Characteristics of a Servant Leader Part 1

Servant leadership is not often talked about, but if we are going to be effective leaders/managers, that is the best way to lead.

Servant leadership was modeled by Jesus, and it is interesting the many secular authors have built leadership models based on Jesus’ example.

In his daily devotional, Meet Me in the Meadow, missionary statesman, Roy Lessin shares 31 qualities of servant according to God’s heart. In this blog I will give you the first 15:

1. The presence of the Lord rests upon his life.
2. He speaks with power and authority.
3. He loves what God loves.
4. He seeks God’s purposes.
5. He’s fearful of displeasing God.
6. He inspires trust.
7. His word is true.
8. He is deeply identified with God’s feelings.
9. He is the same with everyone.
10. He does not minister legalism or licentiousness.
11. He is wise in his walk.
12. He takes people beyond themselves.
13. He despises anything that hurts others.
14. He proclaims his dependence on God.
15. He is well balanced.

Now before you write me off — while Lessin uses the pronoun “he”, I believe that these same characteristics apply to women who are in leadership as well.

If you are a leader now or being groomed for leadership, this a great resource for your READ GROW LEAD toolbox. Can you identify leadership role models in your life who were servant leaders? Of the fifteen characteristics, identify two or three areas you need to work on as a leader or a future leader.