Spiritual Leadership by J. Oswald Sanders
Week 10: Chapter 9 — The Leader and His Followers
Read Chapter 9 of Spiritual Leadership. Key passages: John 10:3-4, 14; 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12
Previewing Week 10 of Spiritual Leadership
Read 3 of 7 discussion questions below. Unlock the complete 13-week guide when you’re ready.
Sanders turns from the leader's inner life to their relational life — examining what a healthy, God-honoring relationship between a spiritual leader and their people actually looks like.
Discussion Questions
7 questions1.Sanders uses the image of the shepherd from John 10 to describe the ideal leader-follower relationship. What are the specific qualities of the Good Shepherd that Sanders highlights as a model for human leaders?
2.Sanders argues that people follow leaders for different reasons — some follow out of duty, some out of fear, some out of admiration, and some out of genuine love and trust. What kind of following are you cultivating in those you lead? What kind would you want to cultivate?
3.Sanders points to Paul's tender language in 1 Thessalonians 2 — comparing himself to both a nursing mother and an encouraging father — as a model of the emotional range a leader needs. How does this challenge a purely professional or transactional view of leadership?