Servant Leadership: Leading Like Jesus
In a culture that often celebrates authority, achievement, and status, Jesus modeled something entirely different — servant leadership. He showed that true greatness is not found in how many people serve us, but how many people we serve. He defines greatness as a heart poster versus relying solely on the quantity or quality of our actions. Is there a willingness to serve others? And is there humility present as an ingredient as we serve? He searches and invites us to search the roots.
“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” — Matthew 20:26–28 (NIV)
Servant leadership begins with humility. A godly leader doesn’t demand honor — he demonstrates it by bestowing honor on others. Jesus, the Son of God, washed the feet of His disciples to show that leadership is about service and entails love in action, not titles or recognition. Authentic and successful leaders, according to Jesus, influence others through character and consistency, not control or manipulation. A servant leader elevates others, celebrates others, and makes space for others to grow and shine.
For example, the truest test of leadership is at home. A husband or father who leads like Christ does so through service, patience, and understanding. He prays for his family, listens before he speaks, and leads with compassion rather than pride. His strength is expressed through gentleness, and he builds his home through inclusivity and acceptance as a result, creating peace, safety, and direction. He guides his household toward Christ with his words and actions. A wife as a leader, in the home, demonstrates gentleness, assertiveness, and is open to reason, even when her “emotional rights” are violated. Her primary role as a leader is to trust God and demonstrate that trust by being willing to give up her comfort for the sake of all in the home. She displays power through restraint and spends a significant amount of time on her knees. She leads with respect and honors her husband’s position as installed by God and is confident in voicing her opinion but does not punish her husband when she does not get her way – she is not married to her ideas and opinions!
Integrity That Inspires Trust
Servant leaders don’t aim for perfection but strive for authenticity, and they recognize that God searches their hearts. As a matter of fact, they invite Him to search their heart daily. When they fail, they own it and are not in the business of placing all the blame on others when they respond poorly to a situation, no matter how hard or difficult it may be. When uncertain, they pray and seek God and have great self-awareness. We are all to be reminded that we don’t experience ourselves the way others experience us. When they are blessed, they give God the glory. Leadership rooted in integrity builds trust — people follow leaders who are genuine, not flawless. We all can be servant leaders if we lay down the expectations that we have to have all our stuff together in order to lead or start leading. What if compassion were our default emotion? Would that change anything? Servant leadership requires empathy and compassion. Leaders who are servants see beyond the surface, recognizing the emotional and spiritual needs of others and desire to point them to the One who can fully satisfy. Jesus didn’t just lead crowds; He stopped for individuals — the blind man, the leper, the woman at the well. Leaders who pause to feel, listen, and care embody the heart of God in action.
Courage That Stands
Leading with humility doesn’t mean avoiding hard truths. Servant leaders confront sin, injustice, and brokenness — but they do it in love. They stand firm when it’s unpopular and speak truth with grace. Their courage flows not from ego but from dependence on God.
I am reminded of the biography of Thomas Jonathan Jackson. Thomas Jonathan “Stonewall” Jackson (1824-1863) was a Confederate general during the American Civil War. He had served earlier in the U.S. Army (including in the Mexican-American War) and later as a professor at the Virginia Military Institute. His famous nickname “Stonewall” was reportedly coined during the First Battle of Bull Run (also called First Manassas) on July 21, 1861. As Confederate troops were faltering under heavy Union assault, a Brigadier General Barnard E. Bee reportedly urged his men to rally, pointing to Jackson’s brigade standing steadfastly and saying, “There stands Jackson like a stone wall.” Whether Bee meant to praise Jackson or chide his own men’s lack of courage is debated, but the phrase caught on. General “Stonewall” Jackson did not see himself as the ultimate actor but as an instrument of God’s will. Even on the battlefield, amid artillery fire and confusion, he would pray, walk among the men with closed eyes in communion with God, trusting that God knew all. Crazy right?
Faith That Anchors and Legacy That Multiplies
Would you say that Jesus was anchored? And did He leave a legacy? A servant leader leads by faith, not fear or feelings. They pray before acting, listen before deciding, and trust God’s Word more than their own wisdom. They are not guided by trends, pressure, or ideology but by the still, steady voice of the Holy Spirit. Their strength comes from time spent in God’s presence and in His Holy Scriptures. A true servant leader doesn’t seek followers; he develops future leaders. I heard someone say like this, the last thing I want for this church is my name to be remembered vs Jesus’ name. He wants the church to be more associated with Jesus, more than the name of the church or the name of the people leading. Sustainability is built on tradition and the “...name above every other name..”. Creating something sustainable starts with preparing others. A servant leader mentors others to lead with grace and humility, modeling what it means to serve rather than to rule. As Paul told Timothy, “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Timothy 2:2, NIV). His impact multiplies through those he equips — spreading faith, compassion, and courage far beyond his own reach.
For God’s Glory Alone
“I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols.” Isaiah 42:8 (NIV)
At its core, servant leadership is about stewardship, not ownership. Every role, title, and opportunity belongs to God. The servant leader’s reward isn’t applause or recognition, but the quiet joy of knowing that others see Christ through him.
“Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.” Psalm 115:1
To God be the glory, great works He has done
Grace and Peace Be With You,
Dane