Servant Leadership – Part 2

Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. — John 13:14-15

As we approach the final stretch in our Charge Conference schedule – 41 completed and 12 more to go … but who’s counting! – we’ve “conferenced” on the theme of servant leadership; specifically addressing, ‘How are we leading people to serve, and equipping people to use whatever gifts they have received to serve others as faithful stewards of God’s grace.’ Many of you have shared the “washing of the disciples’ feet” scripture as a vivid example of servant leadership; and many have mentioned specific opportunities both within your church setting and in your community for accomplishing servant leadership.

Reflecting on the past few days and the months leading up to the mid-term elections, all in contrast to servant leadership; I came across the following mini-devotion that puts things into perspective for us …

Jesus never used competition or comparison as tools to motivate His followers. These methods keep the focus on the individual, not the goal. As a group, the challenge facing the disciples was great; internal stresses would only undermine their progress. In contrast to inciting the disciples to prove themselves by outperforming one another, Jesus emphasized self-sacrifice and mutual service in pursuit of their shared goal. This environment would allow each person to give their best and set the stage for collaboration. How can your servanthood defuse comparison and competition and redirect people to be serving and supportive of one another?

Do we always engage in true servant leadership? … just saying!

Prayer: Jesus, in a world of competition, may we follow You in creating atmospheres that call out the best in people and help them come together to collaborate and support one another in achieving mutual goals. In your name we ask, Amen.

Blessings,
John Meeuwissen, Lay Leader