The Value of Servant Leadership

As pastors or church leaders, we are often people with power within the church. But if we use this power alone and without consulting others, or if we reject other ideas in a heavy-handed manner, we will pay a high price in terms of our effectiveness and relationship with other church leaders and the congregation.

We are to be servant leaders. This is a consistent theme in the New Testament. Jesus, Paul, Peter, Barnabas, and many others modeled servant leadership as they followed the words of Jesus in Mark 10:43-45. We see in these verses that the core motivation in this type of leadership is love. Jesus served us and gave his life for us motivated by a self-sacrificing love.

Having this example of Christ’s motivation of love in mind as we begin a ministry of service will help to shape and form our response to people in need in our church. It will help us not to resent the constant demands and drain upon our time and emotional, physical, and spiritual resources.

Servant leadership is being willing to be involved and to influence others through our actions rather than standing by and giving orders. The servant leader has power but relies on influence, and does not order or insist upon change.

Jesus set the example for us as he prepared the apostles for their leadership roles in the early church.

• He modeled servanthood as he washed the disciples’ feet (John 13).
• He instructed them in ministry skills and then sent them out to get practical experience (Luke 10).
• He tested and stretched their faith (John 6:6).
• He modeled prayer and taught them how to pray (Matthew 6, Luke 11).

One way to evaluate our ministry is to look at the people we have in our congregation. Are they growing and becoming servants themselves? Jesus served his disciples as he intentionally equipped them to lead when he was gone. This is the model for every pastor and leader to follow.

Reflection

Reread Mark 10:43-45. Prayerfully ask God to help you evaluate your ministry and leadership. Do you order, insist, or impose your way? Or do you lead by influence and modeling? Are you motivated by what you think is right or by love and a desire to serve? What is one act of service you can do this week?