BOOK REVIEW
Book Review
Jules Ferguson fergusonj@nyack.edu
Masters of Divinity
Alliance Theological Seminary
Sept 9, 2021
The writer was given the assignment to write a book review of a book entitled, The
Making of a Leader by Robert Clinton. Professor Fee’s instructions for this paper are clear, and
as follows: summarize the main ideas the author is communicating, share one concept that stood
out in the book, explain the implications that concept has for me leading in a church context?
What needs to change in your life as a result? Now that we know the assignment let’s jump right
in.
Summarize the main ideas the author is communicating
The author, Robert Clinton’s main idea is that when God calls people to become leaders
he has a process he used to develop them. Clinton explains the process by explaining the
processes, the cost and the result by outlining the process into five stages.1 Phase one is
Sovereign foundations. Phase two is called Inner-Life Growth. Phase three is entitled, Ministry
Maturing. Phase four’s name is Life Maturing and Phase five is Convergence. However, Clinton
shares with us there is a sixth phase but it rarely occurs called Afterglow or Celebration. He
further explains those who study patterns, processes, and use insight from them in life and
ministry are better equipped to do life and ministry. 2
Next he introduces the idea that these phases all happen on the scope of a linear timeline
almost as a reward or a graduation from learning, processing, and applying well. Another idea he
shares is that principles do not change––they stand the test of time. Everything else either gets
modified or changes so our job as leaders is to focus on teaching principles.
Share one concept that stood out in the book
1
2
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The concept that stood out to me was that top-notch leadership is derived from someone who
teaches, guides, influences, and encourages based upon a lifetime of lessons. I found this to be
profound because many 'so called' or 'wannabee' leaders choose to learn to teach without really
being ready by taking shortcuts rather than going through battles that allow us to be defeated
initially. Still, after time passes, we emerge victoriously because we went into battle with Jesus
and stayed with Him when we could not see the light at the end of the tunnel, and He personally
brought us through the other side. Instead, they study from books on greats or watch YouTube
videos and regurgitate what others teach rather than teaching from the experience of overcoming
long, hard-fought battles that it took time to gain the wisdom of knowing precisely what to teach
and what not to passed on. This stood out to me because I had to learn that lesson personally
from my Dad and mom.
Explain the implications that concept has for me leading in a church context?
The implication of this lesson on me leading in a church context is I have to remember
the fundamental principles that led me to my wisdom. Which are, it does not matter how many
lessons I learn or the amount of experience it took for me to understand them. Said differently, it
does not matter how much I know already. Why? Because even when leading, I am following.
Who am I following? Jesus Christ and He always has something He wants us to learn. What does
that mean for me? It means, no matter where I am in 20 years, I must remember that I am always
subject to the chopping block of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and there are free passes just
because I learned a lesson in the past and have done well to remember that lesson. I can be tested
at any moment on material that I have known previously. The only option I get is the choice of
whether I go through it with pride or His grace.
So what/how does this affect me leading a church? It affects everything! How? I allow myself to
position myself defensively, to prepare for a fall before it happens––which may prevent it from
happening—me valuing the truth that my best defense against my pride is humility. I can gain
and sustain this insight by accepting there is no way to live out the humility that Christ had when
He lived––therefore, pride is always present within me and within others.
So when I get my chance to lead a church, my job is to ensure I acknowledge daily that
my pride is present, even when I cannot see it, and I carefully walk as if there is a snake in the
grass. And when I am bitten, I must be willing to seek the Lord, help from my inner spiritual
circle, and tend to my wound. How? I go through whatever process I need to go through to be
healed and humbled and prepare for the next snake hiding in the grass of life and ministry.
What needs to change in your life as a result?
The changes I need to make in my life are based on focusing on Jesus Christ from sunrise
to sunset, with all situations, circumstances, experiences, people, places, and things. The first
thing I need to do is spend alone time with God, both in the morning, throughout the day, and
planned time alone at a monastery. Combining these three things helps me remain in Christ, and
when I am in Christ, Jules does not show up very often; instead, people see Jesus Christ in me,
not me, which is how I prefer to live.
BOOK REVIEW
References:
Clinton, Robert. The Making of a Leader: Recognizing The Lessons and Stages of Leadership
Development. Colorado Springs: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 1988.