“Many churches fail to grow because leadership is hoarded by the chosen few” (Servant Leadership for Slow Learners). Life-long learning is the Servant Leadership actively working to improve the ability to love, care and work as a team, demonstrating God’s love. The Christian Servant Leader serves the team as a shepherd leads the flock.
As a Pastor, Chaplain, Board member or leader, do you actively work with your team of associates? Is your love and care for them the same care and concern as a shepherd cares for his sheep? Ezekiel writes, “I myself will search for my sheep and look after them” (Ezekiel 34:11 NIV), Paul illustrates with a priority to “serve one another in love” (Galatians 5:13 NIV), or to “consider others better than yourselves,” we are to look out for the “interests of others”, while having an attitude the “same as that of Christ Jesus”, who took “the very nature of a servant” (Philippians 2:3,4,5 & 7 NIV). In much of our work today, we have lost the concept Christ demonstrated to us when he said he “did not come to be served, but to serve” (Matthew 20:28 NIV).
Our challenge is not that the Bible or Christ has lost power, influence or authority. Our challenge is we, Christian Leaders are adopting negative leadership styles and acting more like our secular counterparts than the Servant Leaders Christ intended us to be. James MacDonald illustrates in his Leadership Journal article, I’m in Charge Here, “Christian executives generally work more authoritatively than their pagan counterparts (and) tend not to seek input from their subordinates as readily as do unbelieving administrators
As a CEO, Chaplain, Pastor or church leader, the secular lifestyle, top down management and the newest fad from the guru of the month club is not relevant for the Christian Servant Leader. Let’s learn to recognize the value and effectiveness of Servant Leadership while we demonstrate God’s love.
Leadership is… serving your people, so that they will see God through you.
Yours in Service,
Laurie D. Kennedy
Leadership Coach
Jethro Group
ldkjethrogroup@gmail.com