Inspirational Quotes by J. Oswald Sanders
“Neither strident nor flamboyant, God's servant conducts a ministry that appears almost self-defacing. What a contrast to the arrogant self-advertising of so many hypesters today, both in and out of the church.”
― J. Oswald Sanders ,
from Spiritual Leadership
“Leaders need to be able to reconcile opposing viewpoints without giving offense or compromising principle. A leader should be able to project into the life and heart and mind of another, then setting aside personal preferences, deal with the other in a fashion that fits the other best. These skills can be learned and developed. A leader needs the ability to negotiate differences in a way that recognizes mutual rights and intelligence and yet leads to a harmonious solution. Funadmental to this skill is understanding how people feel, how people react.”
― J. Oswald Sanders ,
from Spiritual Leadership
“When we invite the Spirit to fill us, the Spirit’s power grips our lives with this kind of strength and passion.”
“To be filled with the Spirit is to be controlled by the Spirit. The Christian leader’s mind, emotions, will, and physical strength all become available for the Spirit to guide and use. Under the Spirit’s control, natural gifts of leadership are lifted to their highest power, sanctified for holy purpose.”
“The filling of the Spirit is essential for spiritual leadership. And each believer has as much of the Spirit’s presence as he or she will ever need. Our task is to remain yielded to Him.”
“Criticized for including humor in a sermon, Charles Spurgeon, eye twinkling, said: “If only you knew how much I hold back, you would commend me.” Later”
“Spiritual leadership requires superior spiritual power, which can never be generated by the self. There is no such thing as a self-made spiritual leader. A true leader influences others spiritually only because the Spirit works in and through him to a greater degree than in those he leads.”
“When we measure ourselves by the life of Jesus, who humbled Himself on the cross, we are overwhelmed with the shabbiness, even the vileness, of our hearts, and we cry: Boasting excluded, pride I abase; I’m only a sinner, saved by grace. James M. Gray Egotism”
“The degree to which a leader is able to delegate work is a measure of his success. A one-person office can never grow larger than the load one person can carry. Failing”
“The leader cannot spend time on secondary matters while essential obligations scream for attention. A day needs careful planning.”
“It is often helpful to keep records of how each hour in a given week is spent, and then look at the record in the light of scriptural priorities. The results may be shocking. Often the record shows that we have much more time available for Christian service than we imagine.”
“If the world is to hear the church's voice today, leaders are needed who are authoritative, spiritual, and sacrificial. Sacrificial, because this trait follows the model of Jesus, who gave Himself for the whole world and who calls us to follow in His steps.”
topics: leadership
“...spiritual leadership transcends the power or personality and all other natural gifts. The personality of the spiritual leader influences others because it is penetrated, saturated, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. As the leader gives control of his life to the Spirit, the Spirit's power flows through him to others.”
“Christ taught that the kingdom of God was a community where each member served the others. He defined His ultimate purpose using that term. But in most churches, a few people carry the load.”
“Serving and suffering are paired in the teaching and life of our Lord. One does not come without the other. And what servant is greater than The Lord?”
“The real spiritual leader is focused on the service he and she can render to God and other people, not on the residuals and perks of high office or holy title. We must aim to put more into life than we take out.”
topics: leadership
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J. Oswald Sanders (1902 - 1992)
Was a general director of Overseas Missionary Fellowship (then known as China Inland Mission) in the 1950s and 1960s. He authored more than forty books on the Christian life. He became an elder statesman and worldwide conference speaker from his retirement until his death. Sanders was born in Invercargill, New Zealand and gained a law degree in 1922. He attended the Bible Training Institute in Auckland and joined its staff in 1926. In 1931, he married Edith Mary Dobson.Sanders left a promising law practice in his native New Zealand to serve as an instructor and administrator at the Bible College of New Zealand. In 1954 he became general director of the China Inland Mission and led the reorganization of the CIM into the Overseas Missionary Fellowship. He was instrumental in beginning many new missions projects throughout East Asia. Upon his retirement in 1969, he continued to teach worldwide and to write prolifically, with many of his books being translated into German, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, French, and other languages.
Dr. John Oswald Sanders was a general director of Overseas Missionary Fellowship in the 50's and 60's while it was still China Inland Mission and authored more than forty books on the Christian life. He became an elder statesman and worldwide conference speaker from his retirement at 65 until his death at 90.
Sanders left a promising law practice in his native New Zealand to serve as an instructor and administrator at the Bible College of New Zealand.
He later became general director of the China Inland Mission (now the Overseas Missionary Fellowship), and was instrumental in beginning many new missions projects throughout East Asia.