Servant Leadership is a fascinating study. Both Christian and secular authors look to Servant Leadership to ensure achievable results. Pastors, Executives, churches, Leadership Boards and individuals employed across all sectors are Servant Leaders. Servant Leadership is not only a Biblical concept but relevant for today’s workforce. Leaders are open, receptive and willing to learn how to live and demonstrate God’s love through service.
As illustrated in John 13, Christ, the master, the preacher, knowing His crucifixion was eminent, he took the role of a servant. He also knew He would be denied by Peter and discredited by Judas, yet, as an act of service, “Having loved His own who were in the world, he loved them to the end” (John 13:1 NIV). Christ went against the culture of the day, took on the role of the servant and washed His disciples’ feet.
As I read and evaluate leadership literature, I look for material that is based on Biblical principles, bathed in prayer and focused on Christ’s teaching. Servant Leadership scripture verses, parables and Christ’s teaching are integrated forming an objective criteria that I use to profile and analyze my own life and those I coach.
Twelve values of the Christian Servant Leader include; (1) A personal relationship with God, (2) Serving is paramount, (3) Team work, (4) Coaching, growing and nurturing others, (5) Integrity, (6) Vulnerability, (7) Caring and love, (8) Listening and hearing to understand, (9) Sharing leadership, (10) A vision for the future, (11) Building a community of networks and relationships, and (12) Stewardship.
My prayer is to demonstrate these Servant Leadership values and give each Pastor, leader and church an opportunity to reflect on God’s Word and letting God be foremost in their leadership style. We need to walk the double line, respecting the foundations and successes of the past, yet living, working and guiding into a future that more closely resembles the Servant Leadership values of our Lord. My prayer is that we would live Servant Leadership values in every decision and action.
Leadership is striving daily to demonstrate God’s love through service.
Yours in Service,
Laurie D. Kennedy
Leadership Coach
Jethro Group