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The Creation of Servant-Leaders
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” (Mark 10:42-43).
Not surprisingly, the Jews had much hatred and mistrust of Rome. And they knew what “power” and “authority” looked like. Jesus, however, turned His disciples’ normal worldview of leadership and headship upside- down.
Jesus’ challenge to His disciples was not about the superficiality of washing feet. It was the call to serve others with a Christ-like attitude. Jesus was setting up His followers for God’s heart for ministry: seeking the benefit of others—an instruction and challenge for believers throughout all generations.
Jesus’ goal in modeling this type of leadership was to prepare His disciples to be able to propel God’s kingdom on earth when He was no longer with them. The disciples needed to be prepared to multiply leaders who lead according to God’s heart; they needed to lead as Jesus led.
The Dynamics of the Beatitudes and the Servant Leader’s Heart
(Brady’s Note: If you’ve followed this blog throughout 2018, you know that the Beatitudes have been my Bible Study focus and highlight each month, and I’ve included links to each of them below!)
The “poor in spirit” are individuals who recognize their own need for spiritual guidance and leadership. It is a person’s inner realization of need, of emptiness, and of dependence on God. To be “poor” does not mean financially needy, but spiritually destitute. They have admitted their need for God’s mercy and turned away from their confidence in themselves. These people are most often those who are seeking the wisdom and guidance of others. Jesus assured those listening that recognizing their weaknesses would be a positive asset for them, and necessary for entrance into the Kingdom of God.
Those who “mourn” or realize their sin and are sorrowful will be blessed, and this is a necessary characteristic of a servant leader.
What about the meek? Another word for “meek” is “gentle.” This is an opposite spirit to that of the arrogant and patronizing Scribes and Pharisees and their followers. D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says, “A man can never be meek unless he is poor in spirit. A man can never be meek unless he has seen himself as a vile sinner. These other things must come first.” Meekness says, as in the words of Jesus, “yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). It is a God-honored character trait, and a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23). This type of quiet, humble, servant-leadership is foundational to the ministry of Jesus.
And those who hunger and thirst for righteousness? The psalmist spoke to the passion for righteousness called for in this beatitude when he wrote, “My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times” (Psalm 119:20).
People who show mercy have the ability to show grace and forgiveness. They are actively compassionate and concerned about other people in need. Kingdom servants reflect in their own hearts the heart of Jesus. They are “others-focused.”
The “pure in heart” are those who have not allowed their minds or their hearts to be clogged with the baggage and trash in the world. Since the heart is the control center of a person’s entire life, the book of Proverbs tells us to watch over our hearts with all diligence, “for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23).
The peacemakers are best described by a beautiful Greek word that means “to bind or join together that which is broken or divided.” Jesus wasn’t referring to people with peaceful dispositions; he was referring to people who actively intervene to bind together those that are divided.
For the “righteous”, Jesus was not referring to self-righteousness. The righteousness Jesus spoke of is a characteristic that we receive when we are true followers of Christ. Righteousness is only gained through a committed relationship with the Heavenly Father, and He pointed out how that righteousness would lead to persecution.
When one examines His leadership style, it is obvious that He had a strategy to change and connect people. What Jesus did was as powerful as what He said.
The Building Blocks of Servant-Leadership
I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. – John 13:15-17
What Jesus Taught About Servant-Leadership
Servant Leaders are:
- Not Self-Promoting (Mark 1:11)
- Obedient to the Holy Spirit (Mark 1:12-13)
All sins that hinder someone from being able to serve God fall into one of these three categories: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Jesus had a choice when He was tempted; however, the purpose of His ministry was not to be served, but to fulfill the Father’s plan for Him on earth. Like Jesus, we also have a choice when we are faced with temptations by sins of lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, or the pride of life.
- Those who case a vision with clarity, simplicity, and directness (Mark 1:15).
Jesus didn’t waste any time with fluff; he preached the gospel and exhorted His listeners to respond in repentance.
- Strategic Team Builders (Mark 1:17)
Matthew worked for Rome by collecting taxes, while Simon the Zealot was an ardent Jewish nationalist. For Simon, the idea of paying taxes to Rome went against all he believed. By bringing these two different men together, Jesus showed His power to unify people for a common cause who could otherwise never even be in the same room together. Jesus was all about building relationships, and it all started with a small group of twelve men.
What Jesus Modeled as a Servant-Leader
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- Jesus Expressed Control and Authority as a Servant-Leader When Needed (Mark 1:23-25)
- Jesus Engaged Crises Head-on as a Servant-Leader (Mark 1:30-31)
- Jesus Was All About Empowering Others as a Servant-Leader (Mark 1:40-45)
A Simple Strategy for Recruiting Servant-Leaders
He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. – Matthew 18:2-4
The reason that most organizations fail in developing healthy teamwork is due to having the wrong people in the wrong places.
One of the first steps in developing servant-leadership is to have a healthy process of putting people in the right spot. When the right people are put in the right spot, equipping them to do the job well is the next step.
Healthy teams repeat the following steps to develop the servant-leader mentality:
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- Identify the right people
- Connect the right people
- Equip the right people
- Empower the right people
- Encourage the right people
- Repeat this process
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Empowerment is supplying someone with power and authority, or with confidence and self-esteem. Through empowerment, the servant-leader acknowledges the talents and strengths of others, encouraging them in both action and personal growth.
By committing to this “cycle”—though it initially takes time and effort—it will result in servant-leaders who are committed to their leader, the vision, and each other.
Three Fundamentals for Developing Servant-Leaders
Serving others can be defined as helping others in small things, guarding the reputation of others, showing common courtesy, extending hospitality, listening, bearing the burdens of one another, and sharing the word of Life.
Here are three fundamentals to servant-leadership development that can be found in the Bible:
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- When a leader admits he or she cannot do it alone and acknowledges that there are those who have greater skills and abilities, there can be success. The Old Testament book of Exodus tells a story in which Moses received advice from his father-in-law, Jethro. Jethro, the priest of Midian, encouraged Moses on how he should adjust his approach to leading people. Jethro keyed in to a major problem in Moses’ leadership: Moses took on every issue himself; he did not trust others’ leadership abilities. Moses needed an attitude adjustment. (See my post on Jethro: The World’s First Management Consultant.)
- Include different people. Jesus had a very strategic plan in recruiting men of different character. Notice the diversity between the fishermen, a tax collector, and a Zealot. Including diverse personalities was Jesus’ plan and strategy. What Jesus was showing in His recruitment plan was the power of diversity when handled in the right way.
- Rely on the unifying Holy Spirit.
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These three basic fundamentals—attitude adjustment, including different people and relying on the unifying Holy Spirit—are foundational in being a true follower and servant-leader of Jesus.
Strategy – Growing Servant-Leaders Like Jesus Did
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. – Mark 10:45
Jesus’ style can be seen in the process of involving His disciples in four phases of ministry (as identified by Bill Hull):
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- The “Come and See” Phase: Jesus’ invitation to His followers starts with them to only “come and see” what was taking place.
- The “Follow Me” Phase: Jesus said to His disciples, “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people” (Matthew 4:19). The implication here is that Jesus can take skills already developed and teach someone how to use what they know for the Kingdom.
- The “Be with Me” Phase: Jesus’ ability to understand the workings of education and crowd dynamics was evident in His selection of only twelve men. It is almost impossible to experience closeness with anyone when there are dozens of people present. Jesus’ strategy was to create followers who would be able to lead the multitudes, rather than tend to the needs of a multitude of disciples, falling onto the shoulders of an individual.
- The “Remain in Me” Phase: It is evident in Jesus’ strategy that He was seeking men who would continue developing others long after He ascended into heaven.
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A healthy servant-leader understands that learning is a lifelong process. Learning and growing never stops, it is always evolving.
Investing in Others As A Servant-Leader Coach
Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. – Luke 22:25-26
John Mott, a Christian leader at the beginning of the twentieth century, defined a servant-leader as “one who knows the road, who can keep ahead, and who can pull others after him.”
Jesus’ daily practices would set the example for His disciples and future followers:
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- Jesus made sure that He had time to be with the Heavenly Father before he did any leading, training, or teaching with His disciples (Mark 1:35; Luke 4:42).
- Jesus had a consistent habit of praying for those He intended to lead. (John 17:6-19)
- Jesus recruited a small group of leaders and invested in them. His goal was to share His vision and help develop their leadership skills (Matthew 4:18-22; Luke 5:1-10).
- Jesus gave His disciples opportunities to fail and succeed.
- Jesus created opportunities for His disciples to take full responsibility of His ministry.
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The overall goal of any servant-leader coach is to inspire those they lead. Encouragement is an absolute necessity for a successful team. After Jesus’ resurrection, and just before He ascended to the Father in heaven, Jesus again encouraged His disciples with the last words they would ever hear from Him: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:20b
Why Servant-Leadership Often Fails
No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. – Matthew 6:24
Effective servant-leaders know how important it is to develop an environment where team members are allowed to fail and pick themselves up and move forward. What causes someone in a leadership role to fail at being a servant or to avoid the idea all together? There are many reasons why leaders do not develop their servant-leadership skills, including the following:
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- Micro-Management: Micro-managers believe they can do everyone’s job better than anyone else. Those who practice micromanaging will never see the full results of their servant-leadership potential. In contrast to micromanagers, servant-leaders empower equals. Effective servant-leaders recruit team members with gifts and abilities they don’t have, and release those people to accomplish the goals that need to be reached however they see fit. That leader steps aside, and only connects back in to encourage. The servant-leader recognizes their method of doing something is not the only method, or even the best method. Servant leaders allow others to excel as unique individuals.
- Lack of Trust: If a leader has to have his or her hand on every activity of the organization, the potential for that group is minimized.
- Self-Doubt: The self-doubt of a leader most often will cripple any organization. It is impossible to convince team members to believe in themselves if the leader suffers from self-doubt.
- Resistance to Diversity: Diversity is a gift, not a threat! A leader who can recognize and encourage the various contributions of a person to a ministry or organization, will lead it to a level of success and accomplishment that cannot be reached without diversity.
- Fear of Uncertainty: Uncertainty can destroy the work of any servant-leader, if those he or she is leading sense it. When leading others who are fearful, effective servant-leaders remind those they are leading that God is with them, and will direct their paths. Fear of leading can be approached in three ways:
- You can pretend that your concerns do not exist and hope they will go away;
- Face your fears and try to overpower them;
- Recognize your fears and claim them for what they are and deal with them by calling on the power of the Holy Spirit to help.
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As you look at these three ways of approaching fear, recognize that the first two are weak. However, recognizing concerns and acknowledging them for what they are, will allow any servant-leader to deal with fear in a productive way.
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- Fear of Criticism: Not all criticism is bad.
- Fear of Past Failings: There is one thing that makes a dream or a goal impossible to achieve: the fear of failing. Fear of failure is actually rooted in a lack of belief.
- Fear of Making Mistakes: When one becomes afraid to launch forward because of fear, he or she misses many great opportunities. Put mistakes behind you, receive God’s forgiveness and acceptance, and heed Paul’s words to “press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).
- Fear of the Unknown: Jesus addressed the fear of the unknown with His disciples prior to His crucifixion when he said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me” (John 14:1).
- Fear of Being Rejected: Rejection can have a far-reaching impact into people’s lives. Servant-leaders must be willing to fail if they expect to see positive results. Of all God’s prohibitions in the Bible, the Savior’s word’s “fear not” seems to stand out the most.
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What Does a Humble Servant-Leader Look Like?
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve. – 1 Peter 5:2
Humility tends to be associated with weakness.
This is an important principle for those who desire to lead like Jesus: service to others is nothing if it is not based on serving God first. Humble servant-leaders seek God’s kingdom first, then seek to love and serve others. This is Biblical servant leadership.
Humble Servant Leaders:
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- Inspire Others
- Explain Themselves Well: A healthy leader can take the time to explain and lay out the details in a clear, concise fashion. This type of leaders is never in a hurry.
- Are Easily Understood. There is no confusion with this person.
- Are Motivational
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Living the Life of a Servant-Leader
Jesus shows three different parts of his Servant-Leader Life:
1) Jesus’ public life
2) Jesus’ personal life
3) Jesus’ spiritual life
It’s important to recognize that others are watching what you say and do. A strong servant-leader makes his closest friends those who follow the Lord.
The servant-leader wisely carves out time to pull away from work, ministry, family, and friends to be alone with God. These three areas of Jesus’ public, personal and private life are powerful lessons on how to balance life as a servant-leader. To fulfill these three areas of servanthood life, there must also be conviction, commitment, and courage.
How Do Churches Develop Servant-Leaders?
I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. – John 13:15
Think about your call, your character, and your competencies and let God use you as a leader. Your ability has nothing to do with whether God’s plan will come to pass. But your refusal may cause you to miss the most exciting thing you will ever do while living on this earth!
When a leader encourages another person, the God-given skills and talents of those individuals are pulled to the forefront. The opposite takes place when a person is discouraged or criticized.
When servant-leaders practice affirmation through positive statements, kind words, and even rewards, they go beyond the present and create future possibilities.
The Praying Skills of Servant-Leaders
One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” – Luke 11:1
A growing servant-leader is a praying person. Gary Collins asks a very interesting question of Christians. “Have you ever noticed how easy it is to plan first and pray later? Or we don’t pray until we get stuck and need to be rescued.”
American college basketball coach, John Wooden, also had this to say about prayer, “Don’t pray to win. Such a request is not biblical. Instead, be a winner by being honorable and staying satisfied with asking for the fullness of God’s blessing, presence, influence, and protection—for His glory, not yours.”
The Lord’s Prayer is the best guidance and instruction ever given on how to utilize prayer. It is a practice of:
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- Honoring and believing in God,
- Asking for God’s provisions for taking care of one’s needs,
- Seeking forgiveness while practicing forgiving others and
- Seeking protection from sinful behavior.
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Jesus instructs His followers to pray authentically. Don’t put on a show or an act, and do not pretend. Servant-leadership is powerless without an active prayer life.
Servant-Leaders Create Change
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:18-20
When a Christian agrees to become a servant-leader, like Jesus, they help to create a learning environment among other believers. One fact can never be forgotten: humility is the key! Servant-leaders must be willing to humbly admit that they do not have all the answers. This type of attitude will help create an environment that will draw many people.
The character of a true servant-leader is not fake or misleading. True servant-leaders do not try and create other leaders who are fake. They pursue creating leaders who lead by doing what the Lord created them to do. When we use our unique personalities under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, we become a powerful and useful tool in the hands of God.
Servant-leadership, designed by Jesus, is the perfect example of grace. If a congregation of believers follows this expression of faith it will destroy practices of Christians being too hard on each other, and the conflicts that evolve and destroy many congregations will be overpowered. This will change the environment of the average church.