Leadership is a growing preoccupation of the contemporary church, but for some of the most inspiring examples of good leadership we need to go back, not forwards. Archbishop William Temple is widely regarded as one of the most influential church leaders of the twentieth century. In this book Stephen Spencer unpacks Archbishop Temple's life and legacy, and the ways in which his leadership transformed society in remarkable ways. From education to politics, and from spiritual direction to leading the church through national crisis, this book draws on Temple's biography to offer a unique and profound portrait of the kind of servant leadership the church needs today.

About the Author
Stephen Spencer is Director for Theological Education at the Anglican Communion Office, London.

Reviews
"...a fitting contribution to the library of rich resources on William Temple. The emphasis on Temple's leadership is particularly welcome." -- from the foreword by Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York
"When William Temple died in 1944, after only a couple of years as Archbishop of Canterbury, the hopes of many for the Church of England and for the Christian faith in England died too. However, Temple's life and thought have continued to inspire many since that dark day. The Canterbury years were the culmination of a life of consuming sacrificial service to church and nation, especially to those exploited by unjust economic structures. Stephen Spencer not only knows more about William Temple than anyone else, he also possesses unrivalled insight into the making of this great archbishop. In this compellingly readable book, Spencer traces the evolution of Temple's rise to the primacy, through several painful setbacks and missteps, and objectively evaluates his achievement in intellectual and moral leadership. No book has ever brought Temple so vividly to life as this one." -- Paul Avis, University of Edinburgh and University of Exeter, UK
"William Temple's legacy remains as powerful and relevant as ever. Stephen Spencer's new study returns us to the essentials of Temple's life and work as well as indicating his enduring significance for Church and society today." -- Elaine Graham, University of Chester, UK
"Stephen Spencer's fascinating study of Temple's leadership will be appreciated by those who are unfamiliar with the Church of England in the early twentieth century, as well as by specialists. This book opens up Temple's work for fresh scrutiny, and it provides much to ponder on what authentic leadership, Christian or otherwise, might look like in the present day." -- Frances Knight, Professor Emeritus, University of Nottingham, UK



Book Information
ISBN 9780334061670
Author Stephen Spencer
Format Paperback
Page Count 320
Imprint SCM Press
Publisher SCM Press