Servant Leadership Model
If you eventually find yourself in a position of leadership, what kind of a leader do you hope to be? If you get promoted to foreman or manager how will your employees perceive you? If you become a Sunday School superintendent or an elder in the local church or the chairperson of a group responsible for establishing a local cemetery – what will your style be like?
“Okay. Let’s get it straight. I’m in charge. You guys can have your input but ultimately I call the shots. The buck stops with me. When I say ‘jump’ I expect you to respond in unison: ‘how high?’ I mean business and I won’t be taking any guff from any of you. I don’t expect any whining either – after all, I’m in charge. When it’s your turn to run the ship then you can call the shots but I’m in the captain’s chair just now. Is that clear? Everybody understand?!!”
When you’re in charge will people whisper: ‘she’s on a power trip. It’s all gone to her head?’ When you get promoted will the people you once worked with say: ‘power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely?’ When they ask you to head the group, will you sit at the head of the table, pound your fist to bring the meeting to order and then dominate from beginning to end? Your way or the highway? Open to new ideas but the only ones you listen to are your own?
That sounds like a very hierarchical style of leadership. The top down approach. The pyramid model with you at the top. King of the 
castle! And often that’s people's concept of leadership. Who can make it to the top? Typically, Policy and Procedure Manuals contain an organizational chart that reflects the boss at the top. But there is another style of management which Jesus advocated. When He outlined His leadership style no doubt eyebrows lifted and jaws dropped.
But Jesus called them to Himself and said,
"You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men
exercise authority over them. "It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes
to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes
to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man
did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give
His life a ransom for many."
(Matthew 20:25-28 NASB)
Two of the disciples were hoping for big promotions in Jesus’ kingdom. Even mom got involved in trying to ‘pull the strings’ so her boys would come out on top. When the other disciples heard the rumors they were incensed! That’s when Jesus called them to Himself and talked to them about the inverted pyramid leadership style.
No doubt it was a shocker to all of them. But it shouldn’t have been. All
they had ever seen of their leader was that style. He didn’t ride roughshod over the poor or those in need. In fact, He was most attentive and sensitive to their needs – whether it was for food or healing or forgiveness. When the people interrupted a mini-vacation He was giving His disciples, His immediate impulse was to serve the people and respond to their needs. He didn’t move into His headquarters in Capernaum and hang out a shingle stating His office hours for people to meet with Him. No – daily He went to where the people were and wearied Himself in serving others.
When it came to His self-sacrificing approach He went further than all – He gave His life to benefit others. The ultimate sacrifice! How could we ever seek to climb the ladder of influence and power when He so humbled Himself! How could we ever arrogantly flaunt our position when our Leader demonstrated such humility and grace!
Walk carefully and closely with the Lord today.
Warmly in Christ
Peter Ramsay
peter@heaven4sure.com