The Servant Leader is a Steward, not an owner. God created, therefore God owns. The steward is willing to be held accountable for actions and results. The accountability is to those reported to but also to those served. Scripture illustrates (Ezekiel 34:10) that God will hold leaders accountable for their followers. If the leaders are not feeding the sheep, then the leader will be released.
We are responsible for a higher purpose. Our role as leaders is to manage, protect and add value to the owner’s assets. The book of Proverbs illustrates the obvious, Shepherds, “Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds” (Proverbs 27:23). Our Leaders in church, industry and service organizations need to monitor and attend to the owner’s assets. We don’t own, we lead on behalf of another.
The Steward leader serves the owner by caring for, encouraging and building assets on behalf of the owner. “You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things” (Matthew 25:23). The Steward demonstrates trust with everything, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much” (Luke 16:10).
Most churches and service organizations, to their credit, have accurate financial documentation in their Annual Reports. The challenge is helping people understand the complexity and practicality. Most churches have programs to serve and accomplish their vision. Churches serve to achieve results for our Lord’s kingdom but few have methods to monitor results and see what is accomplished. To be effective stewards, we monitor results continually.
Look through the minutes of a committee you are involved in. Is there a plan? Are the financial sheets understandable and current? Are external audits completed? Is there a desire for a balanced budget or transparency of all activities? What do you monitor on a continual basis?
Leadership is serving and stewarding, not coveting the owners assets.
Yours in Service,
Laurie D. Kennedy
Leadership Coach