The Role of the Disciples.
Then an argument broke out among them about which of them should be regarded as the greatest. He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them and those in authority over them are addressed as ‘Benefactors’; but among you it shall not be so. Rather, let the greatest among you be as the youngest, and the leader as the servant. For who is greater: the one seated at table or the one who serves? Is it not the one seated at table? I am among you as the one who serves.
— Luke 22:24-27
Servant Leadership
A “Servant Leader”…
- leads from “bottom to top”
- serves rather than controls
- focuses on the people
- shares power
- puts the needs of others first
- helps people develop and perform to their highest potential
Some principles of servant leadership:
- Listening – listen receptively to what is being said (and not said)
- Empathy – put yourself in the shoes of the other person
- Healing – desire to be compassionate
- Awareness – tune in to what is happening around you
- Persuasive – build consensus. Convince vs. coerce compliance
- Conceptualize – conceive a desirable vision, then lead in that direction
- Foresight – look into the future and anticipate the likely impact of current decisions
- Stewardship – acknowledge and care for God’s gifts
- Cultivate Followers– help followers grow beyond their current skill levels
- Build Community – create a deeper desire for belonging, a bond that goes beyond a traditional organization