Christ-Like Leadership

In this section, we will describe the characteristics of Servant Leadership, as modeled by Christ. The ability to provide vision and enhance hope are key elements of Christ-like leadership. Jesus engaged with the world, bringing about a new perspective – a God perspective. Let’s explore how Jesus brought hope and changed perspectives.

Consider Christ’s statements that equates greatness and servanthood. He taught that leaders were to serve others, not to be served by them.

“But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Matthew 20: 26-28

The world’s concept is that those who lead are in some way greater than the people whom they lead. They gain status because they exercise power over others to achieve their goals. This mindset leads to rewards, benefits and preferential treatment. This is not Christ-like leadership. Christ related to young and old, poor and rich, popular and unpopular.

Jesus’ leadership style is diametrically opposed to that of the world. He declared that in His Kingdom, greatness belongs to the servant and that distinction grows from child-like humility.

“About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?” Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me.”

Matthew 18:1-5