Servant Leadership Philosophy

In The Case for Servant Leadership, author Dr. Kent M. Keith proposes that servant leadership is the most beneficial wholesome for a leadership model. Keith presents that the power leadership model does more harm than good, lacks problem solving, fails to grasp opportunities, and does not have the intention to create a better world unlike the service leadership model.

Atkinson (2014) believes effective leadership displays, “No person is less divine than another, and therefore no person is less than another” (p. 145). Throughout the bible, there are many people in scripture that God placed in leadership roles. Jesus, David, Moses, Paul, Peter, Abraham and many others are some of those leaders. There are core attributes discussed in the lecture that personally reflect my opinion of what an effective leader of Christ needs such as, a shared vision, model of the way, empowerment of others, challenge of the process, and encouragement of the heart.

This paper first explores the significance of the leadership change, followed by an examination of three notable characteristics of servant leadership and their historical influence through the eyes of a famous leader. Whether one studies Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War”, Martin Luther King Jr.’s extraordinary passion for equality, or even Vince Lombardi’s coaching

Many of these servant leaders had courage that resonated the true characteristics and virtues necessary to lead God’s children and many of these biblical leaders, chosen by God often met with adversities, which often gave birth to their faith and perseverance to align in God, are will and grace. Biblical servant leaders were visionaries who had extraordinary characteristics, and qualities necessary to lead God’s children, which included characteristics of humility, courage, enabling others, wisdom, inspiration, meekness. According to the author Michael Youssef “through the example of Jesus, we see how important it is for leaders to be visionaries-yet leaders must be careful not to walk too far ahead of their followers…but you must do what you can to share your vision with them for the days

It seems that many have the idea that leadership is all about authority and power. This is seen both inside the church and outside as well, at least that has been this writer’s personal experience. The statement reiterated by Sampson (2011) drove home a major point and that is that leadership is more than simply demanding, commanding, or directing individuals under one’s control or authority, it has to do with one’s ability to influence others even when no apparent authority is present.

From the group Biblical Integration Paper, it was understood that servant-leadership is not only a gift of purpose that God places in the hearts of His people, but it is also a calling in one’s life to truly touch the lives of others in need. Living a successful life, as a servant-leader is not one that focuses on self-fulfillment, rather it is in seeking a fulfillment that comes from Christ when one pours him/herself out for the sake of others. It is through servant-leadership that one is able to bring hope into hopeless situations (Group Integration Paper,

Discusses the pitfalls of using secular models of leadership to guide the church. The author is interested in what the Bible says about leadership within the church. Leadership authority as the New Testament presents to issue. The author first takes the time to define authority, power, and rule in order to properly understand what the Bible teaches and how one can lead with biblical authority and not use their authority to lord it over others or to use their authority to promote themselves. Another area addressed is that of submission and obedience. When authority is mentioned submission must also be discussed. This article

As I think on how would Jesus lead in situations of change, I immediately began to think about many situations that I was forced to be a leader in. First, I began to think about as little girl, I was always placed in a leadership role among my brothers and sisters. Second, I began to to think about being force to lead in projects on my job, because many new that I would get the job done. Lastly, I thought about being placed

Leadership and management for many go hand in hand, and may be perceived as one in the same. In the book titled, The Servant (1998), James C. Hunter challenged this mainstream view, and literally turned this concept, which so many are coached on, upside-down. The notions of what characterizes a virtuous leader, as well as what it means to serve others, are the primary focal points of Hunter’s book. He did an eloquent job of revealing his theory concerning effective leadership by using an allegorical approach which, made the content easier to digest and much more personable. The Servant deeply resonated with me, and I gained significant value from the attitudes Hunter presented which, I can apply to my schooling, personal life, and future career paths. I was also able to discern what I felt to be applicable elements regarding the mark of a worthy leader, and arrived at my own theories.

I previously answered this question as being a servant of people while leading. However, following the module my thoughts have changed because it is realized that Jesus’ role on earth was that of a servant and He was the greatest leader of all. The module taught, according to the writings of Robert Greenleaf (1977), the greatness of a leader is first experienced by people who witness one as a servant. Also learned, Kathleen Patterson’s view that a servant leader’s focus is follower-focused instead of the primary focus on organizational objectives. The module revealed Patterson’s suggestion of seven virtuous constructs in the process of servant leadership. The process included Agapao, which is a Greek term for love that pursues right-doing at

The examination of servant leadership has been well documented since the days of the Bible. The Bible tells us about some of the most influential and some of the most heinous leaders throughout its scripture. Through its teachings, the Bible also tells us how to deal with the most difficult leaders and is well-stocked with different mechanisms to do so. One of the most prominent servant leaders is Nehemiah, from the book of Nehemiah. In Nehemiah 4:22-23, Nehemiah demonstrates that he will stand side-by-side with those he was leading in their efforts. He was servant to his earthly king, and he becomes a servant in leading the people of his true King. We are all building a structure in our own lives. There are times when our efforts crumble and

A leader can be appointed because of their charisma, position, and influence. They are able to complete the assigned task based on their innate abilities. Quiet leaders however, focus on virtues and values instead of innate abilities. The quiet leader has influence regardless of their formal position. Servant leadership and steward leadership are two Biblical images of leadership. These two leadership styles can make an impact in the how an educational institution achieves its vision and people develop. The virtues of quiet leadership: modesty, restraint, tenacity, interdependence and other centeredness are embraced through servant and steward leadership.

“Follow Me!” The call to His disciples was straightforward. Three short years later, after watching and listening to the Master, Jesus gave a final charge, “Go and make disciples.” (Commonly known as the Great Commission, it is the call to all followers of Christ as well.) Jesus chose to implement the fulfilling of the New Covenant through 12 men who He called, appointed, and commissioned (Willson, 1990). His methods were unconventional and revolutionary for that time. Training was extensively and exclusively provided by Jesus while living with Him for three years prior to His ascension. He taught about servant leadership and its meaning for both the leader and follower (Matt. 20:25-28). An examination of His actions in the

Leadership from a Christian perspective focus on theological expositional, worship facilitation and communication skills. Many leadership styles pass over the one role model Jesus Christ, who should be the main focus of any leadership style. The focus of growth on each individual and their achievements and full potential distinguishes servant leadership from all other leadership styles. The service of the followers is the main concern of the servant leader. Jesus submitted himself under the will of God for sacrificial service. Jesus made the choice to serve others freely by doing so. Jesus was God’s son and the most powerful leader than any other in the world. He was a leader that healed

Firs of all, Robert K. Greenleaf coined the modern term servant-leadership in 1970 in the essay entitled, The Servant as Leader, after reading Herman Hesse’s (1956) short novel, Journey to the East. After reading this story, Greenleaf concluded that the central meaning of this novel was that a great leader must first of all become a servant and get the experience as a servant, and that this is central to his or her greatness. There are many passages in the Bible which depicts the servant leadership qualities of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, who lived in the first century C.E and taught his disciples, “But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant”. Jesus modelled his teaching on servant leadership by washing the feet of His disciples, including the one who was to betray him.