The Steward Leader: Transforming People, Organizations and Communities

Over the last few years, I have been hearing some good words concerning this book. As a minister, I am always looking for great leadership material, and especially material that is directed toward church leaders. Often leadership material is a revision of someone else's thoughts. Rarely do you discover a new helpful paradigm in leadership writing. This book impressed me for a few reasons. The first was that it did provide a new perspective in leading within the church. The major thought was releasing the element of control in the congregation, and placing greater trust in the Lord. This might not sound like much, but for those who lead, often the desire for control can overwhelm someone. This does not mean you sit back and do nothing, rather, you create space for God to work, and you create a better place of peace because you place your trust in God. The second reason is because of the need for being a steward leader. Too often ministers function for the applause of the people. This means that we take criticism to personally, and we take praise too personally too. The problem is that we need to lead a congregation, and for those who struggle with the applause of the people, you cannot accomplish much. Leading causes resistance, and if your ego is attached to the people's praise, good luck moving a church to growth. The third thing is that leading submission is so powerful for a leader. We must learn to submit to God in all things. This submission is putting the first things first. Often minister function in unhealthy ways. You need to focus on your spiritual growth before you can lead people. But sadly sometimes our church systems and expectations drive ministers to action, instead of to their knees. Overall, this was a great leadership book. It provided new thoughts, helpful thoughts, and needed thoughts for church leaders.

Great usage of Scripture and leadership paradigms by Rodin in this great guide for leaders who seek to steward and serve Biblically.

This book is just great! I think the first chapter and the last chapter are the best parts because the main premise of the book is great and the "big idea" chapters are more interesting then fleshing out the details. That is probably in keeping with how the author would like it, since he said it's not a "how to" book, but a "who to be" book. It's important to note that this book is about leaders, not about leadership. The emphasis is on the heart, not on what you can accomplish.

This book helped me understand more clearly that every leader is a steward leader, especially since we are all servants of Jesus and stewards of all He has given us. The last chapters have a "save the earth" spin which I thought was inconsistent with the rest of the material. Overall, though, a thought provoking read.

My church leadership team is reading this together. It is fabulous as a growth tool and to challenge yourself as a servant leader.

The strongest most satisfying place to live and lead from is from your new heart given by Christ using your mind that is being renewed in Christ each day. Scott has found the words that give us the clarity to understand what it looks like to be a leader! A leader that has a healthy impact on all generations for good.

This book on leadership is not a mental exercise. It is a gut-level evaluation of who you are not what you do.Powerful

Scott not only challenges traditional thinking in the meaning of steward but also restructures our thinking in what it means to be a spiritual leader. This book is worth taking the time to read thoughtfully.

I found this a little on the dry side and a tough read. At the same time it's worth the struggle. The author does a good job covering the topic of what it means to be a steward while also providing leaders suggestions on how to move organizations towards a steward approach to their their assets. The concept of being a steward is badly needed in our North American society were a mindset of ownership and entitlement is the rule.

This book explores the foundational identity of the Christian life. That is, being stewards in all areas of our life: God, self, neighbor and creation. A must read!!