Servant leadership

THROUGH the example of Jesus, we see a leader who didn’t lead by being served but rather by serving others. Yet, we also read Bible verses that exhort us to honour our elders and give them the respect they are due – which many times translates into serving them.

What is the balance for a Christian leader? It is an interesting concept… especially in the African context where so many spiritual leaders are being honoured to extreme measures. It certainly is a far cry from the example of Jesus who was content to kneel down and wash his disciples’ feet and carry his own cross up the hill of Calvary! What does the Bible say about this issue? I will quote a couple of verses, then we will pick them apart to analyse the content for the answers we seek.

Let’s first look at 1 Peter 5:1-6 “I, who am an elder myself, appeal to the church elders among you… I appeal to you to be shepherds of the flock that God gave you and to take care of it willingly, as God wants you to, and not unwillingly. Do your work, not for mere pay, but from a real desire to serve. Do not try to rule over those who have been put in your care, but be examples to the flock…In the same way you younger people must submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you must put on the apron of humility, to serve one another; for the scripture says, “God resists the proud, but shows favour to the humble.” Humble yourselves, then, under God’s mighty hand, so that he will lift you up in his own good time.

Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:26–28)

A servant leader is one who gives of himself to help others become more like Christ. The easiest example to help

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Ashley Thaba is a life-coach, team-building facilitator and motivational speaker. She is also the author of Conquering the Giants and Dive In.