The Gospel Shaped Leader

How do you grow as a leader in the church? Should you read church growth books? Take a few seminars? Or just wing it? Scott Thomas, former President of Acts 29, church planter, and pastor has a different approach. He unpacks how leaning on Jesus empowers not just your teaching, but also grows the humility and biblical wisdom you need to lead.

Through many years of ministry experience, Thomas has seen the importance of the “soft skills” of leadership—empathy, kindness, and listening—and how not developing those skills negatively impacts churches. Yet simply knowing the need for what the world calls “emotional intelligence,” doesn’t guarantee growth in these areas. But understanding and applying the gospel will bring transformation.

Thomas gives practical, specific help in navigating spiritual and emotional challenges that leaders commonly encounter and unpacks how a gospel-shaped response brings healing. Complete with reflection questions at the end of each chapter to encourage self-inventory and further study, The Gospel Shaped Leader will encourage church leaders of all ages in the categories of self-awareness, self-management, relational awareness, and relational management, with the goal of recognizing strengths and weaknesses so they can continue growing more like Christ.

1. Opening Credits
2. Foreword
3. Chapter 1: WATCH: Gospel-Shaped Leaders Pay Careful Attention to Their souls
4. Part One: Self-Awareness
5. Chapter 2: DIE: Gospel-Shaped Leaders Sacrifice to Make a Difference
6. Chapter 3: WALK: Gospel-Shaped Leaders Embrace Their Father's Love
7. Chapter 4: PLAN: Gospel-Shaped Leaders Design Their Lives with God's Purpose
8. Part Two: Self-Management
9. Chapter 5: STAND: Gospel-Shaped Leaders Pursue Integrity
10. Chapter 6: LEARN: Gospel-Shaped Leaders Explore New Ideas
11. Chapter 7: REST: Gospel-Shaped Leaders Commit to Sabbath
12. Part Three: Relational Awareness
13. Chapter 8: LOVE: Gospel-Shaped Leaders Love the Church
14. Chapter 9: SERVE: Gospel-Shaped Leaders Lead with Humility
15. Chapter 10: SPEAK: Gospel-Shaped Leaders Communicate with Grace-Filled Candor
16. Part Four: Relational Management
17. Chapter 11: GUIDE: Gospel-Shaped Leaders Relate as a Family
18. Chapter 12: COACH: Gospel-Shaped Leaders Develop Other Leaders
19. Chapter 13: YOKE: Gospel-Shaped Leaders Pursue Meaningful Friendships
20. Conclusion: Where Are the Gospel-Shaped Leaders?
21. Closing Credits