Recently I was asked to create an introductory leadership class for students at Ascent College. I was extremely excited to include this spiritual leadership classic as a required textbook. There is definitely leadership “gold” in this book. Two powerful metaphors summarize the key content:

• First, Miller talks about the importance of spending time in the Soul Room with God before moving out into the Leadership Room where we seek to minister and lead. This is so true—and absolutely crucial!
• Second, Miller gives us the easy-to-understand metaphor of the pitcher, cup, saucer, and plate. He explains:
  • The pitcher represents all that God is and all that He longs to pour into the cup of my life: His very being, His existence as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, His character, and His desires for my life.
  • The cup represents my life. It is the unique and distinctive cup of who I am—of who God created me to be and of all that God longs for me to become. God desires to continually pour Himself into the cup of my life until it overflows with His character and grace.
  • This divine overflow spills onto the saucer. The saucer represents relationships, the network of people my life touches, however frequently or infrequently.
  • Finally, the plate represents events, the places, and the organizations where God’s gracious presence in my life can further overflow through me and, at times, through my leadership responsibilities.
  • This Pitcher/Cup…Saucer/Plate process involves the whole of my being, the whole of my life. ^{The Spiritual Formation of Leaders (p. 98). Xulon Press. Kindle Edition.}

In spite of the fact the content about “generational issues” is a bit dated, my students at Ascent College loved the book and were excited to read a spiritually profound book that spoke in practical ways regarding life, ministry, and leadership.

I highly recommend, The Spiritual Formation of Leaders by Chuck Miller.