Agape Leadership [Paperback]

Robert L. Peterson (Author), Alexander Strauch (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1995

Agape Leadership promises to be one of the most spiritually inspiring books you have ever read. As we start the 21st century, we desperately need examples of what Christian leaders are to be like. Robert Cleaver Chapman (1803-1902) provides an extraordinary example of Christ-like, agape leadership. Although little known today, he was a widely respected Christian leader in England during the last century. Chapman became legendary in his own time for his gracious ways, his patience, his kindness, his balanced judgment, his ability to reconcile people in conflict, his absolute fidelity to Scripture, and his loving pastoral care. By the end of his life, Chapman was known worldwide for his love, wisdom and compassion. See godly, pastoral leadership in action through these biographical snapshots from Chapman's life.

"It will challenge you to be a better leader, a more committed believer, and a brighter light to the world." -- Greg Stephenson, Grace Community Church, Grace Ministries International

"R.C. Chapman's life is a vivid illustration of Jesus’ teaching. I have given a copy of the book to pastors and ministry leaders with the prayer that we might reject a professional ministry mindset and follow Jesus as Chapman did." -- Peter Hubbard, Pastor/Teacher, North Hills Community Church, Taylors, SC

Product Details

• Paperback: 74 pages
• Publisher: Lewis & Roth Publishers (September 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0936083050
• ISBN-13: 978-0936083056
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.7 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #117,530 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #5 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > Clergy > Church Institutions & Organizations

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A model for "countercultural" Christian leadership., May 5, 2000

By 

"discerningreader" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Agape Leadership (Paperback)

This book gives us a clear example of "countercultural" Christian leadership, as demonstrated in the life of R.C. Chapman. The reader will be inspired to walk in his example, even as he sought to walk in the example of Christ.

Robert Chapman provides an extraordinary example of godly Christian leadership -- something desperately needed today. Although very few are familiar with this 19th century British pastor, teacher, and evangelist, few will not be inspired by him. This account of his life and ministry may in fact be one of the most spiritually challenging books you may ever read!

The book sets forth the qualities of true -- agape, loving -- Christian leadership:

--Love for God's Word

-- Spirit-controlled character

-- Being patient and gentle

-- Maintaining unity

-- Disciplining and reconciling

-- Practicing hospitality

-- Giving to the needy

-- Continuing consequences

and more. Some excerpts:

To reform the church of God we should always begin with self-reform. Schisms and divisions will increase so long as we begin with reforming others. Wisdom is only with the lowly.

Humility is the secret of fellowship, and pride the secret of division.

The ruin of a kingdom is a little thing in God's sight, in comparison with division among a handful of sinners redeemed by the blood of Christ.

The best testimony that Stephen bore was his last: not when preaching and working miracles, but when he pleaded for his persecutors; for then he most resembled the Lord Jesus in patience, forgiveness and love.

(To a young missionary, heading for the field:) Keep low, look up, and press forward.

The Bottom Line: This book offers a much needed corrective to the kind of corporate (= worldly) leadership styles that dominate most church fellowships today. In that, it ranks with Schaeffer's Mark of the Christian. We highly recommend it be distributed widely, that we might see a generation of Christian leaders arise who are marked by their love, wisdom, and compassion.

This is a must read.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational!, February 11, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Agape Leadership (Paperback)

I had never heard of R.C. Chapman before being given this book. After reading about his life, I have gained new insight on what it means to be a disciple of Christ. The book is a quick read (it only took me an hour or two) and is filled with wonderful stories from Chapman's life as well as biblical teachings and application. Not strictly a linear biography, the book is organized under subjects such as "Giving to the Needy," "Hospitality," "Forgiving and Blessing Others" and "Maintaining Unity." Each section illustrates how Chapman applied God's word to in his life in each of these areas. Chapman's life is one that Christians should definitely look to for inspiration on how to be more like Jesus. This book will be a blessing to those who read it.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT BOOK!, June 28, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Agape Leadership (Paperback)

Incredible insight into what it means to become more Christ like and be a Man after God's own heart. This is a must read to anyone in leadership in their local church.