Joshua Called to Lead

Dr. Boyd O. Gray’s book Joshua Called to Lead: Pursuing Exemplary Leadership sets out to clearly define the role and expectations of a strong, successful leader. Gray argues many leaders fall short of their goals because they fail to prioritize God. Those individuals preoccupied with their own insecurities or limitations cannot lead anyone to victory. In the introduction, Gray identifies three kinds of leadership: toxic, poor, and exemplary. Leaders that fall into the toxic category will utilize fear and anxiety to achieve satisfactory results, whereas poor leaders will fail to direct their followers properly and allow personal doubt to hinder progress. An exemplary leader will rise above all of these shortcomings to inspire and to direct their followers to prosperity by faithfully following God’s message. Gray examines the attributes of an exemplary leader through the narrative of Joshua in the Old Testament. Through characteristics foregrounded in this historical account, Gray demonstrates how situations in the text apply to modern scenarios. Gray contends as long as a person truly trusts God, and follows his bidding, they cannot fail. This process requires the strictest of obedience, as even a hesitation can result in severe consequences. Those that stumble in faith, God will forgive, however forgiveness does not mean that the individual will now avoid the consequences of his or her actions.

Gray’s Joshua Called to Lead: Pursuing Exemplary Leadership meticulously analyzes Joshua’s journey to pursue God’s will. Going sentence-by-sentence and at times word-by-word, Gray considers the deeper meaning of God’s words and actions. At times, this methodology becomes tedious, but the overall product exudes a thoroughness that can only come from more than thirty years of ecclesiastical study. Exemplary leaders demonstrate key characteristics, such as determination, sacrifice, steadfastness, obedience, understanding, and appreciation. The story of Joshua encapsulates all of these aspects. Joshua Called to Lead: Pursuing Exemplary Leadership studies scripture in a thoughtful, direct manner to empower any individual to become a strong, effective leader. Gray’s book easily ascertains a four star rating.