When Leadership invited me to compare John Maxwell's new book, 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership (Nelson, 1998) with Jesus on Leadership by Gene Wilkes (Tyndale, 1998), I jumped on the assignment eagerly. But when I opened them side by side, my enthusiasm faded. The books seemed seriously at odds. Since I greatly respect both men, I feared honest review might leave me "holding to John and despising Gene" or vice-versa!

That was at first glance. Once I hunkered down, the two volumes seemed less at odds and more "at apples and oranges." Reviewing them is like comparing a ship's blueprint with its operating manual.

Two Audiences. The two books address different audiences. This distinction is critical. Wilkes speaks to spiritual leaders. Maxwell speaks to leaders in general—not just believers. 21 Laws will appeal primarily to visionary, entrepreneurial leaders—the kind who launch movements or build large organizations. Jesus … will appeal more to those who are about building ...