Servant Leadership

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"The great leader is seen as a servant first and that simple fact is the key to his greatness”, these are the words of Robert K. Greenleaf, founder of the Greenleaf Center for Servant-Leadership in Indianapolis, USA.

This principle was exercised by Jesus when He preceded His disciples two thousand years ago. He did not compel the people around Him to adhere to His will. His leadership genre was fundamentally diverse from what we witness in today’s world. It was one of meekness, humility and selfless assistance to others despite the fact that “He had been given full authority … in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18).

Christ-like leadership means taking into account the need and destitution of our neighbors ahead of our own, looking for their goodness, enriching their spiritual development and intimacy with God. It also means handling others the way God has treated us. Servant leaders carry out gentle persuasion and rationale rather than barking commands and ultimatums. They don’t dictate respect and take highly regard of themselves. Instead, they recognize that before God they themselves are but servants who are only doing their duty.

No matter what our position of leadership, it is never a defeat if we surrender our service for others’ sake. Service that cares for others is the basis of bona fide worthiness. Ruling other people’s lives is not a leader’s characteristic. It is helping other people’s poverty that God regard as great.