The Servant Leader is to give of himself, putting others first. There is no me first, no self serving, no criticism and put downs in his character. The servant leader serves, he doesn’t strive for control.
Paul encourages us to, “Excel in this grace of giving” (11 Corinthians 8:7). Luke confirms, “do not take the place of honor…but take the lowest place” (Luke 14:10). Or, as illustrated by John, our leadership should demonstrate Christ’s love, remembering his example that the good shepherd “lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5). And finally, Paul again encourages us that Christ “made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, … he humbled himself” (Philippians 2:7-8).
In their book, Resilient Ministry, Burns, Chapman and Guthrie illustrate, “Vulnerability grows relationship capital: Pastors who are appropriately vulnerable with their congregations build relationship capital”. Further, “Developing relationship capital is critical in the dynamics of ministry politics.”
Watch your daily newspaper and National news broadcasts. Count the headliners and note which ones are controlling, me first, my way or the highway, type A personalities. You rarely see a Servant Leader on the news. They are there, but they don’t grab the headlines, they don’t seek to be noticed and they give credit to their staff and associates.
Now imagine the difference and the influence for God’s glory when dedicated servant leaders define a God focused agenda of service, putting their staff, associates and customers first.
The difference is not only a leadership philosophy but the organizational results are superior. Remember Moses? “Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else, (Numbers 12:3)
Leadership is letting go of ‘my’ agenda and living God’s agenda.
Yours in Service,
Laurie D. Kennedy
Leadership Coach
Jethro Group