INTRODUCTION Many people want to attain and hold influential positions in society whether it would be in the field of science, politics, education, or in public service. However, many people tend to forget how servitude is one of the main life highways to travel in order to arrive at that successful destination called “Leadership.” Nevertheless, there was one man who knew how powerful the concept of servitude was in order to grasp the reigns of successful leadership. Socrates was a phenomenal philosopher, scholar, teacher, and servant. Socrates leadership style was unique in regards to letting students communicate among one another in an articulate theological reasoning process by questioning and probing at one’s belief system in order to seek self-purification. In all the general aspects of this particular term one would conclude that, “Leadership” embodies different characteristics, goals, rules, and standards for different positions in society. In the text, Great Leader, Great Teacher: Recovering the Biblical Vision for Leaders, author Gary Bredfeldt states, “The nature of leadership differs from situation to situation. What is required of a leader on the battlefield is quite different from what is required on the ball field or mission field. Leadership is not a one-size-fits-all formula.” This bold statement makes minds take a deeper look at the general definition of leadership and how each individual can theoretically determine what that is for their lives. In addition, from a Christian Worldview perspective what attributes in which the Scripture provides on servitude can be applicable and relevant to becoming a successful leader. WHAT IS SERVANT LEADERSHIP FROM A CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE? What is a Servant Leader? Many h... ... middle of paper ... ...d for every task they accomplish, or even liked at that matter. The ultimate goal of a leader is to leave a legacy behind that will still have an influential impact throughout history, as did Jesus. Works Cited Brendfeldt, Gary. Great Leader Great Teacher: Recovering The Biblial Vision For Leadership. Chicago, Illinois: Moody Publishers, 2006. Lewis, C.S. The Weight Of Glory. New York, New York: HarperCollins, 1980. Mark 10:10. Life Application Study Bible: New International Version. Colorado Springs, Colorado: Zondervan Press, 1983. Safire, William. Lend Me Your Ears: Great Speeches in History. New York, NY: W. W. Norton & Company, 2004. Willis, Gary. Certain Trumpets: The Nature Of Leadership. New York , New York: Simon & Schuster, 1994. Wilkes, C. G. Jesus on Leadership: Timeless Wisdom on Servant Leadership. Carol Stream, Illnois: Tyndale House, 1998.
Leadership is portrayed at its pinnacle in William Bratton’s Turnaround, Rudolph Giuliani’s book Leadership, Oren Harari’s book The Leadership Secrets of Colin Powell, and David Lipsky’s book Absolutely American: Four Years at West Point. In each of these works, the author does an exceptional job of depicting the various traits and characteristics necessary for being a powerful and effective leader.
Pierce, Jon L. and John W. Newstrom (2011) 6th edition. Leaders and the Leadership Process.
Kouzes, J., & Posner, B., (2007). The leadership challenge, (4th ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-
Servant leadership is becoming a more “sought-after” concept in today’s society, but what exactly is servant leadership? Does it mean different things to different people? Although the three books, The Servant as Leader, The Servant, and Lead Like Jesus, all center around servant leadership, each author takes a different perspective on the meaning of being a servant leader. Robert Greenleaf addresses leadership from a straight-forward stance; saying that a good leader must be a servant-first by finding the will within themselves to put the needs of their group before their own. James Hunter discusses servant leadership through a story involving everyday people that the reader can relate to. He uses Jesus as a guide to explain how to initiate character development that will, in turn, fashion servant leadership. Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges offer a new perspective on servant leadership by bringing Jesus into the picture on an even deeper level than Hunter. They explain that by knowing Jesus Christ and developing an intimate personal
In addition to confirming the theological core of servant leadership, the project will seek to build unity and a culture of teamwork which will enhance discipleship, commitment to serving and an overall healthy environment where the heart of Christ is manifested for the world to see God incarnate through the church. Healthy leaders are important for this project because healthy leaders will foster teamwork, unity and greater fellowship. As a result, of teamwork and unity healthy leaders will establish a culture which will aid in developing future servant leaders.
The authors then go deeper than just leading; they speak of being a leader and growing other leaders. One of the greatest challenges leaders today face is training and developing new leaders. Jesus wanted those around him to succeed. He had vision, values, and purpose, he stated them clearly, and did all he could to see they were carried out. In the book Lead Like Jesus we read how Jesus empowered and gave ownership to those around him, concerned more with their success than his own. It highlights that Jesus is the greatest leadership role model of all time, that He mandated Hi...
Bergen, T. (2011). James Kouzes and Barry Posner’s ‘The Truth about Leadership’. Retrieved February 22, 2012 from http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/leadership-books/post/james-kouzes-and-barry-posners-the-truth-about-leadership/2011/03/07/gIQApWJmjL_blog.html
London, M., Mone, E., (2012), Leadership for today and the future. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint
Kouzes, J., & Posner, B. (2007). The Leadership Challenge (4th ed.). San Francisco, CA 94103-1741: Jossey-Bass.
Wren, J.T., (1995). Leaders Companion: Insights on Leadership Through the Ages. New York, NY, USA: The Free Press
Robert Clinton states “The central task of leadership is influencing God’s people toward God’s purposes” (Clinton, 1988). George Barna defines a Christain Leader as “someone who is called by God to lead; leads with and through Christlike character; and demonstrates the functional competencies that permit effective leadership to take place” (Barna, 1997). It is a shame we as Christians fail to recognize that Christ would have us be leaders in more than the church.
Kouzes, J., & Posner, B. (2007). The Leadership Challenge (4th ed.). San Francisco, CA 94103-1741: Jossey-Bass.
Willson, S. (1990). Discipleship according to Jesus : a sermon on Mark 3:13-19. Presbyterion, 16(2), 73-80.
Pierce, J. L., & Newstrom, J. W. (2011). Leaders and the leadership process.( 6th ed). New
Bennis, W. & Nanus, B. (1985). Leaders: The Strategies for taking charge. New York: Harper Row.