A Review
Rev. John Maxwell is known both within the church (ordained by the Wesleyan Church) and within the world of leadership development (In May 2014, Maxwell was named the No. 1 leadership and management expert in the world by “Inc. Magazine” as per Wikipedia). Those qualifications have prepared him to offer this newest Bible from Thomas Nelson publishers.
To be honest, though I am also ordained by The Wesleyan Church, I have found the reputation that is Maxwell's to be a bit overstated. I am always bothered when the church (or any other group) places a single man on a pedestal. That being said, I approach this new Study Bible or Devotional Bible with a bit of skepticism. My opinion has not changed after having the opportunity to skim this new volume.
The book is consists of notes and articles that focus on the qualities needed for leadership. These add value to Maxwell's work. Of even more value is that most (all?) of these comments are well-indexed against the ideas that have defined Maxwell over the years. These indexes focus on “The 21 Laws of Leadership” and “The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader”. A separate index focuses more broadly on “Leadership Issues”. Similarly, another index (“Profiles In Leadership”) focus on examples of leadership (both good and bad) demonstrated by men and women who had their lives discussed by the Scripture's authors in the Old and New Testaments. It is the collection indexes that I found of greatest value.
The last 80 pages of the book consist of 18 essays on leadership principles. I do not know how many of these principles are new to this book or draw from earlier writings from John Maxwell - but the principles given are succinct and easily understood.
This Bible is of value to all those who are in leadership positions - whether a fan of Maxwell or not. This includes Pastors, Board Members, Committee Members, or Activity Leaders. It belongs in the local church library as well as any library serving a business community (i.e. a local library or corporate library). Though this ought not be the first Bible in the hands of a lay person, many lay members of the church will find it of value.
This is not the best Study Bible or Devotional Bible, but it easily earns the 4-stars I am choosing to give it.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.
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