Lead by Serving
Leadership. This is truly a word that is interpreted in some many forms and fashions. I want to use this blog post to take some time to share what I have learned about Servant Leadership. I have chosen this type of leadership because I have seen it in action and it is very effective.
It may not come as a shock to you but I would like to first point out a major characteristic of how Jesus lead. Mark 10:45 says “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.” I think that we can find similarities in the culture of Jesus’ time as well as our current circumstances. We are all familiar with the viewpoint of a Dog eat Dog world where one person must over power others to survive. Also, I think it is fair to examine the characteristics of leaders who lose sight of moral and ethical viewpoints when they allow their power to rule over them.
I think that it is very beneficial to consider leading by serving as a way to benefit you and those affected by your influence. Also, it prevents pride and promotes a lifestyle of humility. In your own time I would certainly encourage you to search and study the words: leadership, pride, humility, and service.
So what does a Servant Leader look like and what can we develop in ourselves to become one?
The leader is not only looking out for their own benefit but rather sees a bigger picture. Wikipedia actually states it very well. At heart, the individual is a servant first, making the conscious decision to lead in order to better serve others, not to increase their own power. The objective is to enhance the growth of individuals in the organization and increase teamwork and personal involvement.
I have personally been so blessed to meet great leaders especially through my church community. In 2012 I met Pastor Seth Ready, a true servant leader. Shout out as we celebrate his birthday this week! During 2012 our church didn’t have a sustaining ministry for young adults to be apart of. Seth and his wife Nirva have truly done an amazing work at creating a community of young adults that is authentic and real. Our Sub30 Ministry is a community where I feel so loved, accepted, and yet challenged to become all that I was created to be. To create this type of environment is not an easy thing to do and simply could not have been done by sheer effort to be “popular, relatable, and showy.” There are many characteristics of Seth’s servant leadership that have made an impact on my life, not only as I see myself but also how I see and treat others. Part of being a servant leader is simply allowing others to have an input or voice on how to improve or adjust how things are done. He spent about a year teaching and training leaders before we actually launched weekly services and more events as a ministry. Seth then developed a core team of committed leaders and meets with them on a weekly basis to make collective decisions on the details of how the ministry operates. This has given core leaders and volunteers the ability to serve in their full potential and have a sense of ownership and belonging. Seth is also very aware of what people are going through in their lives, outside of the nights we have church services. He takes time to get to know where people are at in their life and really prepares messages that are beneficial for all who are apart of this community. There is such a consistency in our ministry of people living life together, serving together, and growing together as a result of Servant Leadership.
When people feel that they are important and cared for they are most likely to respond with respect. What better way to lead than to put others first. A Servant Leader is humble, selfless, empathetic, and genuine. Let this blog and Seth’s example of how to lead by serving encourage you to put others first. It’s not about what you can gain from it but rather what you give for the sake of others gain. I promise you serving is much more rewarding than being a dictator. We were made to live together in harmony, to encourage and build up one another. If you want to be a successful leader take the time to develop servant like qualities and watch your sphere of influence react with positive change. Serve on brothers and sisters, Serve On.
PS check out a special mix Seth & Nirva’s recently released.
XOXO
kellieshuman 