Christmas: Servant Leaders Bow in Worship
Issue #197, December 21, 2016 A scripture verse usually inspires my thoughts on leadership. But this Christmas it was a picture that captured my attention. We often hear the story of the biblical Kings who came to worship. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down […]
Quality Assurance: Not Violent but Gentle
Issue #106, May 22, 2013 Paul next turns his attention to a heart issue of great importance to all leaders, “not violent but gentle.” (1Tim 3:3) In that short phrase, Paul radically redefines what it means to lead. Most cultures honor military heroes, warriors who destroy all opposition by force and we honor those who […]
Leading From or Towards Intimacy—Part 1
Issue #94, November 14, 2012 Servant leaders live in an intimate relationship with Jesus which profoundly shapes all aspects of their leadership. Their leadership flows from this relationship. Those who don’t walk in intimacy unconsciously seek it through their leadership, leading towards intimacy. In the next three issues, we’ll explore this concept in more detail. […]
Moses: Leading in Between
Issue #62, August 10, 2011 We’ve looked at Moses’ leadership from many different perspectives as he led through some victories and also tough times. But hidden in the chapters of specific incidents about which we read I find the greatest challenge Moses faced: leading in between. Think about it, for forty years Moses led the […]
Wise Men Still Seek Him
Issue #46, December 15, 2010 Around the world Christians are again celebrating the birth of Jesus with special programs, giving of gifts and special foods. Leaders influence the focus of these celebrations and servant leaders can learn timeless truths by reflecting on the account of the visit of the Wise Men recorded by Matthew in […]
Leading to Please
Issue #43, November 3, 2010 All leaders aim to please. They will please their followers, their shareholders, their bosses, themselves, or someone else. The question is not whether we will please but who we will please. Jesus set the example for servant leaders when he said about His Father, “I always do what pleases him.” […]
Influence from the Bottom
Issue #41, October 6, 2010 Leadership Nuggets from Ephesians, #5 Servant leaders practice the art of influencing from the bottom rather than dictating from the top. It’s an upside down approach to leadership that goes directly against our flesh and against most of the models we have experienced. Influencing from the bottom is hard to […]
Leaders With a Limp
Issue #26, March 3, 2010 A friend of mine sat in my office and said something I’ll never forget. He leaned forward in his chair and said with intense feeling, “Don’t follow a leader without a limp.” For months I have been reflecting on the implications of his powerful statement. The analogy of leading with […]