Book Review: Bonhoeffer by Eric Metaxas

It's been a while since I last reviewed a book, but after reading Bonhoeffer, by Eric Metaxas, I had to write something about it. 

 History, Theology, and Leadership:  Bonhoeffer has it all!
I think this book is special to me because it is not only about theology, or history, but a man of God who led people through a very difficult time of history.  Bonhoeffer stood for something, and his beliefs informed his actions. 

Bonhoeffer is interesting because he provides such an eclectic personality from our point of view.  Many different sides claim him as one of their spiritual fathers.  Bonhoeffer would have laughed at this no doubt, being a player in an ecumenical movement that was vibrant and faithful.  Metaxas strives to show Bonhoeffer as a theological conservative (which he no doubt was) that was also involved with monastic ideas and social justice issues.  Metaxas also strives to show the man and his behaviors through the lens of his theology, which is so important if you want to understand Dietrich Bonhoeffer and his leadership during the Nazi crisis in Germany.

Metaxas' style is easy to read, yet deep and thorough in it's scholarship.  It's a thick book, which no doubt could have been more thick.  But Metaxas drives home his points, and the life and tragedy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer leap out of the page at you. 

Bonhoeffer will drive you to your knees
Reading Bonhoeffer will somehow make you feel as though you have been cut from lesser cloth.  Bonhoeffer's devotion to his God, his family, his friends, and everyone that he met will convict you and show you what is possible when a man gives himself to Christ. 
His devotional life is something else that Metaxas demonstrates aptly, and again, it will drive you to your knees.  Reading about Dietrich Bonhoeffer's relationship with God will make you want a deeper relationship with Him, and if nothing else is gained from the book, that is enough.

Bonhoeffer wrote that "when Christ calls a man, He bids him come and die." 
We have no better example of that than Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

I hope you enjoy the book.
Training Tomorrow's Leaders Today,
Matt

Book Review: "The Character of Leadership" by Jeff Iorg

We lead from who we are. This is true of leaders on the secular and Christian side of leadership. Who we are and how we acts determines whether we are a leader worth following. Jeff Iorg’s book, The Character of Leadership, explores what a leader should be in an easy-to-read book that is both insightful and convicting.


I have read quite a few books on leadership, but not one like The Character of Leadership. Jeff Iorg, who is president of Golden Gate Theological Seminary, explores nine characteristics that he believes a leader should posses in order to be successful as a leader. His book is biblical, reflective, heartfelt, and personal. Iorg’s extensive experience lends a personal note to the book that makes it at once engaging and practical to any leader.

Iorg explores the following nine areas of character with advice, definition, and anecdote:

Integrity

Security

Purity

Humility

Servanthood

Wisdom

Discipline

Courage

Passion



Far from being a rehash of old leadership principles, Iorg manages to challenge many long held beliefs about these nine characteristics and engage them in new ways. Iorg offers practical advice on how to practice each of these characteristics in your life, while being very real about his struggles and victories in each category.

Whether you have been a leader for many years or are just starting your leadership journey, you will find The Character of Leadership extremely helpful and practical for personal and ministry growth. You will find yourself identifying with Iorg’s heart for leadership and personal development, while engaging biblical leadership principles freshly in your own life.

Training Tomorrow’s Leaders Today,

Matt