Leading with Humility: Embracing Servant Leadership
As church and apostolic leaders navigating a post-Christian European landscape, our model of leadership cannot be imported from the corporate boardrooms of secular culture. It must be forged in the radical, upside-down kingdom teachings of Jesus.
The Power of Servanthood: Jesus' Teachings on Leadership
Sometimes Jesus was blunt and hard-hitting. At these times, there appear to be no exceptions to what He says. He does not soften his language. One of the prime examples of Jesus being so forthright is when He spoke of how we should lead.
"You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Jesus continues by making one of those direct, unequivocal statements: “Not so with you” (verse 26). This is a blunt statement, even more so in the original Greek. It is a statement of strong contrast. It expresses the opposite of what has gone before. Jesus is teaching that this “lording it over” people is wrong, and that Christians should lead in a manner and spirit that is directly opposed to this. Indeed—and this is the opposite—they are to serve those they lead.
Thankfully, Jesus also points to a beautiful, life-giving alternative for leadership: servanthood. Given the emphasis Jesus puts on this matter, how does a servant leader actually act? What are the characteristics we must cultivate as we plant and nurture churches across Europe?
Seven Characteristics of a Servant Leader
Listening
We live in a busy world of goals and rapid strategies. But in that rush, people want to be heard—really heard.
Praying
Servant leaders take time to pray for those in their care. When we see people struggling, we don’t always know what to do. God, however, does.
Setting Vision
We are more likely to flourish when we are heading in a God-intended direction. Leaders serve by praying, seeking God, and casting vision. This brings excitement and unites believers to fulfill God’s purposes from city to city.
Teaching
In an age of endless digital information, sound biblical teaching is crucial. A wise leader equips believers with theological tools to make good judgments, applying the timeless truth of Scripture to contemporary cultural shifts.
Ensuring Practical Assistance
Moving house, single parenting, struggling in school, or seeking employment—people's physical needs are important to God. Leaders must coordinate help without fostering dependency.
Continuing Personal & Character Development
We serve our people best when we ourselves are healthy—communing with God in prayer, growing in wisdom, and protecting ourselves from burnout. A leader lacking spiritual vitality cannot lead others into spiritual maturity.
Encouraging
In the hardships of life, believers need someone to stand with them, pray with them, and speak words of life. Your expression of belief in your leadership team and congregation is a powerful fuel for the Great Commission.
Leadership in post-Christian Europe
In Western Europe, where church attendance averages between 5% and 10%, authoritarian, "lording-over" structures only push people further away. The future of church planting on this continent rests on apostolic leaders who are willing to reach the world from house to house, city to city, and nation to nation through genuine, self-giving love.
The above seven factors are not exhaustive. In leadership, the key is to look to Jesus, seek guidance from Him, wisdom from Him and love from Him that we can then pass on to others. Jesus was the supreme example of serving in that He suffered and gave His life for us.
We are called to be like Jesus in doing all we can to help and nurture others. This indeed is servant leadership.