The Conviction to Lead

Of the making of books on leadership, there is no end. It has almost become its own genre. This is not a bad thing, for whether the leader is made or born, all need help with the assignment. Albert Mohler has entered the discussion with his latest book, The Conviction to Lead. Mohler, President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, is not immediately known as a John Maxwell or Steven Covey type of leadership guru. He is best known for his theologically astute commentary on culture and Christianity. However, in The Conviction to Lead, he has given an outstanding treatment on leadership from a Christian perspective.


In the realm of pastoral ministry, evangelicalism is often divided into opposing ideas. There is the entrepreneurial pastor/leader that sees his main task as leading and building a church in ways similar to a CEO of a successful corporation. Others view pastoral responsibility in the shepherd/theologian model, eschewing leadership as a secular pursuit beneath the dignity of the pulpit ministry. Dr. Mohler sees that there is value to be gleaned from both models. His 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” (p.20).

This book is a “must read” for everyone in any position of leadership in a Christian organization. That it comes from one who has over 2 decades of significant leadership under his belt and who is also one of the premier theologians of our day is commendation enough.