The weekend was a powerful learning experience. Dr. Don Page, former Director of the Master in Leadership Program at Trinity Western University, guided an Authentic Leadership seminar. Verse by verse with practical application we discussed the leadership qualities of Jesus.
Christ demonstrated “the full extent of his love” by serving. (John 13:1 NIV)
Servant Leadership is:
- based on our relationship with God (John 3:3). John Maxwell is quoted as saying “the secure are into towels and the insecure are into titles. The secure are people conscious, the insecure are position conscious. The secure want to add value to others, the insecure want to receive value from others.”
- caring and serving (John 13:4 NIV). The Christian Servant Leader isn’t driven by control or power but has a genuinely loves to serve others.
- receiving Christ’s service as we serve Him (John 13:8 NIV).
- without discrimination. Christ washed all the feet, not just the faithful few. (John 13:11-12 NIV)
- Titles or positions don’t matter, (John 13:13-14) we all need to serve.
- Christ setting the example and our responsibility is to follow. (John 13:15 & 17 NIV)
Servant Leadership is not
- one person controlling, manipulating and leaving followers feeling they have been taken advantage of for personal achievement
- a ‘we as opposed to they’ challenge, teams suspicious of others or individuals vying for power, control or personal empire building
- the ‘know it all’ Lone Ranger who rides in, rescues, takes the credit and leaves.
“You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them” (Matthew 20:25 NIV). “Those who guide this people mislead them, and those who are guided are led astray” (Isaiah 9:16 NIV).
Don left us with three questions that distinguish the autocratic power-hungry leader from the Servant Leader. (1) Are you leading for yourself or others? (2) For whose benefit do you serve, lead and direct? (3) Are your decisions, actions and priorities demonstrated in caring for others?
Leadership is serving, following Christ’s example.
Yours in Service,
Laurie D Kennedy
Leadership Coach
Jethro Group