David was a shepherd. A youth, a harp playing servant. Yet with God, he single handedly defeated Goliath providing opportunity to defeat the enemy. As a shepherd, he cared for his sheep and the sheep trusted him. As leaders, we may not herd sheep, yet we are responsible to lead staff and volunteers with the skill and ability of David. The lives of our associates and the future of our church or mission depends on our leadership.
Pray about these principles. Your work, your relationship with your people and achievement for God’s glory will be changed dramatically.
- Leaders who serve their people, their Ministry and our Heavenly Father consistently lead healthier organizations.
One third of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to work for are involved in the Servant-Leadership movement or identify servant leadership as a core operating principle. (Hunter, James C. The World’s most powerful Leadership Principle)
“You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:42-45 NIV).
- You are the leader. You set the example. Find something to do every day that serves your people.
“I have a theory: That if one person will go out of their way to show kindness and compassion, it will start a chain reaction of the same.” (Columbine massacre victim Rachel Scott in an essay written shortly before her death in April 1999).
“The Leader is the ‘servant’ of the followership” (Global Leaders for the Twenty-First Century by Marquardt).
“This is a large work I’ve called you into, but don’t be overwhelmed by it. It’s best to start small. Give a cool cup of water to someone who is thirsty, for instance. The smallest act of giving or receiving makes you a true apprentice. You won’t lose out on a thing.” (Matthew 10:40-42 MSG)
Leadership is ensuring that every discussion, decision, and action puts God and your people first.
Yours in Service,
Laurie D. Kennedy
Leadership Coach
Jethro Group
ldkjethrogroup@gmail.com