Unit 3. Servant Leadership: Going the Second Mile
Activity 3:
Unit 3 is an extension of Unit 2; it adds the essential concept of servant leadership as going the second mile (see Matt. 5:41, Commentary).
- Think about your present leadership roles and tasks.
- Read, then re-read the following definitions of “servant leadership.”
- Select 5 to 7 elements that should go into your concept and practice of servant leadership.
1) Paul A. Cedar–Strength in Servant Leadership
The servant leader (pp. 27-30):
- examines the life of Jesus Christ
- serves as Jesus served
- leads as Jesus led
- gives what Jesus has given
- is in all empowered by the Holy Spirit
Servant leadership is for everyone; for our different situations and needs it is the common Christian leadership style. It is both biblical and practical for business, home, school, and the church (see pp. 17-27). Servant leadership begins with the heart–with our attitude, with our motives (p.29; see also Phil 2:4-7). You can be a servant leader-whatever your leadership role … the Lord is anxious to empower and encourage us. Remember, servant leadership is not natural; it requires the supernatural–the very presence and power of God (see pp. 161-162).
2) Steven R. Covey–Principle-Centered Leadership
Principle-centered leaders are service-oriented. They see life as a mission, not as a career . . .. In effect, every morning they “yoke up” and put on the harness of service, thinking of others. . .. Until you can say “I am my master,” you cannot say “I am your servant” (pp. 34, 55).
3) Robert D. Dale–Pastoral Leadership
Servanthood is the primary biblical image of leadership and the basic image of the person and work of Christ. As a leadership stance, servants (pp. 25, 29, 34):
- lead out of relationship, not by coercion
- lead by support, not by control
- lead by developing others, not by doing all the ministry themselves
- guide people, not drive them
- lead from love, not domination
- seek growth, not position
4) Max DePree–Leadership Jazz
A jazz band is an expression of servant leadership–a public performance, dependent on so many things-the environment, the volunteers playing in the band, the need for everyone to perform as individuals and as a group, the absolute dependence of the leader on the members of the band, the need of the leader for the followers to play well. What a summary of an organization! (pp. 8-9)
5) Rick E. Ferguson–The Servant Principle
The Servant Principle is a dynamic call that challenges us to return to Christian service, performing tasks for the Lord in all walks of life–at home, in our communities, on the job, and most of all, in the church …. Servanthood is more than a lifestyle. It is simply a life. The life of a servant (book cover, p. 4).
6) Leighton Ford–Transforming Leadership
Jesus knew the price of leadership–he was willing to give himself (see Mark 10:45, Commentary).
- Kingdom leadership is in contrast to worldly patterns.
- It is internally consistent with the nature of Christ’s community.
- It takes its ultimate model from the Son of Man.
7) Robert K. Greenleaf–Servant Leadership
Those who choose to follow the servant leadership principle will freely respond only to individuals who are chosen as leaders because they are proven and trusted as servants (p. 10).
8) James C. Hunter–The Servant
Leadership: The skill of influencing people to work enthusiastically toward goals identified as being for the common good …. You manage things, you lead people … Leadership boils down to a simple four-word description: . .. Identify and meet needs (pp. 28, 90).
9) Southwest Airlines–SkyMall Magazine
Service is the lifeblood of any organization. Everything flows from it and is nourished by it. Customer service is not a department, it’s an attitude (a motto).
10) Gene Wilkes–Jesus on Leadership
Those who lead in God’s kingdom lead from a kneeling position, dressed like a servant, meeting the needs of those who follow them (p. 20; see also John 13:16-17).
Click here for additional Support Materials. Spend a few minutes on the web to read additional definitions of Servant Leadership and some great articles!
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