LeadershipBooks – Learn the Bible Fast

Dr. J. Robert Clinton is the retired professor of leadership of Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. In 1981, Clinton was challenged to research how God selected and developed leaders over a lifetime. This research resulted in 4,000 biblical, historical, and contemporary case studies which looked at leadership from God’s point of view.

I met Dr. Clinton in 2008 when I took a summer intensive class at Fuller Theological Seminary. Over the years, he mentored me through his writings and correspondence, as well as annual face-to-face meals. In 2011, he graciously gave me a copy of all his material including his 2,500 pieces of writing and eight seminary classes, with the mandate, “Teach this to those you lead!”

LEADERSHIP PERSPECTIVES: HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE FOR LEADERSHIP INSIGHTS
Dr. Clinton’s definitive work on reading the Bible with leadership eyes. It describes the seven genres of leadership information in the Bible and gives step-by-step procedures for studying each of these sources for leadership observations.

THE BIBLE AND LEADERSHIP VALUES: A BOOK-BY-BOOK ANALYSIS
Analyzes each book in the Bible as a whole for its contribution to leadership lessons. Leadership lessons from each book and suggestions for further study are given. Analyzes macro-lessons, common lessons across the Bible books.

FOCUSED LIVES: INSPIRATIONAL LIFE-CHANGING LESSONS FROM EIGHT EFFECTIVE CHRISTIAN LEADERS WHO FINISHED WELL
This book looks at eight Christian leaders who finished well: Charles Simeon, A.J. Gordon, Samuel Brengle, G. Campbell Morgan, Robert Jaffray, Robert McQuilkin, Henrietta Mears, and L.E. Maxwell. The end result of this study is a definitive summary of how God shapes a leader over a lifetime.

IRENE WEBSTER SMITH: AN IRISH WOMAN WHO IMPACTED JAPAN
An analysis on how God developed Irene Webster-Smith into a missionary leader to Japan. Evangelism, faith, and prayer were intertwining braids of an effective life.

JOSEPH: DESTINED TO RULE: A STUDY IN INTEGRITY AND DIVINE AFFIRMATION
An analysis on how God developed Joseph into the prime minister of Egypt as described in the book of Genesis.

JOSHUA: A STUDY IN LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT, LEADERSHIP TRANSITION, AND DESTINY FULFILLMENT
An analysis of how God developed Joshua into the national statesman of the 12 tribes from books of Exodus, Numbers, and Joshua.

SAMUEL: PROPHET & JUDGE: LAST OF THE JUDGES & FIRST OF THE PROPHETS: A MODEL LEADER FOR TRANSITIONAL TIMES
An analysis of how God developed Samuel into a transitional leader from the book of First Samuel.

BARNABAS: ENCOURAGING EXHORTER: A STUDY IN MENTORING
An analysis of how God developed Barnabas into a linking and mentoring leader from the book of Acts.

Notes on Reading Dr. J. Robert Clinton’s Materials

As you read Dr. J. Robert Clinton’s materials, please keep the following in mind:

1. He wrote his materials for use in his classes, not necessarily for the general public. Thus his writings are geared toward the academic world rather than lay people.

2. There are a lot of footnotes. If you are not familiar with Dr. Clinton’s writings then skip the footnotes. As you progress through Clinton’s materials, the footnotes will be important but also repetitive. You begin to see similar footnotes in all his writings.

3. There are grammatical and spelling errors. He also switches between writing in the past/present/future. Clinton writes profusely but doesn’t spend much time proof-reading. Give him grace in this area.

4. He sometimes uses a style called Information-Mapping which includes Introduction, Definition, Comments, and Examples. Clinton was formerly an engineer and thinks logically. Thus his style of writing takes a little getting used to.

5. Clinton seems to exhaust almost any topic. Expect this. God has given Clinton a unique ability to see the whole of something and break it down into pieces.

6. You will have many questions about Clinton. I can answer most of them but not all of them; I am still going through his writings which numbers about 2,500 (articles, manuals, position papers, books). There will be times when one Clinton question will lead to another Clinton question which will lead to another Clinton question.

7. Although Clinton focuses on leadership you will find that most of his leadership findings are biblically based. He is able to see leadership values in the Bible.