The term ‘servant leadership’ is very popular now in management books. However, the original concept was described by Jesus at the occasion of the Last Supper while he was sharing the Passover meal with his disciples. Luke records the incident in Chapter 22 of his gospel where Jesus institutes what is known as the ‘Lord’s Supper.’ Here he talks about His impending death and that the bread and wine were symbols to represent His body and blood, which represents the ‘New Covenant’ between God and His people.
On this solemn and historic occasion, we find the disciples arguing about more mundane matters related to deciding who would be the ‘greatest’ among themselves – fortunately falling short of making a declaration! Jesus responds to their discussion by stating that “In this world the kings and great men lord it over their people, yet they are called ‘friends of the people.’ But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant. Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves.”
So, this is the first time in the world that someone links the two words ‘servant’ and ‘leader’ together. Jesus exemplified this title by being a leader who served His disciples and others, by caring for them, teaching them and even confronting them when needed. He demonstrated this practically in the symbolic act of washing their feet during the Passover supper and told His disciples to emulate His example by washing each other’s feet! Rather like throwing cold water on their heated discussion of who the greatest was!
As Jesus said and demonstrated, this attitude is the opposite of what we find in the world. However, in many Christian institutions we find people emulating the world rather than the words of Jesus and ‘lording it over the people’ (whether staff, a congregation etc.).
What does this strange concept of ‘servant leadership’ look like in real life?
- Like Jesus, a servant leader would keep his eyes on the vision and outcomes without neglecting the people he has to lead. Jesus, while being focused on fulfilling the Father’s purposes for His life and the goal of going to the Cross, did not neglect His disciples who followed Him. He loved them to the end and even reinstated Peter, who had betrayed Him three times, by having breakfast with him on the seashore (as recorded in John 20). A servant leader would thus care for his staff and colleagues by supporting them, holistically encouraging them to grow in their knowledge and skills, providing emotional support and enabling them to care for their families as well. The needs of the organization or institution would not supersede the needs of the staff or congregation!
- Secondly, he would create an environment of grace to enable staff to persevere in spite of their mistakes, developing loyalty and commitment.
- Thirdly, he would encourage them to contribute to the institution/organization by actively participating in the development and decision making of the organization, by sharing their thoughts and creative ideas. He would be an excellent listener, listening even to the least of the staff.
A lot of leaders get influenced by the worldly styles of leadership, which tend to be top-down. However, the Lord wants us to make the two great commandments (loving God and loving neighbour) a reality in our leadership. This involves caring for the people whom we lead as we focus on the vision of what God wants us to accomplish.
