Cindy Tutsch is one of the associate directors of the Ellen G. White Estate, Silver Spring, Md. This volume makes an important contribution to the field of Christian leadership and to the study of the writings of Ellen G. White. This is not only a study of what Ellen White had to say about leadership, but a comparative analysis of White’s understanding of Christian leadership and what writers on the topic are saying today. The results are significant. Tutsch found that White anticipated much of what we find in today’s leadership theories, that at times her counsel opposes them, and that in some instances her leadership principles are unique. The decision to refer to such leadership theories was based on the fact that “practical leadership literature in the genre that we know today was virtually nonexistence in the time of Ellen White” (p. 145).

Tutsch defines a Christian leader as “anyone who uses his or her influence to promote Christ” (p. 7). This general definition leads her to conclude that any Christian is called to be a leader. She finds in the writings of Ellen G. White a set of core values for Christian leaders that includes the need of the Holy Spirit, Scripture study, character development, and prayer. The moral authority of the leader is grounded in the servant leadership exemplified by Christ which, if carefully followed, could prevent the abuse of authority. There are also practical discussions dealing with how to develop proper human relations particularly in the areas of race, gender, age-inclusiveness, mentoring, and caring for the poor. The last chapter addresses the permanent value of Ellen White’s counsel on leadership and includes discussion of some of the issues that we face today. Particularly useful is the discussion of the qualifications of leaders. Throughout the book Tutsch relies quite heavily on quotations from Ellen G. White, adding little commentary. These quotations are carefully chosen to illustrate the principles promoted by White. We also find examples from the life and experience of Ellen White illustrating how she applied these leadership principles in her own work as a Christian leader.

A summary chapter provides a more analytical overview of Ellen White’s counsels on Christian leadership, pulling the book together with clarity and ethos. It includes a very valuable discussion of Ellen White’s theory of leadership which is based on personal accountability to God and doing everything “as unto the Lord.” Her theory finds its point of departure in the person and ministry of Jesus and the work of the Spirit while incorporating an overarching worldview of the cosmic conflict.

This volume will be useful to church leaders at every level of church administration as well as to Christians who are seeking to lead others to the Lord. Hopefully it will motivate others to explore and enrich the topic even more at a time when Christian leadership has become a vital issue in the growing Adventist church.