Book Review: The Leadership Secrets of Billy Graham

I finished The Leadership Secrets of Billy Graham today, and I must say this was a great read. I had to read this for a class I’m taking in seminary, so I didn’t really know what to expect. It turned out to be a fascinating glimpse into the life of a great man of God. This was one of my favorite leadership books, so I highly recommend it to others wanting a Biblical view of true servant leadership.

The book reminded me of the very first event we ever took a youth group to. In 1996, Jennifer and I took a group of teens to Panther Stadium in Charlotte for the youth night of one of Billy Graham’s crusades. Michael W. Smith and D.C. Talk were there in concert and it was a night I won’t forget. Billy Graham spoke powerfully, yet simply, and we saw many people respond to the power of the Gospel. It taught me a valuable lesson early in my ministry that true power lies in the Word of God.

While I knew a lot of facts about Billy Graham and recognized him as a great preacher, I don’t think I had ever realized he was a great leader. It was something that I really had never thought about. This book talked about the many different facets of his ministry. It is amazing to think of how many lives have been touched through his preaching and through the different ministries he started or helped. It was refreshing to read stories from the people who were closest to him and learn about his humbleness and authenticity. Here is the description from the book.

A behind-the-scenes analysis of 21 essential leadership principles from the life of Billy Graham. Billy Graham looms large as one of the twentieth century’s most influential and innovative leaders. Most people are unaware of his remarkable effectiveness as not only preacher and pastor, but as a CEO and a global leader as well. The Leadership Secrets of Billy Graham is full of transferable applications for leaders in the church, parachurch, academia, government, and business. Lively interviews with his closest associates illustrate 21 principles that have driven six decades of visionary impact. First-hand accounts reveal stories of courageous leadership and growth through painful lessons. Graham’s relentless application of core beliefs and leadership principles have resulted in, among many honors, being listed in Gallup’s ten ‘most admired men’ thirty times, more than anyone else. Time magazine named him one of the top ten leaders of the twentieth century. This book asks: How did this happen? What are the essentials he embraced to achieve such extraordinary results? What can we learn from him and apply to our own leadership roles? This book is dedicated to those readers . Who sense the pressing need in today’s world for inspired leadership . Who rise to leadership’s high calling and are willing to carry its weight . Who are determined to deepen and expand their capacities and effectiveness

Mike

I am a former design engineer who now pastors Cornerstone Community Church in Galax, Virginia. I'm passionate about following Jesus and I love technology. I've been married to Jennifer for 28 years, and we have three adult children.

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4 Responses

  1. pastor mike says:

    I also read and loved the way the his leadership was exposed in a way and light that that is less seen. It is a very different type of leadership book than let’s say a John Maxwell, but just as enjoyable. It was a bit like C. Powell’s leadership book a few years ago. Anyhow I highly recommend Billy Graham’s book.

    Keep up the good work Mike.

    PastorMike4JC

  2. Melissa says:

    I was wondering if you could recall the date of that youth night at the crusade? It was the month before I turned 16, I was in 10th grade, and i was SAVED that day and walked down onto the field for the alter call! I have always wanted to know the exact date of my born again birthday! Thanks so much!

    • Mike says:

      I did a little online searching and found the date of the youth night. It was 9/28/1996. It’s great that you want to celebrate your new birthdate!! Simply Awesome

      • Melissa says:

        Thank you sooo much! I have really been bothered lately by not knowing my spiritual birthday, I really appreciate you finding out the exact day for me! I found your site while trying to find the date, and had narrowed it down to that weekend, but couldn’t find anything on the which night was the youth night! I really enjoyed reading your reviews while I was exploring your site! Thank you!

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