Leading by Faith: Practical Insights for Christian Leaders

If you're a leader, you know from experience that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all road map for your leadership journey. Nonetheless, you press on, forging your way and creating your leadership story. Jim Sanft, CEO of a complex financial services non-profit in the LCMS with 25 years of executive experience, shares his reflections along his own journey in this book—not as a directive or a step-by-step plan, but as insightful, biblical encouragement for Christian leaders. The first part of the book, Setting the Record Straight, clears up common leadership misconceptions, then the second part, Getting Things Done, offers practical reflections on times of crisis, partnerships, gratitude, and more.

Praise for Leading by Faith 

“Jim leads and writes with the heart of Jesus. Humility, kindness, and leadership clarity for Kingdom-expanding purposes jumps off every page of Leading by Faith. Jim’s chapter on the power of partnership should be read and integrated into the life of every leader in Christ’s church, including me! Enjoy this engaging and highly applicable read!”
—Pastor Tim Ahlman, leader of the Unite Leadership Collective

“Jim delivers what he promises—a personal leadership journey—that skillfully weaves his vibrant faith and remarkable expertise into a stimulating, practical, and invaluable book. There is room for this hands-on leadership book in your library if you are an emerging leader seeking inspiration, a seasoned leader searching for reflection, an inquisitive leader desiring know-how, or a faithful follower craving to encourage the leaders around you. As a friend for nearly three decades, this is the real and vintage Jim Sanft!”
—Rev. Dr. Brian L. Friedrich, president, Concordia University, St. Paul

“Jim does a great job of making a practical application to leadership from the eyes of a veteran leader. He reminds us all, especially leaders, that we ‘walk by faith, not by sight’ (2 Corinthians 5:7), a principle all Christian leaders must remember and implement. Jim keeps our eyes focused on Christ and His will.”
—Rev. Dr. Jamison J. Hardy, president and bishop, English District, LCMS

“Jim Sanft has written the definitive how-to leadership manual for both emerging and experienced leaders within our church, which is all of us. Through the telling of his own leadership story, Sanft adroitly allows the reader to unpack and enhance his or her own leadership journey. Sanft educates on how God has uniquely called and equipped each of us and provides a road map to assist us as we daily strive to serve those He has placed in our path.”
—Dr. Kurt Senske, author, The CEO and the Board: The Art of Nonprofit Governance as a Competitive Advantage

“Jim Sanft offers a personal journey of leadership with honest and experienced reflections from his own life. Leading by Faith has relatable stories that embody deep leadership insights and is a strong witness to Jim’s faith values, which have shaped his leadership style. His journey inspires readers to listen and learn as they navigate their own leadership journey, enriched by their faith. Seasoned with pearls from the Scriptures, Leading by Faith is filled with humble wisdom and practical insights from a qualified leader, coach, and mentor. It is a wonderful resource for all Christian leaders.”
—Rev. Dr. Gregory S. Walton, president emeritus, LCMS Florida-Georgia District; vice president, Grace Place Wellness, Lutheran Church Extension Fund

“Jim Sanft is a key leader of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and a true gift to the church and a credit to his family. He humbly portrays his leadership journey and helps his reader consider new thoughts, challenge old premises, and follow the course God has laid out. Jim beautifully uses Scripture to make his points and leads his reader to think first through the lens of the Gospel and then to the leadership journey. I’m grateful to recommend this book, and I think Jim has done great work. No question his father would be so proud of Jim’s work!”
—Rev. Dr. Timothy M. Klinkenberg, senior pastor, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Orange, California

“As a Concordia Plan Services board member, I can testify that Jim Sanft is the exemplar of Christian leadership. Each page of his book will validate God’s unique plan for his journey, and it will motivate yours. You will be blessed by his testimony and his genuine humility. God owns it all, and we are but stewards, driven by faith to deliver excellent outcomes.”
—Jon Boeche, president and owner, ChillWorks, Inc., Seminole, Florida

“In Leading by Faith, Jim highlights the importance of our faith in our individual leadership journeys, providing great insights and personal experiences that transcend any business environment. It’s a wonderful read that will leave you with multiple nuggets to apply to your leadership faith walk.”
—Richard Robertson, retired president and CEO, Lutheran Church Extension Fund

“Leading by Faith is a must-read for Christian leaders! It not only reveals the secret of successful leadership but also illustrates how it can be applied to your own leadership journey. I’ve had the genuine privilege of witnessing how Jim Sanft has consistently leaned on his faith in God and Jesus over the past twelve years while serving on the Concordia Plan Services board. In this book, Jim succinctly outlines how he has done it while drawing insightful parallels to Scripture.”
—Robert P. Lesko, partner, Pierson Ferdinand, llP