What is Servant Leadership

A position of leadership is a humbling task.

Leaders should seek to serve others.

Let’s look at what the greatest leader of all says about what constitutes leadership.

Jesus: He is God, Most High, Lord, King and He rules over all.

One day, His disciples were arguing amongst themselves over who would be the greatest.

Jesus offered a shocking response to their preconceived notions of greatness and leadership.

Mark 10:42-45

Jesus called them together and said, 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.

Jesus commands His disciples to be servants.

He Himself is the ultimate servant.

He gave His life so that sin would no longer separate us from God. This is an example of the contrast between worldly and kingdom principles.

In the World’s View

Leaders appear to be more significant than their followers which leads to selfishness and pride.

In The Kingdom of God

Leaders are servants of those they influence and they should seek to cultivate a heart of humility and Christ-like love.

Acts 20:35

…’it is more blessed to give than to receive.’

Jesus also set an example for us to serve others when He washed the feet of His disciples. This practice was reserved only for the lowest and least significant servant of a household. The fact that Jesus did this is astounding.

We are to follow the example that Jesus set for us.

As believers, we are called not to be conformed to the pattern of this world. It is our duty to serve others selflessly and wholeheartedly.

I read a wonderful book on leadership: Spiritual Leadership: Principles of Excellence for Every Believer

It is a short and easy read that provides great examples of leadership in the early Church as well as in the present-day Church.