Spiritual Leadership by J. Oswald Sanders
Week 3: Chapter 2 — The Natural and the Spiritual
Read Chapter 2 of Spiritual Leadership. Key passages: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; Acts 6:3
Previewing Week 3 of Spiritual Leadership
Read 3 of 7 discussion questions below. Unlock the complete 13-week guide when you’re ready.
Sanders tackles one of the most important questions in any discussion of Christian leadership: what is the relationship between natural abilities and the work of the Holy Spirit?
Discussion Questions
7 questions1.Sanders argues that natural leadership qualities — intelligence, initiative, decisiveness — are not disqualifications for spiritual leadership, but they are also not sufficient for it. How does he describe the relationship between the natural and the spiritual?
2.Sanders draws a distinction between the natural leader and the Spirit-filled leader. What happens to natural qualities when they are fully surrendered to the Holy Spirit? Can you think of a biblical figure who illustrates this transformation?
3.Sanders makes the point that God often chooses to use people whose natural gifts are limited, precisely to display His own power more clearly. How does this principle sit with you — do you find it freeing, confusing, or challenging?