The Servant Leader demonstrates Christ’s love. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails…The greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7 & 13) Christ commanded us to “love each other as I have loved you” (John 15:12).
Further, as Christ “loved his own” (John 13:1), the Christian Servant Leader “must not quarrel; instead he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful…gently instruct” (11 Timothy 2:24-25), to lead with characteristics of “above reproach…temperate, self-controlled, respectable… not violent but gentle…not a lover of money (1 Timothy 3:1-3).
In reference to the shepherd, “Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves! Should not the shepherd take care of the flock?” (Ezekiel 34:2) because Christian leaders serve not “your own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4). As an example of love and service, Servant Leader Boaz told his men, “pull out some stalks for her from the bundles and leave them for her to pick up, and don’t rebuke her” (Ruth 2:16).
Re-read your last church Annual Report or evaluate a committee you are sitting on and look for examples of; vision, spiritual, physical and emotional health of your congregation, demonstration of acts of love, hospital & sick visitation, evidence of providing caring and comfort for those in need both within and without the church, leaders demonstrating loving characteristics and serving others before themselves.
Leadership is showing Christ by caring and loving others.
Yours in Service,
Laurie D. Kennedy
Leadership Coach