangelical movement in the U.S.” 13

Making his case for the need for strong leaders, he observes that in the last three decades, he has seen the “emergence of a renaissance in leadership,” and states that “the deep hunger for leaders has never been more evident than now.” 12

Chapter by chapter, Mohler examines each of such 25 leadership principles such as a deep investment in Christian truth, passion to lead, decision-making and good stewardship. He introduces young, enterprising leaders to these concepts, but also talks of later-life issues such as retirement and leaving a legacy.

In the chapter on “convictional intelligence,” he emphasizes what is important and what is essential in a leader’s traits.

“Charisma is a great gift, but it cannot substitute for conviction,” writes Mohler, who goes on to cite other such gifts—personality skills, gifts of communication, media presence and organizational ability—none of which “can qualify a Christian leader when conviction is absent or weak.” 23

Seeing leadership as “the greatest intellectual challenge I can imagine,” 35 he calls leaders to understand prevalent worldviews and “shape the way their followers see the world. The leader must shape the way followers think about what is real, what is true, what is right, and what is important.” 38

A frequent radio and TV guest, and one who writes his own blog and records regular podcasts, Mohler believes in using the power of the media. He encourages leaders to wield their influence using such forms of communication, and advises them specifically on what to do when a reporter calls.

For more information, visit www.bakerpublishinggroup.com, or to order, call Baker Publishing Group Customer Service at 800-877-2665.

• Prev
• Next