J. I. Packer's legacy of leading with humility

Evangelicalism & Leadership:
J. I. Packer's legacy of leading with humility

A few years back I attended a conference celebrating the 300th anniversary of Jonathan Edwards. J. I. Packer was one of the keynote speakers and I was eager to get a book autographed by him. I purchased a hardcover 20th anniversary edition of Knowing God, and made a beeline for Packer after the conclusion of his presentation. For 30 minutes after his speech he was swarmed by scores of young men, some asking questions, others seeking advice, most simply listening, all seeking to have him autograph something. Two things happened during that time that I will never forget. The first is something Packer wrote, the second is something he refused to.

What Packer wrote: Finally getting my turn, I thrust my copy of Knowing God into his hands and awkwardly asked for him to sign it (for some reason the pubescent voice-cracking of my Junior High years decided to resurface just at that moment). His eyes danced as they met mine, but faded into a dull resignation when I asked for his autograph. He took the book, signed it, and quickly moved on. Only later, in the hotel room, did I come to understand what had occurred. Beneath his name he had written a single scripture reference: Psalm 7:3. After looking it up, it read:

O LORD my God, if I have done this,
if there is wrong in my hands... (ESV)

What Packer didn't write: After I had my my book signed, many more pressed him. He signed books as he answered questions. The insight he provided into the Puritans in those few minutes still have a lasting impact on me. During the conversation, a young man (my age) approached Packer with a newly purchased ESV Bible (of which Packer was a general editor). Excitedly, he asked Packer to sign it and handed it to him. For a few moments Packer held the Bible in his hands, and quietly returned it to the young man. He said, "Son, this is God's book. If you want it signed you will need to ask him."

When I turn to the leadership manuals, books, and seminars so prominent within Evangelicalism I rarely find anything that describes a man like Packer. Current Evangelicalism's obsession with leadership is seen in my own Alma mater's motto, "building His kingdom one leader at a time" (by the way, Christ brings about his kingdom. We do not "build" it). Books such as Good to Great and The Effective Executive are offered as the obvious model for what a leader should look like. A leader is decisive, a central figure, someone to 'rally the troops'.

Yet my brief encounter with Packer showed me a very different kind of leader. I met a man who awkwardly stepped into the spotlight, and then only because he felt compelled to by God. A man who was scared that signing his name in my book would displease his Lord and God. A man who recoiled at the thought of his name being on the Creator's inspired Word. A man who wished his name would decrease into order that his Master's name would increase.

Those who know Packer better than I can certainly point out his faults. I certainly cannot agree with all of his decisions (particularly regarding his involvement with the Anglican church). Yet I remain solidly convinced on one point: when I met J. I. Packer, I saw what biblical leadership was meant to be.