What is servant leadership? The world would define servant leadership as a corporate model where the needs of the employees are put first instead of a more top-down leadership style. There is certainly much to be commended in a business that treats its employees fairly, but this business model is not a biblical definition of servant leadership. Biblical leadership and biblical service are much more radical than an employee-centric company.
What is a biblical approach to servant leadership? There is no greater picture of true servant leadership than the Lord Jesus Christ. A careful reading of the gospels reveals that Christ’s leadership was characterized by radical acts of service and leadership. Not for the sake of being rebellious or famous but everything was to do his Father’s will. Here are a few examples:
Radical Leadership
Jesus cleanses the temple in an act of tremendous courage (John 2)
Jesus openly condemns the unbelieving of all classes of Jewish society (Luke 4; Matthew 23)
Jesus publicly declares his deity on a number of occasions (John 7; John 4)
Radical Service
Jesus declares that greatness in his kingdom is measured by service (Mark 10)
Jesus spends countless hours healing, teaching and feeding people who reject him (Matthew 4 & 9)
Jesus models service by washing the disciples' feet (John 13)
What can we learn from Christ about servant leadership?
First, biblical leadership and service are empowered and effective only as it is done in the will of God and the power of the Spirit. Jesus said, “[I came] not to do my will but the will of him who sent me” (John 6:38). In other words, nothing Jesus ever taught, no miracle he ever did or action he took was motivated by self-interest. He was focused on doing God’s will.
Second, a biblical servant leadership mindset does not imply weakness. Jesus displayed more courage than any man ever has because he faced a death and agony beyond compare and willingly accepted it. Many equate a servant’s heart with weakness; they think that a leader should lead by force of personality, ability or power, not through love and humility. However, a biblical leader will be strong and bold (Ephesians 6:10) and yet tenderly care for his charges (1 Thessalonians 2).
Third, biblical servant leadership is costly. It cost Jesus everything to lead his disciples and serve them to the end. Those who would follow in his steps and be biblical servant leaders can expect a great cost to themselves as well. Washing feet, standing for truth and tirelessly serving those that do not really care about us is costly. Those that do this though will not be overlooked by God and can anticipate a reward greater than their efforts (Hebrews 6:10).
God calls all of us to serve and many of us to lead in some capacity or another. Let us commit ourselves to the example of Christ and strive, by the Spirit’s help, to be the servant leaders God has enabled us to be.