Empowering Others: Developing Leaders Through Servant Leadership

by Jay Jarboe

 

In the Philippines, I learned a valuable lesson about servant leadership. I observed local leaders facilitating a Discovery Bible Study from Matthew 20:20-28 for emerging leaders. One of the observations they made from their cultural perspective surprised me. We know the context; James’ and John’s mother requested that Jesus make her two sons the greatest in his kingdom by giving them the place of honor. From my cultural perspective, their mother made a selfish request for her family. However, from the cultural perspective of my Filipino friends, this mother was doing exactly what a good mother does: trying to obtain the best for her sons.  This experience made me ask, “What other insight am I missing because of my limited cultural lenses?” I realized that my cultural view of Christian leadership must be challenged. 

We, as Christian leaders, talk and teach about servant leadership. However, under closer examination, our spiritual leadership structures may be more influenced by the culture around us. Is it possible that we fall short of the authentic servant leadership modeled by Jesus? Traditional leadership models may lead us to hold on to position and power, but Jesus gives us a picture of a leader in his kingdom is one of a servant.  How then do we seek to live into authentic servant leadership modeled by Jesus? May I suggest a few foundational principles from the example of Jesus? 

• Jesus knew and obeyed his Father.

Jesus was completely dependent upon his Father. The Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, (John 5:19, NIV).  He modeled a life of listening to His Father. A leader is defined not only by what he or she does but more importantly by who they follow. 

• Jesus knew himself and lived out of his identity.

Some of us don’t know or like who we are. We try to be someone else by imitating leaders we see as successful.  We forget that we are each uniquely made by God (Psalms 139:13-14a) and gifted by God (Romans 12:3-8). We may spend too much of our lives trying to be someone we are not, rather than being the best Christ-like version of our true selves. 

• Jesus listened deeply to the hearts of others.

In the gospels, Jesus asked over 307 questions of others. One of the most powerful was the one he asked Bartimaeus: “What do you want me to do for you?” (Mark 10:51). Servant leaders can create a culture of care through listening and understanding. Asking powerful questions and then listening well are crucial skills in empowering others to live out their full potential in Christ. 

• Jesus called us to a purpose beyond ourselves.

We are given the greatest purpose on earth, being disciples and making disciples of Christ (Matthew 28:18-20). While his disciples worshipped and doubted him, Jesus invited them to join him in a transformative eternal purpose.  

If you have not read Henri J.M. Nowen’s book entitled In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership in a while, reread it or read it for the first time. Nouwen learned profound lessons about Christian leadership from Bill, an intellectually disabled member of the L’Arche community. Through his journey with Bill, Nouwen realized that true leadership is not about power, relevance, or popularity but about vulnerability, mutuality, and love. Bill’s presence reminded Nouwen that leadership is about being led by others, embracing humility, and recognizing that ministry is a shared experience rather than a solo pursuit. This is the model of leadership that Jesus left for us as we follow in His steps.