Unlocking the Secret. Society is adrift, without a rudder. The people are perishing because they lack the vision for life and leadership. Whether in the government, education, on the job, at home and, especially, in the church . . . something has been lost, hasn’t it? But there is hope! It's the right idea of office. The true idea that actually works in the real world for those who are moved to take a firm step of true faith.A pastor-scholar, Dr. Sietsma’s concise and inspiring instruction is not only based in Scripture, it is also tried and tested in the praxis of life’s challenges and hardships. Yes, society has a mess on its hands. So, what the author offers is even more relevant for us in the 21st century.
There is a way forward—for those who hold the key. Minister - Martyr “Kees” Sietsma first studied in Kampen, and then went on to earn his doctorate at the Free University of Amsterdam. He and his wife had five children. Then it happened. On the Monday following that sermon on Sunday for his flock in Amsterdam, he was arrested for his faith. He died at the age of 46 in the Dachau concentration camp. Includes foreword by David T. Koyzis, Ph.D.
Endorsement
"The Golden Key for Life and Leaders provides erudite guidance to those following a specific ministry calling, or pursuing an academic analysis of Biblical office as a concept. It further succeeds at encouraging individual self-examination of one’s performance in the role of Believer. Sietsma’s brave leadership and obedience to God in his own office are to be recognized and celebrated. Even now, humanity seeks effective crisis leadership as history seems to repeat itself. The Theology of Leadership Journal acknowledges that the traditional church has interpreted God's commission as a call to followership. Kornelis Sietsma, pastor and scholar, wrote his treatise on The Idea of Office at a time that called for greater structure and clarity of expectation for both leaders and followers. In benevolent but unequivocal terms, Sietsma insisted that followers (“Believers”) had an obligation to take ownership for making a clear declaration of faith and living by that declaration, joining with and the local church and adhering to its norms and mores as long as they were Scripturally sound. He taught that leaders in the church must provide full-throated guidance and shepherding for their people, which would in turn influence the people to make wise decisions in their business, social, and political endeavors. Those church leaders should maintain a respectful distance from the other spheres of leadership, focusing on serving God and then on serving man. The relevance and utility of The Golden Key for Life and Leaders in contemporary church leadership development center on its clear message of structure and accountability, duty and responsibility, with grace as the foundation." - Angela Spraner, Ph.DTheology of Leadership Journal (Fall 2020)
