Well what is servant leadership? It seems that the two
words are the exact opposite of each other. How can you serve folks and be a
leader at the same time? That is another
good question. Let's get a few working
definitions, then we will bring up the rear with some scriptures.
Servant leadership is a term that is circulating among
business owners and organization leaders today. It was coined by a man named
Robert K. Greenleaf in 1970 however, the act of servant leadership has been
around since Jesus' times. Today the Greenleaf Center for Servant-Leadership (http://www.greenleaf.org,
Retrieved Wed Sep 28, 2005) defines it as:
"Servant-Leadership is a practical philosophy which supports people who choose to serve first, and then lead as a way of expanding service to individuals and institutions. Servant-leaders may or may not hold formal leadership positions. Servant-leadership encourages collaboration, trust, foresight, listening, and the ethical use of power and empowerment."
It makes you want to scratch you head right? Well, it
shouldn't. The concept was revealed to me through the book "God is my
CEO" by Larry Julian. But see, the idea is not just for the corporate
world, it is for other non-profit organizations, and more importantly the
church. I later realized that I had known of the concept all along through
biblical experience and you probably did too. Amazing how the Holy Spirit
works!
Think about it, you as the leader have to first be humble
because in order to serve someone else you must be humble despite your title.
This is a great time to look at someone who is very humble. SCRIPTURE
TIME!!!! First let's go to John 13:4-5,
(4) He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. (5) After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. (KJV)
WHAT? Why would Jesus need to
do anything like that? I mean after all, he knew "that the Father had
given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to
God" (John 13:3, KJV). I mean why would he have to serve the
disciples? It is also about knowing who you are, where you are coming from, and
where you are going. If you know those three things, then there will no problem
with serving those whom you lead. After Jesus washed the
disciples feet he says, in John 13:14-16
(14) If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. (15) For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. (16) Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. (KJV)
Let's just remember that as leaders, we don't have to
ram things down people throats nor use them as objects or a means to an end.
The bottom line should not be your priority. The bottom line can be about the
profit driven corporate world or your organizations goal and mission, and/or
spreading and preaching the gospel. If you take care of your disciples,
employees, and/or volunteers and serve their needs, the bottom line will take
care of itself. Not only will they feel good about themselves, but they will
feel empowered to do what's best for the organization. Again, the bottom line
takes care of itself.
Now, if only we can began to apply this in our
spiritual walk. The phrase for today is "Servant Leadership". Are you
a position or title hog? Or, are you a humble servant, leading those you serve?
Marinate on that a minute.
Antoine E. Hall
"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." - James 1:22
