For those of us who have been in leadership positions, we know the pressure that comes with it- from making the tough choices, leading by example when nobody else wants to, and taking the blame when things go wrong. 

It can be totally ohio at times, the feeling of needing to be on your game at all times, because people are depending on you, and you want to slay like the king/queen you are. 

—

I was recently at Dallas Valley’s staff training, and one line stood out to me above the rest. 

“If serving is below you, then leadership is beyond you.” 

That took me back for a second. Sure, I have heard the idea before, and I know that Jesus was the best model of servant leadership, but it just hit me in a new way.

If we are going to be leaders, in whatever capacity that is, as teachers, coaches, small group leaders, parents, workplace supervisors, or music teachers, we need to be ready to serve. 

Jesus says, “Many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first” (Matthew 19:30), modelling serving others throughout his life and ministry. He was willing to wash the other disciples’ feet, pray for his disciples, feed the hungry, and heal the sick. 

How often am I unwilling to wait for someone to finish their project, give up my time to help someone else, or put myself last in a line?

If we are honest with ourselves, there are likely too many instances in the past week where we weren’t outstanding leaders to our kids, teammates, or classmates. 

There are plenty of examples of people who haven’t been good leaders. There might be all kinds of reasons why, but most often, it comes down to a heart posture of humility and willingness to serve those they lead. 

While there are some instances where a leader needs to be a hard-lined direction-giving leader, we find those who bring people together and empower them to be more encouraging or helpful. 

Servant leadership isn’t a new concept, but it feels like the world has grasped it over the past few years. The idea that a leader could be someone who uplifts those in their care was revolutionary, and it inspired a new element of loyalty and drive in their followers that hadn’t been present before. 

Except it has been present. Jesus walked the Earth as the best example of servant leadership that the world has ever seen. 

Leadership can be complex, with levels of responsibility that come with it. While it isn’t always fun, being a leader is something that every Christian is called to, when Jesus gave the great commission at the end of Matthew:

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And be sure that I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

The change of spring is a great time to reset and tap into our leadership potential. Leadership is about relationships, and the spring and summer are great opportunities to meet your neighbours, interact more with coworkers out of the office, or reconnect with old friends. 

While we may not always see these interactions as a leadership experience, as Christians, we are actually called to lead people to Jesus through our words, actions, and thoughts. When you are with your neighbours for a BBQ, are you looking for ways to serve them? Have you offered to help your friends with their summer renovation plans? 

Serving others can mean many different things, depending on the people, the situation, and your gifts and abilities. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to serving, but there is a simple expectation that Christians will go to serve the world as we present Jesus in whatever we do.

As we head into the warmer months ahead of us, how can you serve those around you to reflect the heart of Jesus better? 

Chris Reimer is the Youth Director at Parliament Community Church in Regina, SK, located near Harbour Landing. As a church, we offer programs for all ages, from children to youth, young adults to Seniors who are part of our Heritage groups. We are also diverse in cultural backgrounds but share a desire to grow as disciples of Christ together.