Paul and His Team, by Ryan Lokkesmoe, book review

Paul and His Team: What The Early Church Can Teach Us About Leadership and Influence

Author

Ryan Lokkesmoe

Publisher Info

Moody, 2017. 209pp.

Summary

In an individualistic society, the need to think in terms of team is vital. While much has been written in terms of leadership and team work, Lokkesmoe takes the tack of practical advice based on the life of Paul. The basic assumption of the book is that Paul could not have achieved his work for Christ without others—an admirable ideal. Each chapter follows a pattern of example, exegesis, application along with a study question section. The following is his summary:

We seek common ground. We watch burdens we place on people that distract us from Christ. We empower people to lead. We revive broken relationships. We fight the battles that actually matter. We partner with people for God’s purposes. We build bridges across cultural chasms. We steward relationships. We make people feel visible and valued. We are relentless about restoration. We keep going when we feel like we’re losing. We admit we are replaceable. We focus on Christ, value others, and work for reconciliation in whatever ways we can. This is the distinctively Christian brand of influence, our peculiar posture as leaders. This is our way. (p. 202)

Benefit for Pastoral Ministry

I would like to say I would pick this book up many times over. But in this case, once will be enough.

The principles here are well worn and should be a part of each pastor’s vocabulary. A beginning leader in a church will benefit from the carefully laid out approach to team leadership. As a refresher for a seasoned pastor, this will be a quick read and reinforcement of what most are already doing.

The level of useful information can be implied from Lokkesmoe’s own words:

Much of what I write is based on the basic biblical and theological knowledge required to earn a seminary degree and a university PhD. That being the case, I will not exhaustively provide a citation for every piece of information that is drawn from that general knowledge base I gained in my education. (p.205)

Generally he provides no more than 3-4 citations per chapter.