Servant leadership: The nature of God in us

Bud Brown March 23, 2023

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Servant leadership is a concept rooted in the nature of God. He is the ultimate Servant because, in the person of the Son, he voluntarily and graciously submitted himself to the horror of sin's penalty. He did it in our place and on our behalf.

At the core of servant leadership is an uncomfortable reality many erstwhile leaders would rather avoid: we are called to the sufferings of Christ. (Romans 8:17; Colossians 1:24; 1 Peter 4:13). With the mantle of leadership we also receive a crown of thorns.

Throughout the Old and New Testaments, there are countless examples of leaders who suffered to care for others and worked tirelessly to serve the needs of God's people. Throughout his life, Moses worked tirelessly to serve the Israelites, leading them out of slavery in Egypt and guiding them through the wilderness. Despite facing numerous obstacles, relentless complaining, and direct challenges to his leadership, Moses remained committed to serving his people. He remained steadfast, even when it meant putting his own life at risk.

In Deuteronomy 31:6, Moses wrote, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

Moses embodied this kind of fearless servitude. His life as Israel's leader during the exodus and the wilderness wanderings emphasize just how important it is that those who serve God and his people in leadership roles to muster courage, humility, and steadfast faith in God.

Of course, the pre-eminent example, the very archetype, of servant leadership is Jesus Christ himself. In his Incarnation, he willingly forsook the privileges and prerogatives of divine authority at the Father's right hand. He humbled himself and took on the very form of a servant. Throughout his life and ministry, Jesus consistently demonstrated a servant's heart, putting the needs of others ahead of his own desires and ambitions. He washed the feet of his disciples, healed the sick, and fed the hungry, all with a deep commitment to serving others. Ultimately, this servant leader forfeited his life for the benefit of others.

"If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you" (John 13:14-15). This passage exemplifies the core principles of servant leadership, emphasizing the importance of humility, service, and leading by example.

Pastor, your calling consists of many duties and responsibilities. A few of them may be in your wheelhouse, but for the most part pastoral ministry will tax you, challenge you, and humble you.

Be thankful for the stress, strain, and daily anxiety of pastoral ministry. These are one means by which the Spirit of God extinguishes your pride, undergirds your humility, and turns you into a true servant leader.

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Bud Brown is an experienced ministry leader, writer and educator. He is co-founder of Turnaround Pastors and co-author of the ground-breaking Pastor Unique: Becoming A Turnaround Leader. He brings special expertise to change leadership in the local church, mentoring pastors to become revitalization leaders, training churches how to find and recruit the best talent, and training leadership teams how to achieve their shared goals. Learn More »

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