The Essence of Leadership

SERVANTHOOD

By Apostle Felix

But this is not your calling. You will lead by a completely different model. The greatest one among you will live as the one who is called to serve others, because the greatest honor and authority is reserved for the one with the heart of a servant. For even the Son of Man did not come expecting to be served by everyone, but to serve everyone, and to give his life in exchange for the salvation of many. Matthew 20: 26 – 28

Leadership is not necessarily a position or title, but more to do with service. It is enshrined in servanthood. The church is at the crossroads where leadership is concerned. The church is using the chiefdom leadership template, especially the church in Africa. The emphasis is more on hierarchy than servanthood. Greatness in our African context is determined by the many people serving you.

The greatest among you will be the one who always serves others from the heart. Remember this: If you have a lofty opinion of yourself and seek to be honored, you will be humbled. But if you have a modest opinion of yourself and choose to humble yourself, you will be honored. Matthew 23: 11, 12

There is no better description for leadership than servanthood. However, it is not self abasement or a humiliation. But it is humility.

Characteristics of Servanthood Leadership

1.Humility

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 1 Peter 5: 5

Submission is the mark of humility. One should first and foremost, be submitted to the integrity of God’s Word. The person should not be found wanting and be entrusted with leadership. One should be submissive to the authority in place to qualify to lead. Jesus grew in favor with God and man because He was submissive.

And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. Luke 2: 51, 52

To be continued…