I have recently finished reading a book that I think is a must read for every person who is in a position of leadership: “The Serving Leader” by Ken Jennings and John Stahl-Wert”. (To look inside this book and read the first few pages, go to: http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/1576752658/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link )
(Web site for “The Serving Leader”: http://www.trinityplacepartners.com/servingleader/authors/index.html#links
For a long time, I have tried to understand how a leader could be a servant and how a servant could be a leader. I know that the answer is found in Jesus by investigating the example He modeled during His earthly ministry. But, in my frustration, I know that I am not Jesus and I have never been able to integrate leadership and servanthood.
The book that I have mentioned has helped me gain some decisive insight on how a leader can be a servant and how a servant can be a leader. During the course of my reading the book, I was convicted by the Spirit of God about some areas of pride in my life and some areas where I need to demonstrate humility, which is the primary quality of a servant.
The book is written, primarily from a business perspective, but it also is written from a religious perspective. You can find out more about the authors by going to: http://www.3rd-river.com/ (Ken Jennings) and http://www.plf.org/ (John Stahl-Wert). Stahl-Wert is an ordained pastor in the Mennonite Church and is a professor in the Department of Leadership Studies at Geneva College (graduate school) http://www.geneva.edu. Ken Jennings is a faculty member of the Bethel School of Leadership (which is associated with Bethel College and Seminary. I am trying to get more info).
If I could buy a copy of this book for everyone in leadership, I would in a heartbeat. That’s how important I believe this book is. Amazon has used copies of the book beginning at $2.20 plus shipping and I have always been pleased with the quality of used books bought through Amazon.
Because the Spirit of God will not leave me alone on this issue in my life, I have written the following. Some of it is original and some of it is adapted from: “Dying To Self” by Gene Warr, Video Tape, Wise Investments, Copyright 1977, International Evangelism Association. Gene Warr is one of my heroes who has since gone on to enjoy the presence of God in heaven. http://www.discipleshiplibrary.com/gene_warr.php)
(By the way, I am still working on this area of my life and I’m still working on what I have written below. I think it will take a lifetime considering how well I know myself).
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What is a servant?
A servant empties himself of pride.
A servant doesn’t talk about himself but lets others talk themselves.
A servant doesn’t try to control conversations in a group of people.
A servant isn’t jealous.
A servant isn’t angry.
A servant isn’t greedy.
A servant isn’t malicious.
A servant isn’t slanderous.
A servant doesn’t exalt himself.
A servant doesn’t need to be recognized for what he does.
A servant doesn’t need to promote himself.
A servant doesn’t need to be the first in line and is actually glad to be the last one in line.
A servant doesn’t expect other people to serve him but looks for ways to serve others.
A servant understands that the rules apply to him just as much as they apply to everyone else.
A servant wants to be lowly.
A servant knows that he has no rights and expects no special privileges.
A servant wants to be crucified and wants to die to the flesh.
A servant doesn’t brag on himself and doesn’t need to feel important to other people.
A servant is glad when he is treated like a servant not just called a servant.
A servant isn’t hurt when he is forgotten or overlooked but he is happy for being counted worthy to suffer for Christ.
A servant refuses to let anger rise in his heart and refuses to defend himself when his good is evil spoken of, when his wishes are ignored, when his advice is disregarded, and his opinion ridiculed, and takes it all in patient, loving silence.
A servant lovingly and patiently bears any insensitivity and annoyances from other people.
A servant doesn’t itch after commendation and truly loves to be unknown.
A servant rejoices, feels no envy, nor questions God when he sees others around him prosper and have their needs met while his own needs are far greater and in more desperate circumstances and have yet to have been fulfilled.
A servant humbly submits inwardly and outwardly when he receives correction and reproof from someone and allows no rebellion or resentment to rise up within his heart.
A servant doesn’t think more highly of himself than he ought to and considers every other person in his life a special gift of God, created by Him for a special purpose.
A servant is content with the level of God’s provisions of his financial, physical, and spiritual needs and trusts His Master to always take care of everything he needs.
And, finally, because he understands that the heart of Jesus lives within him, the servant knows that his humility and his lowliness are his gifts to the kingdom of God.
What is a servant?
Ah, now, that is something you will have to answer for yourself.
