Following Wisdom, Leading Wisely - by Jeff Roper

Book Synopsis

If it is true that ""everything rises and falls on leadership,"" we have a problem. A recent international survey revealed that 86 percent of respondents believe we are facing a global leadership crisis. The study encompassed leadership in business, government, the non-profit sector, and religion. Non-profit and business leaders ranked highest in terms of public confidence. Government leaders ranked very low. The only leaders to rank lower than government leaders were religious leaders. This leadership crisis is not driven by an absence of leaders. Leaders are everywhere, yet we still have a leadership crisis. Nor is this crisis caused by a lack of leadership training. Who can keep up with the books, seminars, and training programs offering the latest trends and best thinking on leadership? And yet, we still have a leadership crisis. While the world is looking for better leadership methods, God is looking for better leaders--leaders shaped by wisdom. What use, after all, is getting things done, or even servant leadership, without wisdom? In Proverbs we discover an ancient training regimen for leaders, guiding them in the cultivation of virtuous character. Following Wisdom, Leading Wisely is an invitation to rediscover this ancient wisdom for today's leaders.

Review Quotes

"Jeff Roper takes the timeless word of God to explicate and extract timely truths for all who wish to become better leaders. I had seen portions of his Bible study on Proverbs, and this book fulfills all the promise of those earlier teachings."
--Daniel Brown, author of The Other Side of Pastoral Ministry: Using Process Leadership to Transform Your Church

"Ancient wisdom can be relevant today! I love how my friend, Jeff Roper, leans into the depth and breadth of his lifetime of experience and global journey in order to bring this insightful gift to us. Jeff's transparency, applied to his experience and scholarly wisdom, is refreshing and strikes an easy reading tone. I am enriched by the relevancy of the timeless wisdom of Proverbs as illuminated and amplified in this book. It's a win that you will enjoy as well."
--Ted Vail, vice president of global operations, The Foursquare Church

"Jeff Roper mines out treasures found along the path of lifelong development. He provides a fresh framework to lift the gaze of the weary and re-envision leaders to the character formation for sustainable ministry efficacy. Jeff's insights point us inward so the expansion can happen outwardly--a must-read."
--Wendy Nolasco, senior director of US mission, The Foursquare Church

"Digging primarily into the book of Proverbs and integrating insights from theologians as well as leading contemporary leadership constructs, Jeff Roper's book presents today's leaders with well-synthesized frameworks and approaches for leading well. The discussion questions for each chapter provide a platform for leadership evaluation and application. I highly commend and recommend this book."
--Remi Lawanson, professor of leadership studies, Life Pacific University

"Following Wisdom, Leading Wisely takes the Bible seriously! It's a well-written, well-researched book that invites us into a season of reflection on the profound influence of godly character. It's designed to help the reader become the kind of person people gladly follow."
--Steve Schell, author of The Promise of the Father: Understanding and Receiving the Baptism in the Holy Spirit

About the Author

Jeff Roper is the global associate director for the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia, and Europe for Foursquare Missions International, where he focuses on developing leaders and disciple-making movements. When not traveling, he enjoys time with his wife, Debbie. Together, they have six children, thirteen grandchildren (so far), and one dog named Millie. They enjoy camping, hiking, and long walks. He is currently working on a PhD in missiology.