Being a Servant Leader: A Scriptural Foundation (part 1)
As Americans, we’re looking toward the election of a president next week. So, the question on everybody’s mind is: what does it mean to be a good leader? But, this question isn’t on our minds just because of the election, COVID has also had us wondering. Our parishes have had to adapt in a lot of different ways this year and it’s taken leadership to do this. But, what does Christian leadership look like? Where does it begin?
Bottom Line: Christian leadership is “servant leadership” and it must start with a foundation built on scripture.
Takeaways
- The Bible has high praise for King Josiah, "Before him there was no king like him, who turned to the LORD with all his heart, with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; nor did any like him arise after him." (2 Kings 23:25) These accolades are because Josiah led with a foundation built upon scripture. And, in this way, he's an example of how we should strengthen our leadership skills.
- We may be tempted to go to Barnes and Noble to buy the latest leadership book, but, as Christians, we should be guided by the commands given to us by God. We need scripture to give us a good foundation for servant leadership just as Jazz musicians need music theory to play beautiful solos.
- Even Christ built his leadership skills upon the Bible. When he was tempted by the satan in the desert, Jesus responded with words from the Old Testament. Jesus was able to carry out the Father's will because he knew his Bible.
- Our task, if we want to be Christian servant leaders, is to begin by reading and obeying the Word. This is how we begin our walk on the Way.
If you'd like to learn more about servant leadership or more about the Orthodox Christian Leadership Initiative, click here.