The Six Behaviors of Servant Leadership Every Church Leader Should Know
Servant leadership is a concept well-known in the church world, and the business world is catching up. In an article on Inc.com, Marcel Schwantes highlights six key behaviors that define servant leadership, showing how leaders are called not just to lead, but to serve their communities. Let’s translate those principles to church professionals:
Building Trust: Trust is the bedrock of strong relationships. For church leaders, fostering a sense of trust within the congregation allows members to feel safe, supported, and valued.
Humility: True servant leaders don’t dominate or control—they humbly recognize the value in others' contributions. In a church setting, this means listening well, learning from others, and acknowledging that leadership is about guiding, not ruling.
Caring for Others: At the core of servant leadership is genuine care for others. In churches, this translates to being attuned to both the spiritual and personal needs of the congregation, embodying Christ’s call to love and serve.
Vision: Servant leaders in any setting must communicate a compelling vision. Church leaders can inspire their communities by aligning their vision with the shared values and mission of their faith.
Empowerment: Great church leaders equip others for service. By empowering their congregation to take on leadership roles or community service, they foster a culture of shared responsibility and growth.
Leading by Example: In a church, servant leadership comes to life when leaders walk the talk. By modeling compassion, humility, and service, they encourage others to follow in the footsteps of Christ.
Servant leadership is about living out the values of service every day, particularly in church settings. As leaders serve, they invite others to do the same, creating a vibrant, compassionate community. For more insight into the research behind servant leadership, check out the full Inc.com article by Marcel Schwantes here.
