Are You A Servant Leader?

[Dr. Henry Harbuck]

Are you a servant leader or a leader who wants to be served? James Hunter in his book “The Servant” presents a powerful picture of what it really means to be a servant/leader. He shares: “Leadership is ultimately rooted in our will. Not forcing our will on others, but demonstrating our will to serve. There is a big difference between leading through power and leading through authority. Many people can simply force people to do what they want because they have the power to make them. However, few people like to be forced to do anything. Eventually such “power driven leadership” destroys relationships. On the other hand, some have the ability to lead through authority. Authority is different than power. Power is something you have and force on people. Authority is something you gain – it’s given to you by the people you lead. How does one gain authority from those they lead? Only through service and sacrifice. When people see that you have their best interests at heart, when they see you are willing to sacrifice and serve them they will be willing to follow. That’s servant leadership, that’s authority.”

What a powerful message for ministers today. Remember pride is the opposite of humility. We as Christian leaders, must continue to fight this battle. We must never think because God has called us as overseers of His flock that we are superior to someone else. I’m reminded of the old wagon wheel, it takes many spokes make it work and each of these spokes are crucial for the strength of the wheel.

In Matthew 23:11-12 the Bibles says, “The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” So let’s be leaders with a servant attitude.