Serving Leadership

[Coaching Lesson #10 from our Serving Leadership Development Program—Beginning the Journey, Phase 1]

Serving leadership is the only approach to leadership that Jesus validated for his followers. This is why it is important to fully understand what becoming a serving leader really means.

Becoming a serving leader begins with the desire to help—to offer others the very comfort, compassion, and contentment you have been given. Serving leadership is a decision that arises from a rescued heart, a reformed character, a reclaimed desire, and a renewed willingness to put others first. Serving leadership is about serving others in order to achieve a higher purpose.

JESUS: Our Model of Serving Leadership (John 13:1-17)

One of the greatest examples of serving leadership took place when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. As the disciples were sitting down to eat what would be Jesus’ last supper, Jesus realized that no one was available to wash their feet—a custom in the culture of that day and normally a task reserved for the slaves and servants. So Jesus took off his outer clothing and took up a towel, a wash basin, and a vase of water, and began to wash the disciples feet. He did this as an example for them, and for us, showing us how to serve others as He did.

Jesus didn’t just talk about being a serving leader; he lived and modeled it every single day.

Serving or Self-Serving Leadership? (Matthew 20:25-28)

For followers of Jesus, serving leadership isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a mandate. It is to be a living statement of who we are, how we treat others, and how we show Christ’s love to the world.

How can we tell if we are serving or self-serving leaders? Here are a few ways: First, self-serving leaders seek to take “from” the organization as many perks and privileges as possible. They seek status, authority, prestige, and power. On the other hand, serving leaders seek to “contribute” to the organization and to those they lead. They know that to accomplish the mission that God has given them they must invest their time, energy, and talents into developing others to become all that God wants them to be.

How do we become serving leaders? We can only do this by giving up our ego, pride and selfish interests, surrendering our leadership to the greatest leader of all time—Jesus!

Discussion Questions:

1. In your own words, what do you believe it means to be a serving leader? 
2. What are some practical ways that you can follow Jesus’ example of serving others at work, in the home, at church, and in your community?
3. How difficult is it for leaders to give up their power, authority and status to “serve” others?