I had every intention of reading this book and writing an honest review but it expired before I had the chance. My apologies, If you like to resend it to me I would be happy to get it reviewed,

In Successful Leaders in the Bible, Kara Washington Patton profiles and draws leadership lessons from Biblical icons. I liked that she tried to balance between both Old and New Testament characters and also highlights lesser known female leaders like Phoebe and Tabitha (Dorcas). You can tell that she puts her (possibly overactive) imagination to good use by inserting internal monologues that each leader may have had when faced with certain difficult circumstances. This is was particularly helpful when she was discussing character like Phoebe who is basically mentioned in a few lines as compared to Paul who features in the majority of the New Testament. Overall, I liked her book, because Ms Paron did offer a fresh perspective on some of my own favourite Bible champions.


The one thing that I would fault with this book is that the reader is not told what criteria she used in selecting the various leaders to feature in the book, which made it harder to connect with the characters and each profile felt like she writing their resume while pointing out their strengths and weaknesses.

This is a quick pick-me-up for when you are facing your own leadership struggles and need to be reminded that the Biblical champions were also human and managed to overcome life's obstacles.

I have struggled with being the leader that the Lord has desired for me to be. One of the things I am learning now is hanging out with good leaders helps produce some critical truths in my life to push me to becoming a good leader. This book was a wonderful resource to help in that endeavor. You really become like the crowd you hang out with, so if leadership is an area you want to thrive in, you need to hang out with good leaders. I loved this book because I hang out with some great leaders who not only taught me some life-changing truths, but pointed me to the faithfulness of our Lord. So thankful for this journey and book.

Having read this book and its companion - Successful Women of the Bible, I can tell you just how great the series is.
This book contains both women and men of the Bible from both old and new testaments. Starting with Joseph and Moses and ending with Peter, Paul and Jesus.
I always appreciate and enjoy these books as they have great thoughts and teachings not just for those who are leaders in the church, but for all Christians.
I was given this book by Netgalley and the publisher. This is my voluntary review.

This is a great book to help us look at Biblical leaders, and how we can incorporate their models into our lives. A wonderful read and very helpful.

I totally enjoyed this book that tells stories of leaders in the bible and the lessons we can glean.

Katara outlines stories of Joseph, Moses, Hulday (I had never heard of her until I read this book), Saul, David, Tabitha, Phoebe, Peter, Paul and Jesus.

Fave quote: “A leader stands by his or her convictions to the end. And she shows up during the fight!”

Rating: 4/5

Recommendation: This book on leadership does not overwhelm the reader with facts after fact. I like the approach Katara adopts in educating readers and providing references to be read or studied later.

First time reading this author and enjoyed this book. Recommend it.