Being a Servant Leader
The one thing that must be hand in hand with all leadership is having a servant’s mindset: in essence, being a servant leader. “It will not be so among you, but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave, just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:26-28)
A servant leader is someone who prioritizes serving others before seeking personal gain or authority. Instead of leading through command and control, they empower, support, and uplift those around them. It’s a powerful leadership approach that fosters respect, innovation, and loyalty.
The following highlight several servant leader characteristics:
Humility A servant leader starts with a humble heart, always putting others before themselves. Scripture reminds us, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3). This focus helps a leader see that they’re simply stewards of their position, rather than lords of it. A servant leader recognizes one’s limitations and seeks guidance from God.
Compassion A truly caring leader is moved by compassion. “Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). When leaders genuinely empathize with people’s joys and burdens, they create an atmosphere of warmth and trust.
Integrity Trust and credibility rise or fall on integrity. “In everything, show yourself to be an example by doing good works. In your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech…” (Titus 2:7–8). By aligning words and actions, servant leaders foster an environment where honesty and righteousness thrive.
Willing Service The essence of leadership in Scripture is service. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Leaders who serve others selflessly energize their communities and empower those around them to do the same.
Faithfulness A servant leader remains steadfast, even when tasks feel mundane. “Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much…” (Luke 16:10). Dependability in small things prepares a leader for greater responsibilities—and demonstrates genuine commitment to the people they serve.
Patience Working with people can be joyful and challenging all at once, and patience keeps the leader going strong. “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12). Patience opens the door for growth, unity, and lasting influence.
Encouragement A servant leader is quick to uplift. “Therefore, encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Words of affirmation, support, and genuine praise go a long way in drawing out the best in others and motivating them to persevere.
Prayerfulness Nothing fuels godly leadership like prayer, because it anchors the leader in constant communion with God. “Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail” (James 5:16). Regular intercession keeps a leader’s heart soft and open to divine guidance.
Wisdom Good decisions flow from wisdom—a gift God is willing to give generously. “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5). Servant leaders seek God’s perspective on every challenge and opportunity.
Accountability Finally, a servant leader embraces responsible oversight. “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account…” (Hebrews 13:17). A humble acknowledgment of divine and communal accountability keeps leaders grounded and focused on what truly matters.
“The servant leader is servant first. It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead, that person is sharply different from one who is leader first”. Robert K. Greenleaf, founder of the modern servant leadership movement
