To love and to serve

What is servant leadership? We’ve all heard the term, and we probably agree that it is a good thing, but what is it? And what is it not?

To me, servant leadership is not:

• Leadership in the same style that one would usually find in a work or business environment. Business leadership is about motivating those whom you are leading to achieve more – produce more – contribute more to the goals set by the leadership of the organization.
• Leadership which places personal achievement at a premium.
• Leadership which in which a heirachary is established, so that those at the top of the “pyramid” are more important than those “under them."

But what is servant leadership?

I was watching the Today Show this morning, and a guest told Matt Lauer, quoting a religion professor, something close to “to lead, one must love well. To save, one must serve well. So to be a good leader, examine your love and service.

Love and service placed at a premium. Personal achievement is not important to a servant leader, and the priority is placed on God. The priority is placed on the other person – Love God and love each other.

Servant leadership is picking up the towel.

Image: Cross in yard of First United Methodist Church, Ashland