The Christian Servant leader encourages others toward personal growth and development. Their goal is not for personal benefit, personal reward or personal gain. This nurturing role, is foundational to providing a Christ-like service.
The Christian Servant Leader follows Christ’s example, “set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13:15 NIV). The author of Hebrews confirms we are to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24 NIV). Paul again suggests the leader has a responsibility to “encourage one another and build each other up…respect those who work hard among you” (1 Thessalonians 5:11-12 NIV).
In his book, How to Lead and Still have a Life, Dale Burke suggests, “According to Jesus Christ, great leaders are servant-leaders. They love their people enough to get down and dirty with them. They didn’t lead from the tower; they get down in the trenches. They serve and empower their people. They use their influence and resources to knock down barriers, remove obstacles, and enable those serving under them. That’s servant-leadership.”
Albert Einstein is quoted by James C. Hunter in the Worlds Most Powerful Leadership Principle, suggesting “You cannot achieve a new goal by applying the same level of thinking that got you where you are today.”
If Burke and Einstein have anything in common, it’s the realization that Servant Leadership is not traditional leadership. The effective leaders of today are building on the success of the past, learning from the mistakes of the past and realizing they cannot do it alone. Nurturing and encouraging others is critical to their weekly agenda.
Leadership is encouraging others to use their spiritual gifts and skills to accomplish their God given vision.
Yours in Service,
Laurie D. Kennedy
Leadership Coach
Jethro Group