Our culture is experiencing a crisis of leadership just when we need it most. We elect braggards and bullies, put narcissists on pedestals then kick away the legs, nurse wounds of coercion - even (especially?) in the church - and in our pain resent and reject the very notion of leadership itself. In this timely book, a seasoned pastor depicts another kind of leadership, marked by the cross. Learning lessons from the greatest leader of all time, this is a message of healing and hope for those who aspire to lead with the counter-cultural humility and defiant kindness of Jesus. - Pete Grieg, founder of the 24-7 Prayer movementFrom beginning to end this book is Spirit-filled, cross-draped, pet-theory-denying, cosmically-alert, and Christ-shaped -- and it is personal in the best sense of the word. The book is an apostolic, pneumatic and christological pastoral theology. Church leaders have too often run to the latest book on leadership instead of, as Alain Emerson reminds us, turning back to the example of Jesus and the words of the apostles. We are at a turning point in the church worldwide, a turning point that (we pray) will lead to a new vision for what a pastor is. This book needs to be in the discussion of that turning point. - Rev Canon Dr Scot McKnight, Visiting Professor, Westminster Theological CentreThis book calls us back to first principles-leadership isjust advanced discipleship. And the consistent message across the New Testamentis that disciples follow the way of the cross through the power of theresurrection. The problem is that the cross is as foolish today as it was 2000years ago. Thus, Alain gives us a prophetic call that cruciform leadership isthe path to experience the power of God. The church needs to hear this word. - Ben C Blackwell, Principal, Westminster Theological CentreThis book is prophetic - not in the sense of deserving a 'Christian'adjective to connote its specialness, but in the sense of humbly covering bothcorrective and constructive bases and capturing a 'now' word from the Lord toHis people. To His leaders. In these pages, you will find not just aninvitation to a particular form of ministry, but fresh invitations to encounterwith the Lord himself. May we each heed this invitation to become more holy,humble and hungry. - Damilola Makinde, Team Member, KXC & Evangelical AllianceThe Cruciform Leader is a clarion call for Christlikeleadership in the Church. With honesty, graciousness and simplicity Alain makesthis call. The book leaves you with a hunger for God and a desire to serve Himand His Kingdom like Christ did. I would strongly recommend this book for anyleader who wants to have the kind of impact Christ had in his or herassignment. - Agu Irukwu, Senior Pastor, Jesus House For All NationsThis is a timely read in an era marred by leadership scandals within the global church. From celebrity pastors to local leaders, many of us have witnessed or experienced the fallout of moral failure or spiritual abuse. In sharp contrast, this book offers an alternative vision rooted in Scripture: a call for christian leaders to embody hunger, holiness and humility in the way of the cross. Writing with clarity and warmth, the author blends theological depth with practical insight, drawing on a broad spectrum of voices. What sets this book apart is its authenticity. A respected local pastor and long-time leader within Ireland, Emerson shares not only biblical reflections but also personal failures with disarming honesty. Perhaps that is what I found most refreshing about this read – not for triumphs that the author boasts about, but for failings he professes. This vulnerability gives weight to his call for cruciform leadership marked not by power or platform, but by service, submission and sacrifice. At times hard-hitting and always thought-provoking, the Cruciform Leader challenges readers – to reflect deeply on their own leadership. The book is not a blueprint for success, but a summons to the humility and repentance that should characterise those who follow a crucified Saviour. for any Christian leader seeking to lead faithfully in turbulent times, this is a compelling and worthwhile read. (The Presbyterian Herald, September 2025.)
