Ten Characteristics of Servant Leadership
Inspiration from Biblical Leaders

 

Abstract

Servant leadership, as Robert Greenleaf put it, is about being a servant first. This study examines servant leadership from a Christian perspective. Many leaders in the Bible were first and foremost servants. Jesus taught that "the leader should be like a servant" (Luk 22:26). Peter wrote: "Don't lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your good example" (1 Pet 5:3). The ten values of a servant leader are listening, empathy, healing, awareness, persuasion, conceptualization, foresight, stewardship, commitment to the growth of others, and building community. I examine the examples that both Old and New Testament leaders provide with respect to these ten values. I further describe how these great leaders are inspiring me to become a better servant leader. Each chapter finishes with questions and thoughts for further reflection, with the hope that this work might be useful for Bible studies or discussion groups of Christian leaders.

 

Comments or questions:  servantleader@wbluhm.com       Copyright © 2004 Wolfgang Bluhm