We are just 35 days away from electing a new president, vice president, and many other local and federal officials. The past eight years have been turbulent across the country in terms of politics and opinions. It’s disheartening to see adults behaving as if they are playing “king of the hill,” believing they alone have the right answers. Deep down, we all know there isn’t just one “right way” to get things done.

This isn’t a blog entry about who to vote for or against. Instead, it’s an invitation to rethink leadership—whether it’s your own or that of someone in a higher position. What if we regularly practiced “servant leadership”?

How might America transform then?

Servant leadership is a leadership philosophy where the primary goal of the leader is to serve others.

How would this look in the church?

Servant leadership is a powerful approach that emphasizes serving others as the primary goal of leadership. In ministry, this means leading with humility, empathy, and a genuine desire to meet the spiritual and personal needs of the congregation. By prioritizing the well-being of others, ministry leaders can create an environment of trust and mutual respect. This approach not only strengthens the internal bonds within the church but also sets a powerful example for the congregation to follow. When leaders model servant leadership, they inspire others to adopt the same mindset, fostering a culture of service and compassion that extends beyond the church walls.

How would this look in the government?

In government, servant leadership can transform the way public servants interact with their communities. Leaders who prioritize the needs of their constituents and work to empower them can create more inclusive and effective governance. This approach encourages transparency, accountability, and collaboration, leading to policies and initiatives that truly reflect the needs and desires of the community. By focusing on service rather than power, servant leaders in government can build stronger, more resilient communities and foster a sense of unity and shared purpose. Ultimately, servant leadership in both ministry and government can lead to more compassionate, effective, and sustainable leadership that benefits everyone involved123.

How would this look in your community?

Servant leaders prioritize understanding the needs and concerns of community members by actively listening and showing empathy, ensuring everyone feels heard and valued. They focus on empowering individuals through resources, support, and opportunities for personal and professional growth, such as mentoring programs, skill-building workshops, and community projects. By fostering strong, trust-based relationships, servant leaders encourage collaboration and create an inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong. Committed to the long-term well-being of the community, they work on sustainable initiatives that address root causes of issues, advocate for policy changes, support local businesses, and create programs that promote health and education. Additionally, they motivate community members to engage in local governance and decision-making processes, leading to a more engaged and informed citizenry actively shaping the future of their community.

How do you see servant leadership playing a role in your own ministry and community work?

Here are some examples of great servant leaders: Jesus Christ, Nelson Mandella, Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King Jr., Herb Kelleher and Ken Blanchard.  And just for a little fun when it comes to movies here are some characters from some of my favorite movies that are also servant leaders: Gandalf, Aragorn, Frodo, Galadriel, Jon Snow and Albus Dumbledore. Just one more from my all-time favorite book, To Kill A Mockingbird; Atticus Finch.

Thanks for stopping by the fire,

Coach Dennis