Pastor Meeting

Leadership Talk: The Heart of Leadership is Servanthood

Good [morning/afternoon], everyone. Today, I want to share a truth that transforms the way we lead: Leadership in the church is not about power; it’s about service. In chapter 7 of Lead, Paul David Tripp reminds us that the foundation of biblical leadership is servanthood.

Think of Jesus, the ultimate example of leadership. In Mark 10:45, He declares, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Christ, the King of Kings, humbled Himself to wash His disciples’ feet. This is the model we’re called to follow—not leadership that seeks recognition, but leadership that pours out for others.

Tripp challenges us to examine our motives. Are we leading for personal gain, or are we serving out of love for God and His people? True servant leadership is fueled by humility. It means valuing others above ourselves, prioritizing their spiritual growth, and recognizing that every act of service is ultimately worship to God.

But servanthood isn’t easy. It requires us to die to ourselves daily. It means being willing to step into messy, unglamorous situations to care for the people God has entrusted to us. It means being approachable, teachable, and willing to listen. And perhaps most importantly, it means relying on God’s strength, not our own, because we can’t serve well without His grace.

Let me leave you with this: leadership is not about climbing higher but kneeling lower. It’s about living out the Gospel through sacrificial love. So, as you lead today, ask yourself: Am I here to be served, or am I here to serve? Let’s follow Christ’s example and make servanthood the heart of our leadership.