Quotes from J. Oswald Sanders

Martin Luther claimed that he "never did anything well until his wrath was excited, and then he could do anything well.

Can this be right? An angry leader? Indeed, Jesus had this quality, and when we use it rightly, we follow Him.

The Pharisees had just given Him a stubborn, silent answer to a question, so He gave them an equally silent rebuke.

After a half century of ministry, F. J. Hallett claimed that in the actual work of a parish, the most successful leader is the one who possesses a keen sense of humor combined with a clear sense of God's grace.

A good test of the appropriateness of a joke is whether the humor controls us or we control it.

I have never met leadership without a sense of humor; this ability to stand outside oneself and one's circumstances, to see things in perspective and laugh. It is a great safety value! You will never lead others far without the joy of the Lord and its concomitant, a sense of humor.3

Paul spoke of his failures and successes with an openness few of us are prepared to copy.

A prominent businessman once replied to a question: "If I had to name the one most important quality of a top manager, I would say, personal integrity.

Surely the spiritual leader must be sincere in promise, faithful in discharge of duty, upright in finances, loyal in service, and honest in speech.

He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30 KJV).

Paul admitted to knowing fear, but it never stopped him. "I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling," he reported in 1 Corinthians 2:3, but the verb is came. He did not stay home out of fear for the journey.

Pursuing the goal, the leader never looks back or calculates escape strategies if plans turn sour. Nor does a true leader cast blame for failure on subordinates.