The Call to Lead

While our world often equates leadership with dominance and self-promotion, the Christian man is called to a radically different approach. The Bible presents us with a model of leadership that turns worldly notions upside down – servant leadership. This concept, embodied perfectly in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, challenges us to lead not from a position of power, but from a posture of service. 25 years ago, I heard this view maligned by feminist organizations that couldn’t conceive of “manhood” and “servanthood” existing side by side. Sadly, I’ve recently heard even conservative writers take shots at this concept, a principle which I continue to believe is biblical, regardless of what internet “manhood gurus” are saying. I believe this call to servanthood is every man’s calling… and is still “manly” (see my previous posts on Jesus as the prime example of godly manhood as well as the post on redefining strength).

As men who follow Jesus Christ, we’re called to lead in various spheres of life. Whether in our homes as husbands and fathers, in our churches and workplaces, or in our communities as engaged citizens, God has placed us in positions of influence. But with this influence comes a weighty responsibility. We aren’t called to lord our authority over others, but to use our position to serve, uplift, and empower those around us.

The Heart of a Servant

At the core of servant leadership is a fundamental shift in perspective. Instead of asking, “How can I assert my authority?” the servant leader asks, “How can I meet the needs of those I lead?” This mindset reflects the heart of Christ, who said, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). It’s a leadership style that prioritizes the growth and well-being of people and the communities to which they belong.

This approach to leadership requires humility, compassion, responsibility, and a willingness to put others first (Philippians 2). It means being attuned to the needs of those around us and being willing to roll up our sleeves and get our hands dirty. Servant leadership is not about being weak or passive; rather, it’s about channeling our strength and resources into lifting others up.

Leading in the Home

For many men, the first and most crucial arena for servant leadership is the home. As husbands and fathers, we’re called to love our wives “as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25). This sacrificial love is the foundation of servant leadership in the family. It means putting our wives’ needs before our own, encouraging their walk with Christ, and creating an environment where they can flourish.

As fathers, servant leadership involves more than just providing for our children’s material needs. It means being present, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. It involves guiding our children with patience and understanding, disciplining them with love, and modeling the character of Christ in our daily lives. By serving our families, we create a home environment that reflects God’s love and grace.

Servant Leadership in the Church

In the context of the church, servant leadership takes on added significance. No matter where and how God calls and gifts us to serve our church family, our role is to build up the body of Christ. This means using our gifts not for personal gain or recognition, but for the edification of others. As the Apostle Peter exhorts, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10).

Servant leadership in the church involves fostering an environment of love, grace, and mutual support. It means being willing to take on unglamorous tasks, to listen to the concerns of others, and to prioritize the spiritual growth of those we lead. By embodying servant leadership, we create a church culture that reflects the heart of Christ and attracts others to him.

Impacting the Workplace and Community

Beyond the walls of our homes and churches, we’re called to be servant leaders in our workplaces and communities. This might involve volunteering at local organizations, mentoring young people, or engaging in civic leadership. Whatever form it takes, servant leadership in the community means using our influence and resources to address real needs and to be a force for positive “kingdom” change.

As Christian men, we have the opportunity to demonstrate a different kind of leadership in the workplace by performing our work with excellence and integrity – one that prioritizes the common good over purely personal gain, as well as presents a faithful witness for Christ. By serving our communities and workplaces with humility, compassion, and integrity, we not only make a tangible difference in both of these spheres but also bear witness to the life-changing power of the Gospel.

The Challenge of Servant Leadership

Make no mistake – servant leadership is challenging. It goes against our natural inclinations towards self-promotion and self-preservation. It requires us to die to ourselves daily, to put aside our ego, and to embrace vulnerability. In a culture that often equates masculinity with dominance and self-reliance, choosing the path of servant leadership can feel countercultural.

Yet, it’s precisely in this challenge that we find the opportunity for profound personal growth and spiritual maturity. As we embrace the discomfort of serving others, we find ourselves being shaped more and more into the image of Christ. We discover that true strength is found not in asserting our will over others, but in humbly submitting ourselves to God and to the needs of those around us.

The Impact of Servant Leadership

The impact of servant leadership extends far beyond the immediate effects of our actions. When we lead by serving, we create a ripple effect that can transform entire communities. People are drawn to authentic, selfless leadership. It inspires trust, fosters loyalty, and encourages others to adopt a similar approach in their own spheres of influence.

Moreover, servant leadership aligns with God’s design for human flourishing. When we lead as servants, we create environments where people can grow, where creativity can flourish, and where genuine community can develop. We become conduits of God’s grace, demonstrating in tangible ways the love and compassion of Christ.

Growing as a Servant Leader

Becoming a servant leader is a lifelong journey of growth and transformation. It begins with a heart surrendered to God, willing to be shaped by his Word and led by his Spirit. It involves cultivating humility, developing sympathy, and learning to listen deeply to others. It requires us to continually examine our motives, to root out selfishness, and to submit to and line up our actions with the Lordship and example of Christ.

As we pursue godly servant leadership, we can take encouragement from the words of Jesus: “Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all” (Mark 10:43-44). In God’s kingdom economy, true greatness is measured not by how many people serve us, but by how faithfully we serve others.

Key Principle

True leadership is measured by our willingness to serve and elevate others, submitting to and following the lordship and example of Christ.

Reflection Questions

1.      In what areas of your life do you currently have leadership responsibilities? How might applying servant leadership principles change your approach in these areas?

2.      What aspects of servant leadership do you find most challenging? Why?

3.      Can you think of a time when someone demonstrated servant leadership towards you? How did it impact you?

4.      How might your family, church, workplace, or community be different if more men embraced servant leadership?

5.      In what ways does the concept of servant leadership challenge cultural norms about masculinity and power?

Action Steps

1.      Identify one area in your life where you can immediately begin applying servant leadership principles. Make a specific plan to implement these principles over the next week.

2.      Seek out a mentor who exemplifies servant leadership. Ask if you can meet regularly to learn from their experience and wisdom.

3.      Read a biography of a historical figure known for servant leadership (e.g., William Wilberforce, Dietrich Bonhoeffer). Reflect on how their example can inform your own leadership journey.

Remember, there are additional resources available weekly that don’t go out via email. You can find more devotionals, Bible studies, and other resources by clicking here: Walking Points.