Boyd Bailey

Cover

Endorsements

Title Page

Copyright Page

Dedication

Acknowledgments

Foreword

Introduction: Becoming the Spiritual Leader You Want to Be

Part One: The Spiritual Lifestyle of a Leader

1. Priority One for Every Leader

2. Abiding and Bearing Fruit

3. Putting People First

4. The Power of Vulnerability

5. Vulnerability and Humility

6. Balancing Leadership and Life

Part Two: The Spiritual Qualities of a Leader

7. Love Gives Generously

8. Joy Energizes Emotional Life

9. Peace Calms the Heart

10. Patience Waits on God's Best

11. Kindness Respects Everyone

12. Goodness Helps Others Become Their Best

13. Faithfulness Finishes Well

14. Gentleness Comforts Hurting Hearts

15. Self-Control Channels Passion Appropriately

Part Three: The Spiritual Practices of a Leader

16. Conversational Prayer

17. God's Word: Soul Food

18. Meditation

19. Solitude and Silence

20. Self-Denial

21. Dressed for Success: Spiritual Warfare

A Prayer for You to Pray as a Spiritual Leader

Notes

Bible Notifications

About Boyd and Rita

Wisdom Hunters

National Christian Foundation

Essential Habits of Relational Leaders

Learning to Lead like Jesus

About the Publisher

The Best Leaders Rely on God  
  
 No matter where you lead, the qualities that make a great leader are the same: you should be humble, selfless, honest, collaborative, and teachable. Most of all, you should recognize Jesus as the gold standard of leadership and make your relationship with God your top priority.  
  
 In The Spiritual Life of a Leader, bestselling author Boyd Bailey will help you develop the habits and goals of an effective leader. As you orient your heart toward serving God, you’ll grow in your ability to bear spiritual fruit in your workplace, serve your colleagues, and raise up other leaders.  
  
 Learn how you can…

- use honest self-assessment to improve your weaknesses and hone your spiritual strengths
- make spirituality a central part of your management style, even in a secular environment
- avoid the temptations common to leaders and ensure your unique spiritual needs are met

 Get ready to grow as a leader and a follower of Christ. The Spiritual Life of a Leader will help you adopt God’s priorities as your own and enable you to shine for Him as you follow Jesus’ footsteps.

__Boyd Bailey__ is the founder of Wisdom Hunters, an Atlanta-based ministry that encourages Christians to live out God's unchanging truth in a changing world. The author of many devotional books and e-books, Boyd is also cofounder of Ministry Ventures, where he and his team have coached more than 1,000 leaders in board development, administration, fundraising, and more. Boyd currently serves as the Georgia president of National Christian Foundation.

__The Best Leaders Rely on God__  
  
 No matter where you lead, the qualities that make a great leader are the same: you should be humble, selfless, honest, collaborative, and teachable. Most of all, you should recognize Jesus as the gold standard of leadership and make your relationship with God your top priority.  
  
 In The Spiritual Life of a Leader, bestselling author Boyd Bailey will help you develop the habits and goals of an effective leader. As you orient your heart toward serving God, you'll grow in your ability to bear spiritual fruit in your workplace, serve your colleagues, and raise up other leaders.  
  
 Learn how you can… - use honest self-assessment to improve your weaknesses and hone your spiritual strengths
- make spirituality a central part of your management style, even in a secular environment
- avoid the temptations common to leaders and ensure your unique spiritual needs are met

 Get ready to grow as a leader and a follower of Christ. The Spiritual Life of a Leader will help you adopt God's priorities as your own and enable you to shine for Him as you follow Jesus' footsteps.

"Boyd nails the issue. You lead from the inside out. Spiritual maturity leads to wisdom, and wisdom is what all leaders need and followers desire in a leader. The Spiritual Life of a Leader will help you grow in wisdom and make you a better leader."  
__—Russ Crosson, author of What Makes a Leader Great, executive vice-chairman, RonaldBlueTrust__

"It gives me pleasure to commend The Spiritual Life of a Leader by Boyd Bailey, my friend and fellow laborer in the fields of the Lord. My delight comes from the fact that this book proclaims with punch and pith that spiritual leadership is not a matter of tips and techniques, but instead the humble cultivation of the inside-out qualities of the life of Christ mediated by the presence and power of the Spirit of God in the life of the leader. When this interior life is reflected and refracted through the lifestyle, qualities, and practice of the few who trust Jesus enough to take the risks of radical obedience, the world will behold a marvel of God's grace that demands an explanation."  
__—Ken Boa, Reflections Ministries__

"Boyd clearly understands that leadership is grounded in our being. Every decision and action ultimately come from who a leader is—heart, soul, and mind. Only when the leader is firmly grounded in a deep, intimate relationship with God can he or she provide the spiritual leadership that is so desperately needed in our world today, especially in the marketplace. The Spiritual Life of a Leader provides a practical roadmap for our personal, transformational leadership journey that will result in fulfilling God's purpose for our lives."  
__—Bev Upton Williams, CEO Haggai International__

"God placed each of us within His story and on a quest for that which is spiritual. He made us in the image of Himself and desires that we follow His Son. My prayer is that God might use Boyd Bailey and The Spiritual Life of a Leader to help you on your quest as you lead others. Knowing Boyd for more than a decade, he lives his quest seeking that which is spiritual, and he shares his learnings here. Enjoy your quest. Boyd, thank you for helping each of us!"  
__—Cliff Robinson, EVP and chief people officer, Chick-fil-A, Inc.__

"The Spiritual Life of a Leader is a passionate cry from the heart from someone whose wisdom has evolved from walking with his Master Jesus. I have read every book Boyd has written on wisdom. This book stands tall as an accumulation of ideas, insights, and specific directions for spiritual leadership. It's an internship for those who seek to lead spirituality."  
__—Jack McEntee, retired, former CEO of Nth Degree__

"This book is Boyd at his best, combining his expertise in leadership with his passion for spiritual formation. It's a book filled with wisdom, guidance, and honesty about the struggles along the way. And Boyd's heart shows through on every page."  
__—Terry Glaspey, author of Discovering God Through the Arts and 75 Masterpieces Every Christian Should Know__

"Boyd Bailey is hitting a nail most of us are embarrassed to admit needs hitting and is rampantly operating in most churches. The business of church has swallowed communion with God. Boyd has pulled aside the veil on intimacy and religion to speak life and address the one thing our souls all want more than anything else (whether we admit it or not)...rest. If you are burned out and tired of being a good Christian trying to lead anything, this book is going to set you free. Boyd writes from a place of knowing and practicing the Spirit-led life and provide a clear path on how to receive it."  
__—Rachel Faulkner Brown, executive director, Be Still Ministries__

"I am excited for Boyd to be able to pull all of the things he knows and sees in his work into a timely book on spiritual leadership. You might say that it's easy for Boyd to do this in his own life because he works for a Christian organization. Maybe it's a little easier, but my bet is that Boyd would be using these same principles if he were in a secular job. Kudos to Boyd for blessing all of us with this book!"  
__—David B. Plyer, Gleneagles Group__

"For the Christian, who is currently, or will be in the future, in a role leading individuals, teams, or entire organizations, The Spiritual Life of a Leader illuminates with great discernment the nuances between being 'a leader' and being a God-infused, spiritually energized, empowered leader who is calmly leading above and beyond their naturally given skills and abilities. This book is a game-changer for Christian leaders."  
__—William F. "Woody" Faulk, vice president, Innovation and New Ventures, Chick-fil-A, Inc.__

"What happens when all of the knowing and doing still leaves an inner ache within the soul of a leader? This book will guide you to healing that inner ache. The Spiritual Life of a Leader speaks to the inner longings that many leaders in this day have avoided or are simply not aware of. Boyd shares openly from his own life what true spiritual maturity is: growing more confident in God's love. You will be first of all healed as you experience God's love on these pages, which will naturally result in Spirit-filled, loving, effective leadership."  
__—Beth Bennett, Mission Increase Atlanta__

"When Boyd first told me about the premise of this book, my heart did two laps around the room, a somersault, and then backflipped back into my body before my pulse calmed down. Nuggets of biblical truth, summarized with practical insights shared by powerful servants of God, provide an inside, behind-the-scenes look at the spiritual life and thoughts of a leader. Wow! This book immediately went to the top of my must-read list."  
__—Ron Dunn, CEO Alliance Flooring, and founding director of One Thing for Men Ministry__

"Boyd is a wise and masterful guide who takes us on a journey that provides the framework to unleash the leaders God has created us to be. He provides sound biblical counsel and examples of how to strengthen our spiritual lifestyle, spiritual qualities, and spiritual practices that will release the joy of becoming the leader we crave in our soul to become."  
__—Joe Pringle, president, National Christian Foundation Chicago__

"The Spiritual Life of a Leader is infused with fresh insights. It's inspiring, encouraging, and well-written. You must read this book!"  
__—Angela Correll, author and entrepreneur__

"The Spiritual Life of a Leader is the litmus test for a life of fruitfulness. Why is Boyd Bailey qualified to write on such a subject? Because he has allowed his Savior, Jesus, to develop him through much trial and challenge for more than four decades. I have been a personal observer of his life of love, empathy, and courage for years, and I'm constantly confronted to focus on God's vision for my life because of his faithfulness in living well."  
__—Matthew Hendley__

"During the last year of COVID, as a leader I observed both believers and nonbelievers searching, reflecting, and desiring something deeper. I believe that one of the things almost everyone would agree that they desire of themselves and want from others is consistency. Boyd, who has worked with and walked with many leaders over the years, illustrates how important it is to be consistent in a daily walk through a deeper relationship with Christ. He draws on a wealth of experience that is rich and deep, and he now shares it in The Spiritual Life of a Leader. I have no doubt you will be blessed and a blessing to others by taking the time to dive deep into this book."  
__—Jimmy Rousey Stanford__

"Boyd Bailey's latest book, The Spiritual Life of a Leader, captures the heart and soul of what it means to be a servant leader. In the Foreword, Larry Green challenges us to pray and ask God what he wants us to take away from the book. My answer was clear: to bring my whole heart and faith to every aspect of my leadership. Through each of the three parts, "Spiritual Lifestyle," "Spiritual Qualities," and "Spiritual Practices" of a leader, I experienced a roadmap for a transformational journey on how to bring my whole self and whole heart to leadership every day and in every circumstance. Well done!"  
__—Eric Storey, Fortune 250 C Suite executive and former Airborne Ranger__

"In The Spiritual Life of a Leader, Boyd brings biblical leadership principles to life by looking to Jesus as your model for how to lead. Each chapter has a Scripture focus, an engaging life story or application, and ends with action steps to take that will lead to growth in your spiritual life. It's encouraging and inspiring, and it never loses sight of the fundamental truth that being in close relationship with the One who leads best will change you and transform how you lead others."  
__—Rita Felice__

"This book is packed full of biblical, practical, and transforming wisdom. The principles and disciplines espoused here will not only make you a better leader, but they will also make you a better person and enhance your relationships in all areas of your life. Boyd Bailey is uniquely qualified to share the wisdom found in this book as he models and lives out these principles in a powerful and compelling way in his own life—fueled by his deep love and passion for God and for people."  
__—Michael King, charitable wealth strategist, National Christian Foundation__

"I have had the pleasure to get to know Boyd Bailey as a brother in Christ over the last decade while serving alongside him on various Generosity Events and Initiatives. Whenever we have allowed the Spirit of God to lead us, the burden has been lightened, the fruit has been plentiful, and the joy has been tremendous. In The Spiritual Life of a Leader, Boyd shares the importance of allowing the Lord to lead us first and for us to abide in Christ and allow him to work through us. By digging into powerful verses from Scripture, wisdom from the saints before us, and sharing his own spiritual experiences and lessons, Boyd challenges all of us to come closer to the love of Jesus and allow us to be the light of the world."  
__—Greg Winchester, founder and CEO, Summit Investors, LLC__

"I couldn't recommend Boyd's latest book, The Spiritual Life of a Leader, more highly. It's both timely and timeless! Timely because Christian leaders are under attack by the enemy as never before, and timeless because the wisdom and insights are from our heavenly Father and His Word. Whatever your leadership role, applying the spiritual lifestyle, qualities, and practices in the book will enable you to thrive as a leader, both now and into the future!"  
__—Bill Williams, former CEO, National Christian Foundation__

"As someone who has had the opportunity to lead teams in both the private and public sector, The Spiritual Life of a Leader is a book I wish I'd had years ago. The concepts, principles, and biblical basis lay the solid foundation any successful leader must have. Most books on the leadership topic cause me to be reflective. This book called me to action with crisp summaries at the end of each chapter that would force me to either reread or write down my learnings and action steps. I am looking forward to using The Spiritual Life of a Leader in my current coaching and mentoring activities."  
__—Greg Adams, retired IBM executive and former COO for the State of Tennessee__

"Boyd is one of the wisest people I know. We have been friends in ministry for six years, and I am constantly amazed by his ability to cut to the chase and share truth with love and perspective. His latest look at leadership focuses on the reality that it must be rooted in spiritual growth and maturity. Growing closer to Christ can allow any leader to improve and have greater impact, not just on their organization, but ultimately the kingdom. Thank you, Boyd, for once again sharing your wisdom with us."  
__—David Henriksen, president and CEO, Giving Company__

"There is a great focus on leadership in our culture, but the focus on the spiritual life of the leader has been missed by most. Boyd's book is a wonderful, practical roadmap to growth in the most important part of leadership...being a Spirit-filled leader. This book is a great encouragement and a challenge to be the kind of leader that God wants us all to be. You will be blessed by reading it!"  
__—Cliff Benson__

"Boyd Bailey has done it again! At a time when so many are searching, Boyd shares the way through his newest book, The Spiritual Life of a Leader. He presents God-breathed wisdom to help us become not only more capable, but more gifted spiritual leaders. Boyd shares insights from his personal pursuit of an intimate, vibrant and growing relationship with God. The book outlines in three distinct parts the spiritual lifestyle, the spiritual qualities, and the spiritual practices of a leader so we look more like Jesus day by day."  
__—Kelly Shepard, Love Gives advocate__

"In The Spiritual Life of a Leader, Boyd Bailey carefully navigates us to that place that still exists and always will exist—the bedrock that is only found in an intimate relationship with the One who created truth, loves us immeasurably, and calls us to both follow Him and lead others to Him. This book challenged me to go deeper and longer in my spiritual journey, and it gave me tools and reminders in how to stay faithful to the very end. This is not a one-and-done self-help read, but rather a rich guidebook full of Scripture and wisdom. The Spiritual Life of a Leader is one of Boyd's very best works, and one I plan to share with students I mentor and peers I journey with."  
__—Dan Lewis, founder and president of Next to Lead__

"Boyd Bailey is a living example of leading with compassion, humility, and a servant's heart. In The Spiritual Life of a Leader, he candidly shares the principles that have profoundly empowered his leadership for more than 40 years. You will be inspired to be a leader who listens for the 'still small voice' and trusts God's wisdom, strength, and, most importantly, love."  
__—Mary Beth Googasian, director of corporate communications, National Christian Foundation__

"The Spiritual Life of a Leader is a powerful tool for introspection, a how-to guide for leadership development, and a reminder that love conquers all. In this book, Boyd Bailey challenges readers to take inventory of their spiritual strengths and then details the vital importance of operating in them. The book provides a clear and concise way to identify blind spots in our spiritual armor that leave us vulnerable for attack. With everything that leaders face in society, having a spiritual toolbelt that is flexible enough to provide for quick tune-ups or major repairs is vital. The Spiritual Life of a Leader is the solution for leaders at every level."  
__—Kenneth Hill, founder, the Launch Pad Foundation__

"Boyd Bailey has been a close and trusted friend for more than two decades. God has used Boyd and his writings to help me grow in my relationship with Jesus, my relationship with my bride, and in leading others. This book, The Spiritual Life of a Leader, powerfully revealed to me that the effectiveness of my leadership and influence is directly dependent to my growing and intimate relationship with God. God used this book to help guard my heart and keep me from getting the cart before the horse. I believe this is the most important and needed book Boyd as ever written. This is one of the few books I will need to read regularly to remind me of my highest priority—to love God with all my heart, soul, and mind."  
__—Dan Glaze, relationship manager, National Christian Foundation__

"Leadership is not something you turn on when you are at the office, but rather a way of life that is best sustained through a growing spiritual relationship with our Creator. In The Spiritual Life of a Leader, Boyd Bailey highlights the spiritual qualities and practices that will help transform you into the leader God destined you to be in all aspects of your life."  
__—Brett Badessa__

"The Spiritual Life of a Leader is perfectly timed given the daunting challenges confronting our world. In this book, Boyd highlights the principles, characteristics, and spiritual disciplines which, when applied, result in an individual's transformation. This transformation is made possible through an intimate personal relationship with the One who is love and wise beyond human comprehension...Jesus Christ. I highly encourage you to read and apply its contents that you may share this love and wisdom with those you're called to serve."  
__—Lee Torrence__

"King Solomon said that whoever who walks with the wise grows wise. Boyd is one of the most humble, gentle, personable, and wisest leaders I know, and I'm blessed to call him a friend. Walk with him on this journey, and I am confident you will grow spiritually as a leader."  
__—Steve Dahlin, coauthor of An Exceptional Romance__

"Effective, God-honoring leadership flows from the inside out. When we understand that abiding is more important than striving, we are a vessel that God will use to fulfill our purpose as leaders. Boyd has gifted us with his wisdom as an exemplary abiding leader in The Spiritual Life of a Leader. If you desire to become a better leader rooted in your communion with God, this book is a must-read."  
__—Brett Hagler, CEO__

"We are all looking for a format or plan to enable our spiritual life and our daily morning quiet time with our Lord to infuse our leadership, our relationships, and our daily interactions with others. With this three-part approach of "Spiritual Lifestyle," "Spiritual Qualities," and "Spiritual Practices" of a leader, Boyd Bailey has laid out the format to allow the Spirit to transform your leadership for good! I recommend this book to all my friends, mentors, and advisors in the faith."  
__—Janice C. Worth, president, Anushka Spa, Salon &amp; Cosmedical Centre__

"The Spiritual Life of a Leader is an empowering, honest book on Spirit-led, whole-hearted leadership that focuses on a way of being rather than doing. It's a much-needed challenge to lead out of our relationship with Christ towards others that will transform families, teams, and organizations. I've had the honor to know and work alongside Boyd Bailey for more than 12 years. I have never been in a meeting with Boyd where I didn't feel honored, valued, and celebrated. I've also noticed that everyone else Boyd crosses paths with leaves feeling the same way. He leads from a Christlike, generous heart that overflows with wisdom, kindness, and encouragement."  
__—Ladonna Cingilli, SVP, Generous Giving__

"This superb leadership book is written by the rare breed of a consummate practitioner who also understands the underlying theory. By applying a practical biblical understanding of godliness, Boyd fills in the critical gap other leadership books often miss."  
__—Bill Ibsen, co-owner, Relational Values at Work of Georgia__

"Boyd nails the issue. You lead from the inside out. Spiritual maturity leads to wisdom, and wisdom is what all leaders need and followers desire in a leader. The Spiritual Life of a Leader will help you grow in wisdom and make you a better leader."  
__—Russ Crosson, author of What Makes a Leader Great, executive vice-chairman, RonaldBlueTrust__

"It gives me pleasure to commend The Spiritual Life of a Leader by Boyd Bailey, my friend and fellow laborer in the fields of the Lord. My delight comes from the fact that this book proclaims with punch and pith that spiritual leadership is not a matter of tips and techniques, but instead the humble cultivation of the inside-out qualities of the life of Christ mediated by the presence and power of the Spirit of God in the life of the leader. When this interior life is reflected and refracted through the lifestyle, qualities, and practice of the few who trust Jesus enough to take the risks of radical obedience, the world will behold a marvel of God's grace that demands an explanation."  
__—Ken Boa, Reflections Ministries__

"Boyd clearly understands that leadership is grounded in our being. Every decision and action ultimately come from who a leader is—heart, soul, and mind. Only when the leader is firmly grounded in a deep, intimate relationship with God can he or she provide the spiritual leadership that is so desperately needed in our world today, especially in the marketplace. The Spiritual Life of a Leader provides a practical roadmap for our personal, transformational leadership journey that will result in fulfilling God's purpose for our lives."  
__—Bev Upton Williams, CEO Haggai International__

"God placed each of us within His story and on a quest for that which is spiritual. He made us in the image of Himself and desires that we follow His Son. My prayer is that God might use Boyd Bailey and The Spiritual Life of a Leader to help you on your quest as you lead others. Knowing Boyd for more than a decade, he lives his quest seeking that which is spiritual, and he shares his learnings here. Enjoy your quest. Boyd, thank you for helping each of us!"  
__—Cliff Robinson, EVP and chief people officer, Chick-fil-A, Inc.__

"The Spiritual Life of a Leader is a passionate cry from the heart from someone whose wisdom has evolved from walking with his Master Jesus. I have read every book Boyd has written on wisdom. This book stands tall as an accumulation of ideas, insights, and specific directions for spiritual leadership. It's an internship for those who seek to lead spirituality."  
__—Jack McEntee, retired, former CEO of Nth Degree__

"This book is Boyd at his best, combining his expertise in leadership with his passion for spiritual formation. It's a book filled with wisdom, guidance, and honesty about the struggles along the way. And Boyd's heart shows through on every page."  
__—Terry Glaspey, author of Discovering God Through the Arts and 75 Masterpieces Every Christian Should Know__

"Boyd Bailey is hitting a nail most of us are embarrassed to admit needs hitting and is rampantly operating in most churches. The business of church has swallowed communion with God. Boyd has pulled aside the veil on intimacy and religion to speak life and address the one thing our souls all want more than anything else (whether we admit it or not)...rest. If you are burned out and tired of being a good Christian trying to lead anything, this book is going to set you free. Boyd writes from a place of knowing and practicing the Spirit-led life and provide a clear path on how to receive it."  
__—Rachel Faulkner Brown, executive director, Be Still Ministries__

"I am excited for Boyd to be able to pull all of the things he knows and sees in his work into a timely book on spiritual leadership. You might say that it's easy for Boyd to do this in his own life because he works for a Christian organization. Maybe it's a little easier, but my bet is that Boyd would be using these same principles if he were in a secular job. Kudos to Boyd for blessing all of us with this book!"  
__—David B. Plyer, Gleneagles Group__

In The Spiritual Life of a Leader, bestselling author Boyd Bailey will help you grow in your ability to bear spiritual fruit in your workplace, serve your colleagues, and raise up other leaders.

"The Spiritual Life of a Leader" by Boyd Bailey explores essential leadership qualities rooted in faith. It offers practical guidance for integrating spirituality into leadership roles.

\["For Christian leaders seeking to grow spiritually", "Helps you integrate faith into your leadership style", "You will inspire others while serving God in leadership"\]

Discover how to lead effectively while prioritising your faith.

The Spiritual Life of a Leader

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