In an insightful episode of the Jesus Calling Podcast, renowned leadership expert John Maxwell shares his journey from pastor to business coach, revealing how biblical principles have shaped his understanding of leadership and his perspective on God. This episode, titled “Understanding a God Who Is For Us,” delves into Maxwell’s leadership philosophy, his personal faith journey, and his reflections on common misconceptions about God.
John C. Maxwell, author & business coach, as featured on the Jesus Calling Podcast episode 175
From Pulpit to Practice: John Maxwell’s Leadership Journey
John Maxwell’s career path took an unexpected turn when he transitioned from a 25-year pastoral role to becoming a global leadership mentor. Initially focused on guiding fellow pastors, Maxwell was surprised to discover that his books resonated deeply within the business community. He realized that the leadership principles he espoused, rooted in biblical teachings, held universal relevance.
“Everything I know about leadership is from the Bible.” – John Maxwell
This realization sparked a calling to minister to a wider audience, bringing “salt and light” to the business world. Maxwell emphasizes that the Bible is the “ultimate leadership book,” filled with timeless stories and principles applicable to all facets of life. His shift wasn’t just a career change; it was a mission to connect with individuals seeking purpose and direction in their professional lives, guiding them with values-based leadership.
Jesus Calling podcast episode #175 with business coach and author John Maxwell
Sharing an early experience in his business coaching journey, Maxwell recounts speaking to a large lumber brokerage company. When asked about the source of his unique leadership approach, his initial hesitation to reveal its biblical foundation turned into an opportunity. The audience’s genuine curiosity led to a profound cocktail hour filled with questions about God and faith, solidifying Maxwell’s conviction in his calling to bridge faith and leadership in the business world.
Reframing Our Picture of God: John Maxwell’s Four Images
A core element of John Maxwell’s teaching involves helping people develop a “right picture” of God. He describes four contrasting images, the first three representing common misconceptions:
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God as a Wall: Many perceive God as distant and unapproachable, a barrier rather than a welcoming presence. Maxwell refutes this by highlighting God’s initiative in seeking relationship with humanity, exemplified by God searching for Adam and Eve after they sinned. He emphasizes Jesus as God breaking down the wall to connect with us.
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God as a Stairway to Heaven: This image represents the false notion that salvation is earned through good deeds. Maxwell counters this by stressing that faith is a gift, not something to be earned through a “stairway of good works.” He warns against pride and self-comparison, reminding listeners that relationship with God is based on grace.
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God as a Garbage Dump: This negative self-perception leads people to believe God is uninterested in their flaws and mistakes, their “junk.” Maxwell challenges this, asserting that “God’s incredibly interested in all your junk.” Using the analogy of a doctor caring for the sick, Maxwell illustrates God’s mission to engage with our imperfections and offer healing and redemption.
John Maxwell speaking (as featured on the Jesus Calling podcast episode #175)
- God as a Door: Maxwell presents the true picture of God as knocking at the door of our hearts, initiating a relationship. He underscores God’s proactive role, taking “999 steps” to meet us, only requiring us to take “one step and open the door.” This image emphasizes God’s desire for intimacy and a transformative relationship with each individual.
John Maxwell on the Jesus Calling App: Daily Inspiration for Leaders
John Maxwell is an advocate for starting the day with spiritual nourishment. He personally uses the Jesus Calling app as a daily resource, appreciating its concise, impactful messages that foster connection and upliftment.
Jesus Calling Devotional as featured on Jesus CAlling podcast episode #175 by author John Maxwell
He frequently shares Jesus Calling passages with others, recognizing its accessibility and profound impact. For Maxwell, Jesus Calling is more than just a devotional; it’s a habit-forming tool that encourages consistent spiritual growth. He recommends it as a foundational practice for new Christians, emphasizing its ease of use and daily encouragement. Whether using the app or the book, Maxwell values Jesus Calling as a vital source of daily spiritual feeding.
Leadershift and Influence: Maxwell’s Leadership Principles
In discussing his book Leadershift, John Maxwell clarifies his core leadership principle: “Leadership is influence. Nothing more, nothing less.” This definition broadens the scope of leadership beyond formal positions, encompassing anyone who seeks to influence others positively. He emphasizes adaptability and connection as key components of effective leadership.
John C. Maxwell
Maxwell highlights the importance of shifting from directing to connecting, advocating for asking questions to understand and value others’ perspectives. This approach allows leaders to meet people where they are, fostering genuine influence and guiding them towards their desired goals. His leadershift philosophy centers on valuing people, understanding their needs, and leading with empathy and connection.
Learning to Fail Forward: John Maxwell’s Wisdom on Growth
A significant aspect of John Maxwell’s teachings is the value of failure. He asserts, “I’ve learned a lot more from my failures than I have from my successes.” While success is celebrated, failure provides invaluable lessons and opportunities for growth.
John C Maxwell
Maxwell encourages a “fail forward” mentality, urging individuals to learn from setbacks and view them as stepping stones to improvement. He advises, “Don’t count your losses. Count your lessons.” By focusing on the lessons learned from failures, individuals can avoid repeating mistakes and continually progress. This perspective reframes failure from a negative outcome to a crucial component of personal and leadership development.
Nate Pyle on Suffering, Faith, and God’s Presence
The podcast episode also features pastor and author Nate Pyle, who offers a deeply personal perspective on suffering and faith. Pyle shares his and his wife’s challenging journey through infertility, pregnancy loss, and mental health struggles, experiences that led him to question the common phrase, “God won’t give you more than you can handle.”
Nate Pyle headshot (as featured on the Jesus Calling podcast episode #175)
Pyle challenges this notion, arguing that life often presents situations that are indeed more than we can handle in our own strength. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging our weakness and relying on Jesus. Through his experiences, Pyle discovered that true strength is found in vulnerability and dependence on God during difficult times.
He distinguishes between “giving up” and “letting go.” Letting go, in Pyle’s understanding, involves surrendering control while still holding onto hope and desires, trusting God’s plan even when it differs from our own expectations. This perspective encourages faith amidst uncertainty and allows for God to work in ways beyond our limited understanding.
Wedding pose with Nate Pyle and wife (as featured on the Jesus Calling podcast episode #175)
Pyle highlights the role of lament in faith, referencing the book of Job and the Psalms. He emphasizes the importance of expressing our grief and desires to God honestly, even in the face of unfulfilled promises. This honesty, he argues, is a crucial part of the grieving process and can lead to a deeper understanding of God, as seen in Job’s journey.
Nate Pyle speaking to audience (as featured on the Jesus Calling podcast episode #175)
Pyle reflects on the common desire for quick fixes and deliverance from suffering. However, he points out that the biblical narrative often reveals God’s saving grace through, rather than from, difficult experiences. He uses examples like the Israelites crossing the Red Sea and Jesus’ path to resurrection through death to illustrate that God is with us in the midst of suffering, offering salvation and intimacy through trials.
Finding Hope and God’s Presence in Jesus Calling
Nate Pyle shares a Jesus Calling passage (September 10th) that resonates deeply with his message of God’s constant presence:
I am always available to you. Once you have trusted Me as your Savior, I never distance Myself from you. Sometimes you may feel distant from Me. Recognize that as feeling; do not confuse it with reality. The Bible is full of My promises to be with you always. As I assured Jacob, when he was journeying away from home into unknown places, I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go. After My resurrection, I made this promise to My followers: Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Let these assurances of My continual Presence fill you with Joy and Peace. No matter what you may lose in this life, you can never lose your relationship with Me.
Nate Pyle and family (as featured on the Jesus Calling podcast episode #175)
This passage underscores the Emmanuel promise – God with us. Pyle finds hope in this constant presence, even when explanations for suffering remain elusive. He emphasizes that while suffering is a universal human experience, God’s promise is to be with us, offering grace, support through community, and the ultimate promise of restoration and wholeness in relationship with Him.
Conclusion
The Jesus Calling Podcast episode featuring John Maxwell and Nate Pyle offers profound insights into leadership, faith, and navigating life’s challenges with God’s presence. John Maxwell’s leadership wisdom, grounded in biblical principles, coupled with Nate Pyle’s vulnerable reflections on suffering, provides a rich and encouraging conversation for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of faith and leadership. This episode serves as a reminder that God is indeed for us, walking alongside us in every aspect of our journey.
To explore more of John Maxwell’s leadership principles, check out his book Leadershift. For further reflection on navigating suffering with faith, Nate Pyle’s book More Than You Can Handle offers valuable perspectives. And for daily inspiration and reminders of God’s presence, the Jesus Calling app remains a highly recommended resource.
