Christian Leadership Alliance

Goals

 1 of 2

Lead Like Jesus

I remember my college president's opening fall chapel talk, as if it were yesterday. It was 1965 and C. Dorr Demaray was hoping to inspire the student body at Seattle Pacific College (now SPU) to good works.

Demaray described a conference he attended with several dozen college and university presidents. During a break, he walked into the crowded men's room. He said everyone, including himself, was oblivious to the paper towels littering the floor—until a very humble gentleman (their keynote speaker), bent over and began tidying up the restroom.

Soon, Demaray told us, an embarrassed hush fell over the group, and the chagrined academics began picking up the litter, cleaning the sinks and leaving the restroom in shipshape condition!

Our college president gave us two memorable lessons that morning: 1) Go and do likewise—let's keep our campus neat and clean; and 2) This is what being a servant is all about.

This was "Lead Like Jesus" in 1965. During my college years, I'd watch President Demaray stroll the tree-lined walkways at SPU and invariably veer off the paths to collect litter. His intentional example made disciples of many students.

When Jesus gave us the second commandment, "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:39), he could have added, "And leaders, love your followers as yourself."

What would happen in our ministries and churches if every manager and leader truly had a heart to "Lead like Jesus?" It could create a revolution! We're all unique—and we have a variety of management styles. From my perspective, here's what life would look like if we embraced servant leadership and management:

• Public restrooms would be cleaner.
  
  
• Parking spaces closest to building entrances would be available for visitors and guests—and it would happen automatically, not because of any signage.
  
  
• Servant leaders and managers would arrive early for meetings, make the coffee, tidy up the room, and offer warm, welcoming greetings. No one would be hurried, hassled or late.
  
  
• CEOs would serve, not be served.
  
  
• Frequent fliers would donate some of their miles to single parent employees who need a break.
  
  
• If "Lead Like Jesus" really caught on, we'd need servant leader and manager consultants—but, of course, their fees would have to be really low.
  
  
• Instead of trendy ethics seminars, we'd have our choice of humility seminars (with short speaker bios).
  
  
• Servant leader speakers would probably accept fewer speaking assignments—and, instead, stay home and play with the kids or finally finish those home repairs.
  
  

next page … |  1 of 2

See also:

Choose from these membership options:

• Ministry Member

• Business Member

---

See sample

See more …

Average Reader Rating: 

---