The Servant Leader actively seeks to improve. The Christian Servant Leader serves the team as a shepherd leads the flock.
“I myself will search for my sheep and look after them” (Ezekiel 34:11 NIV), Paul defines service with a priority to “serve one another humbly in love” (Galatians 5:13 NIV), or to “make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Philippians 2:1-7 NIV). He “did not come to be served, but to serve” (Matthew 20:28 NIV).
James MacDonald illustrates in his Leadership Journal article, I’m in Charge here, “Christian executives generally were more authoritative than their pagan counterparts (and) tend not to seek input from their subordinates as readily as do unbelieving administrators.” David Lundy theorizes in his book, Servant Leadership for Slow Learners that, “Many churches fail to grow because leadership is hoarded by the chosen few.”
The team is further illustrated as a body, “The body is not made up one part but of many” (1 Corinthians 12:14 NIV). Paul reinforces the role to be “like minded having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose” (Philippians 2:2 NIV). It would be a different world to work and volunteer in if each church or business committee, task force or team functioned effectively with each other. There are no ‘lone ranger’ teams. The team works together for the good of the whole.
Whether a CEO, Pastor or church leader, the secular lifestyle, top down management and the newest fad from the guru of the month club is not for the Christian Servant Leader. Let’s learn to recognize the value and effectiveness of servant Leadership while demonstrating God’s love.
Leadership is … building a team, then caring for it.
Yours in Service,
Laurie D. Kennedy
Leadership Coach
Jethro Group