by Father Matthew Attia
Christian leaders must model themselves on Jesus – He is the paradigm. Linked with the servant image is the paradoxical role of Servant – Leader.
In Christ we find both exemplified perfectly.
The Apostle St Paul described himself as a servant of the Gospel (Col 1:23) and a servant of the church. (Col 1:25) All Leadership in the Church should have as its aim the propagation of the Gospel and the edification of Christ’s body- the Church. Leadership is inseparably associated with Christ-likeness of character. (Tim 3:1-13, Col 1:11 & Phil 1:9-11).
The Key Ingredients
In their book “Leaders: The Strategies for Taking Charge”, Warren Bennis and Burt Nannus outlined four keys to effective leadership. They interviewed ninety Chief-Executive officers from a range of top corporations through to smaller companies. The four keys that emerged were the following:
1. Gaining attention
This referred to leaders ability to be noticed and to draw others to them. This was accompanied by an extraordinary focus of commitment and a compelling vision that brings others in and in and carries them forward.
2. The ability to Creative Meaning
Good Leaders have the ability to foster positive relationships with people through creative and accepted people-skills. This requires the ability to communicate your vision not merely through explanation but rather through the creation, sustaining and realization of meaning.
3. Establishment of Trust
Trust conveys a sense of reliability and constancy, people would much rather follow individuals they can count on, even when they disagree with their viewpoint than follow people they agree with but who shift positions frequently.
4. The Positive Attitude
Good Leaders know their strength and weakness. They know how to nurture and display the former and how to compensate for the latter. Good leaders therefore have a positive concern for the well being of others. They can utilize the varied skills and gifts of others without making any person feel inferior to the other.
These ingredients are mere tools well known to us, when combined with and built upon by our Christian Creed, strong, effective Christian leadership which wins the hearts and minds of people…not leadership which alienates.
Christian leadership is therefore a service offered in the name of Christ, through living and communicating the Gospel to all. The Christian leader should be one who is moved with deep compassion for all people. (Matthew 9:35-38).
Who is the successful Christian leader? The one who models his/her life on Christ the shepherd (Leader) and Servant simultaneously. “I am, said Christ, “among you as one who serves” (Lk 22:27). Moreover, Christ confirms that He came not to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:28). Indeed, Christ’s ultimate act of service as the Shepherd of God is flock was to give his life as a sacrifice making possible our forgiveness and reconciliation.
True Christian Leadership is always people-centred, never self-centred. It therefore envalues the service of tending to the needs of the weak, the sick, the broken hearted, the homeless, the aged, the disturbed, the unwanted, the disabled etc. It is patterned on Christ and always exercised in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Last modified: March 17, 2021
