Leaders Serve

Jesus Himself reframed leadership when He declared, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:26-28, NIV). In a world where leadership is often equated with status and control, Jesus made clear that greatness in His kingdom is measured by servanthood.

Service requires humility. In John 13, Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, performing the task of a lowly servant. He did so to provide an example: “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13:15, NIV). For Christian leaders, this act symbolizes a lifestyle of service that extends far beyond symbolic gestures. It means caring for the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of those under their leadership. It means being present in times of struggle, listening deeply, and lifting up others rather than seeking recognition for oneself.

Leaders who serve model Christ’s love in tangible ways. When Paul encouraged the Philippians to adopt the mind of Christ, he reminded them that though Jesus was “in very nature God,” He “made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant” (Philippians 2:6–7, NIV). Leaders serve by setting aside selfish ambition and embracing humility. This doesn’t diminish their authority; rather, it legitimizes it. Servant leadership fosters trust, unity, and mutual respect in a way that authoritarian or self-centered leadership never can.

In practical terms, serving as a leader may look like mentoring younger believers, caring for the marginalized in the community, or simply ensuring that every act of leadership is oriented toward the flourishing of others. Whether in the church, the workplace, or the home, servant leadership echoes Christ’s example and demonstrates that leadership is not about elevating oneself but about lifting others closer to Christ.