Tom Yeakley - Growing Kingdom Wisdom: The Essential Qualities of a Mature Christian Leader

Decades ago, I was introduced to the daily habit of reading the chapter of Proverbs that corresponds to the day of the month (thirty-one chapters for thirty-one days). I was recently astonished to realize that because of that discipline, Ive read the entire book of Proverbs almost five hundred times. Yet in Growing Kingdom Wisdom, Tom Yeakley points out several key insights from the endless treasures of Proverbs that I had read but not recognized. I believe that any Christian, but especially those in leadership roles, could profit from the years of study that Yeakley has condensed in this book. If you long to grow in Kingdom wisdom, along with reading the Proverbs themselves, read this book.

DONALD S. WHITNEY, professor of biblical spirituality and associate dean at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; author of Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life and Praying the Bible

Growing Kingdom Wisdom by Tom Yeakley is comprehensive, challenging, and convicting. I count this as an essential study for any leader who seeks an intentional path to godly wisdom and spiritual growth. Yeakley generously provides tools that create the discipline required for the divine process of transformation to advance its work in you.

TAMI HEIM, president and CEO, Christian Leadership Alliance

Wisdom is one of the qualities most needed by leaders, yet is the hardest to develop. It is more of an art than a science, taking time and humility to develop. Tom Yeakley has done a superb job helping us know not only what Kingdom wisdom is but more importantly, how to grow in it, letting its benefits impact every area of our lives and leadership.

TOM HUGHES, colead pastor, Christian Assembly Church; author of Curious and Down to Earth

The list of desirable leadership qualities fills thousands of books. Tom Yeakley condenses the list to one absolutely necessary element wisdom. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding (Proverbs 4:7, NIV ). Wisdom is the glue to all the other leadership qualities. The quest for godly wisdom seems to be too indefinable to be pursued. Tom beautifully takes the mystery out of the search and gives incredibly practical help in growing this life of wisdom. Its not a formula, but rather a process of practice, discovery, and deep commitment. The teaching of this book will give power to your life and leadership.

JERRY E. WHITE, major general, United States Air Force (retired)

Wisdom is one of those blessings from God I honestly never thought of as something to be worked on. Received, yes of course, as Solomon received wisdom from the Lord. Earned by the wrinkles and gray hair of old age? Also of course. But something to actively and intentionally work toward? To be honest, no, I hadnt given that much thought. And yet Tom Yeakley has outlined a way to do just that in his book Growing Kingdom Wisdom. It made me pause, reflect, and pull out my yellow highlighter more than a few times!

ROY GOBLE, author of Salvaged

All leaders need wisdom. Toms book will help them! It is laced with helpful insights for finding and using wisdom from God. Tom is a leader who demonstrates such wisdom from God in his own life and ministry. He backs up what he says in his book by modeling what it means to live and lead wisely.

BOBBY CLINTON, author of The Making of a Leader

NavPress is the publishing ministry of The Navigators, an international Christian organization and leader in personal spiritual development. NavPress is committed to helping people grow spiritually and enjoy lives of meaning and hope through personal and group resources that are biblically rooted, culturally relevant, and highly practical.

For more information, visit www.NavPress.com.

Growing Kingdom Wisdom: The Essential Qualities of a Mature Christian Leader

Copyright 2019 by Thomas R. Yeakley. All rights reserved.

A NavPress resource published in alliance with Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

NavPress is a registered trademark of NavPress, The Navigators, Colorado Springs, CO. The NavPress logo is a trademark of NavPress, The Navigators. Tyndale is a registered trademark of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Absence of in connection with marks of NavPress or other parties does not indicate an absence of registration of those marks.

The Team:

Don Pape, Publisher

David Zimmerman, Acquisitions Editor

Elizabeth Schroll, Copy Editor

Julie Chen, Designer

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the New American Standard Bible, copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible, copyright 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible and CSB are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. All rights reserved.

Some of the anecdotal illustrations in this book are true to life and are included with the permission of the persons involved. All other illustrations are composites of real situations, and any resemblance to people living or dead is purely coincidental.

For information about special discounts for bulk purchases, please contact Tyndale House Publishers at , or call 1-855-277-9400.

Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available.

ISBN 978-1-63146-916-9

ISBN 978-1-63146-918-3 (ePub); ISBN 978-1-63146-919-0 (Kindle); ISBN 978-1-63146-917-6 (Apple)

Build: 2021-04-21 14:36:18 EPUB 3.0

To Dana, our three children, their spouses, our grandchildren, and those I have had the privilege to lead and influence, who continue to be patient with me in my pursuit of wisdom.

W ISDOM IS TIMELESS, not trendy. While people of different generations have sought or ignored it, it has never wavered as the driver of lasting success and effective leadership, nor will it ever be supplanted by new inventions or technology.

Investing your time in reading this book is a wonderful way to start or improve your journey to wisdom.

Much is written about wisdom from the secular viewpoint, and certainly there are wonderful concepts and ideas to be learned in that writing. But wisdom ultimately comes from God. Knowing the source of true wisdom is essential to developing it in your own life, and this book illustrates that clearly.

I constantly remind myself of the story in 2 Chronicles 1 when God appeared to Solomon and said Hed give him whatever he asked.

Solomon could have understandably asked for wealth, strength, and long life, but instead, he asked for wisdom so he could lead the people. Gods response? He gave Solomon wisdom and riches, wealth and glory. This is a classic example of putting first things first and getting the other things as a result.