About Brent Garrison
Author of Leadership by The Book
Brent Garrison was born in 1952 in Gary, Indiana to parents of the Greatest Generation (according to Tom Brokaw). His dad delivered Wonder Bread during his long career after serving in the Navy during WWII. His mom held a number of jobs from hairdresser to medical transcriptionist. Brent’s older brother taught grade school and moved up the ladder in his career to become a superintendent to a number of elementary schools in NW Indiana.
Brent’s best friend invited him to a Christian camp when he was 15, where he came to Christ and met his wife of over 46 years. God’s blessings since that day have astounded Brent.
Brent is the founder and president of By The Book Consultive Group and is a Senior Discipleship Fellow with CEO Forum.
In his 32 years in Christian higher education, Brent served as the Dean of Students at LeTourneau University and a Vice President of External Studies at Moody Bible Institute. Brent’s last 15 years in higher education were as President of Arizona Christian University.
Some of Brent’s teaching experiences include high school sciences, college and graduate courses in business, history, church administration, educational administration, student development, Bible/ministry and leadership. Also, Brent has experience in overseas teaching at the Asian Theological Seminary in Manila and China as a visiting scholar at Siping Normal University.
It’s been Brent’s privilege to co-author a book with Dr. Don Whitney on Spiritual Formation, contributed chapters to several books, and written numerous articles as well as authored a book on biblical leadership: Leadership by The Book: Lessons from Every Book of The Bible.
Education has been a huge part of Brent’s life having received a Ph.D. in Educational Administration, seminary training, as well as an undergraduate degree in history.
The love of Brent’s life, Maggi, has tolerated him for over 46 years and they have four grown children with six grandkids.
Brent loves to travel, to experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of some 40 countries over the years. Meeting people from around the world has been one of his greatest joys.
Brent is a voracious reader, loves drinking strong coffee and anything with a motor (they call him a ‘gearhead’). Every year Brent enjoys touring on his motorcycle.
Leading by the Book
By The Book Consultive Group has the privilege to work with many significant business and nonprofit leaders, and the owner Dr. Brent Garrison wrote a book about biblical leadership: Leadership by The Book: Lessons from Every Book of the Bible. In his book, he seeks to demonstrate that the Bible is the single best leadership resource through 66 chapters which begin with a biblical text followed by a leadership lesson and reflection.
By The Book Consultive Group is passionate about assisting leaders in business, nonprofits, and ministry, and helping them apply the unique ideas of biblical leadership. Many Christians study the Bible, but By The Book Consultive Group has found far fewer who truly view the Bible as a significant source of leadership. The wonderful thing about the Bible is that, if anyone applies its concepts, they can be blessed whether they believe the God who wrote it or not. The Bible is the most unique book in history, and is as relevant today as when it was penned.
Consultants don’t have a ‘secret sauce,’ but they do have fresh eyes. By The Book Consultive Group seeks to bring those fresh eyes to your company, nonprofit, or ministry.
“I enjoyed reading Leadership by The Book by my friend, Brent Garrison. A challenge, an insight, a Biblical perspective, a role model and sometimes a good old kick in the pants. As a leader, being regularly encouraged with a Biblical model for leaders is powerful and centering. I hope you find as much value from these leadership lessons as I have.”
Dr. Pat Gelsinger, CEO Intel
“Dr. Brent Garrison is an outstanding communicator and speaker on leadership. Brent’s ability to connect with people and share biblical truth has the ability to change the direction of any organization seeking to challenge and move their leadership team to a new way to viewing their roles. Our firm was fortunate enough to have Brent share his thoughts on leadership over a two day period and the results will have a long lasting impact on our firm’s direction. Brent’s Leadership The Book is a great read for any leadership team and when coupled with Brent giving additional information on specific topics covered in the book the results can have a major impact on a leadership group.”
Fred Caldwell,
Caldwell Companies, Houston
“I thoroughly enjoyed Leadership by the Book! There have probably been a million books written about leadership. And yet, the greatest book of all time has timeless leadership lessons that Brent has pulled out and presented in a practical and easily digestible way. I highly recommend it to anyone desiring to be a wise, Godly leader!”
David Williams
former President & CEO
Make-A-Wish America
“Dr. Brent Garrison, once a colleague, now a friend, is a born leader. But never content to coast on his innate ability to show the way, he is ever curious, constantly challenging, studying, searching to love from good to better to best. In Leadership by The Book, he has reached a pinnacle, pointing leaders to the ultimate source of inspiration where one learns to lead the pack--from the back.”
Jerry B. Jenkins
Multiple New York Times Bestselling author
“I have known Brent Garrison for many years, as he has demonstrated real leadership at three colleges we’ve been involved with at PING. We’ve seen firsthand how Christian based principles, illuminated by Scripture can bring clarity and positive change. With this important book, Brent delivers refreshing and timeless message that will inspire not only today’s leaders but tomorrow’s as well.”
Allan Solheim
Executive Vice President (retired) PING
“Brent Garrison has accomplished an enormous feat. He has undertaken a panoramic survey of the Bible and uncovered leadership nuggets from every book. Drawing upon his extensive background in training leaders at all levels, he provides a delightful, encouraging, and inspiring resource that you will use over and over again.”
Dr. Richard Blackaby
President of Blackaby Ministries
Frequently Asked Questions
Most leaders follow the example of someone who led them and they emulate their style. Others find their own leadership style, but even then, they are leading by what they have experienced. A Christ following leader wants to emulate the example of Christ and the way he lived during his time on earth. Christ’s life and mindset is best described in Philippians 2:1-11. Two ideas are evident in this passage: that Christ was humble, though God in the flesh, and; that he sought to serve rather than to be served. Can you imagine the power of your leadership if others saw a humble spirit and servant’s heart in your leading?
Most leaders follow the example of someone who led them and they emulate their style. Others find their own leadership style, but even then, they are leading by what they have experienced. A Christ following leader follows the example of Christ and the way he lived during his time on earth. Christ’s life and mindset is best described in Philippians 2:1-11. Two ideas are evidenced in this passage: that Christ was humble, though God in the flesh, and; that he sought to serve rather than to be served. Can you imagine the power of your leadership if others saw a humble, servant’s heart in your leading?