Life provides many opportunities to grow in faith, learn new activities, expand your business, find friends, create social groups, and much more. How do we know what and who to trust in our thirst for knowledge? John Maxwell shares excellent ideas for growing in faith and other areas.
So what can we learn from John Maxwell?
Where Was John Maxwell born?
John Calvin Maxwell was born in 1947 in Garden City, Michigan. His parents were Melvin and Laura Maxwell. According to historians, the children in Maxwell’s family were required to read for 30 minutes every day. Some of these books included topics such as self-improvement.
Following the example of his father pursuing a life in ministry, John attended Circleville Bible College, Azusa Pacific University, and Fuller Theological Seminary.
John also attended Ohio Christian University and received a Master of Divinity in 1989 and a Doctor of Ministry in 1993. Maxwell is an ordained minister and has served at various churches.
What Is John Maxwell Famous For?
Known for leading churches in states such as Indiana and Florida, Maxwell has shared his love for ministry through being a teaching pastor.
Maxwell co-founded EQUIP, a non-profit organization for Christian leaders to learn how to have an impact locally and globally. EQUIP has trained more than 5 million leaders across the globe.
Maxwell is known as an expert in leadership, speaking, and writing. His dedication to helping others has enabled him to write books that have sold millions of copies. He founded The John Maxwell Team, Maximum Impact, and other organizations. Maxwell guides people in their faith and business endeavors. His daily messages, podcasts, newsletters, courses, and more have drawn leaders of domestic and foreign companies to request him to speak and offer guidance. His books have sold over 30 million copies and have been translated into over 50 languages.
His ability to relate to the everyday person and people in leadership positions has gained him the trust of many. Through the written and spoken messages of John Maxwell, people are encouraged to learn how to impact the world in positive ways.
How Did John Maxwell’s Career Start?
Maxwell felt a calling at age 17 to enter the ministry. He worked at a hardware store and earned a scholarship to help with school costs.
His website states his passion in life is “growing and equipping others to do remarkable things and lead significant and fulfilled lives.”
In 1969, things began to change for the young Maxwell. Graduation from college, becoming a married man, and preaching at a church in Indiana, were life-changing events for John.
Through personal experiences and changes, in 1995, Maxwell prayed and decided to change denominations. Skyline Church in San Diego, California was where he became the senior pastor after the founder of that church, Orval Butcher, retired. Although that church was known as one of the fastest-growing churches in America, Maxwell’s leadership increased church attendance until it offered three Sunday services.
How Does John Maxwell’s Faith Inform His Work?
Maxwell had religious training and also, an entrepreneurial background. Maxwell attributes his father with teaching him how to lead. Remembering his faith in God, John continued his education and sought the guidance of others, such as mentor Dr. Les Parrot.
While preaching, Maxwell also began to teach at speaking engagements. He created INJOY ministries in 1992, which provides resources for pastors and lay leaders. INJOY was eventually renamed The John Maxwell Company. Business leaders, as well as religious leaders, were able to find inspiration and encouragement.
Maxwell has stated that his mission is to help others see their potential. His group, EQUIP, hopes to see one million people come to Christ in the next few years.
Although he has a strong sense of the business world, John continues to remember that having God first is the key to every life. His messages help people know God and learn how to experience life through the ups and downs.
10 Inspiring John Maxwell Quotes
Inspiring quotes by John Maxwell are shared in blog posts, podcasts, books, and more. Each statement reflects the need for personal evaluation and examination. The following quotes are found in various books and speeches by John Maxwell.
1. “We should never let what we cannot do keep us from doing what we can do. A passive life does not become a meaningful life.” — Intentional Living
2. “The reality is that most of us are waiting for someone else to do something about the problems we see. We want change, but we hope that someone somewhere will do something to bring it about.” — Change Your World
3. “When you live each day with intentionality, there’s almost no limit to what you can do. You can transform yourself, your family, your community, and your nation.” — The Power of Your Leadership
4. “The measure of a leader is not the number of people who serve him, but the number of people he serves.” — Motivated to Succeed
5. “Growth inside fuels growth outside.” — Leadershift
6. “Reflective thinking turns experience into insight.” — Thinking for a Change
7. “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” — Better than Good
8. “The way you live your life today is preparing you for tomorrow. The question is what are you preparing for?” — Make Today Count
9. “As a leader, the first person I need to lead is me. The first person I should try to change is me.” — The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership
10. “Once people figure out where their sweet spot is (the area where they are most gifted), what often hinders them isn’t lack of talent. It’s lack of trust in themselves, which is a self-imposed limitation.” — Beyond Talent
10 Great Books by John Maxwell
With several of his books selling over a million copies, John Maxwell’s resources are in high demand. National retailers offer his books in paperback, hardback, audiobook, and for e-book use. Although he has penned many books, the message remains relevant and important in the work atmosphere and personal faith journeys.
1. The 5 Levels of Leadership: Proven Steps to Maximize Your Potential
2. Becoming a Person of Influence: How to Positively Impact the Lives of Others
3. How Successful People Think: Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life
4. The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader: Becoming the Person Others Will Want to Follow
5. The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth: Live Them and Reach Your Potential
6. 21 Laws of Leadership in the Bible: Learning to Lead from the Men and Women of Scripture
7. Maxwell Leadership Bible
(note: this Bible is available in different translations including NKJV and NIV)
Note: this Bible is also available in the New King James Version
8. 21 Leadership Issues in the Bible: Life-Changing Lessons from Leaders in Scripture
9. The Maxwell Daily Reader: 365 Days of Insight to Develop the Leader Within You and Influence Those Around You
10. Leadership Promises for Every Day: A Daily Devotional
Notice that each title listed encourages change and growth. John Maxwell continues to share important information in different, unique, and new ways. His messages are needed and requested by many people. While seeking self-worth, renewal, and hope for the future, John Maxwell reminds us that we can always learn something new. With his writings and speaking events, he shares ways to draw closer to God and learn how to lead others to grow in faith, leadership, and productivity.
With God first in every word and action we express, we can share His love and glory with others.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3 NIV)
Blessings,
Melissa Henderson
Melissa is the author of Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator. Her passions are helping in the community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister.
Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and at http://www.melissaghenderson.
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