11 Observations About A Servant Leader

Serve With Excellence

Have you ever been asked to SERVE in any capacity? Were you happy, sad, pumped up or did SERVING put you in a bad mood?

The early church had a challenge in Acts 6 that created an OPPORTUNITY for others to SERVE others with excellence.

Acts 6:1-6

1But as the believers[a] rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.

2 So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. 3 And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. 4 Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.”

5 Everyone liked this idea, and they chose the following: Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch (an earlier convert to the Jewish faith). 6 These seven were presented to the apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them.

The Challenge (Acts 6:1)

• We read in Acts 6:1 that the church was growing rapidly and it caused some growing pains. 
• The Greek speaking believers complained that some of their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.

The Solution (Acts 6:2-5)

• A meeting was scheduled by the twelve leaders to SEEK GOD and find a SOLUTION to the challenge. 
• They agreed to find seven men who would be responsible for MANAGING the food program for the widows. 
• Acts 6:3 lists three qualities for these men.

Here are three qualities we need to serve people with excellence:

1. Be respected and of sound character 

• The bible says God looks on the heart and not the outward appearance of a person. 
• Sometimes we’ll recruit people to serve based on the outward appearance, for polished individuals. 
• We need to pray and seek the Lord for people who have the attitude and qualities of a servant.

2. Be full of the Spirit 

• A big key to serving other’s well is being full of God’s presence. 
• I love that it’s being full of the spirit and not pride; self; or serving to get something.

3. Full of wisdom 

• Wow! God fill me with your wisdom to help me serve others and my church well!!!!
• Stephen was one of the seven chosen to serve. 
• Everyone liked this idea, and they chose: Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch. 
• These seven were presented to the apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them. Acts 6:5-6

Results of serving with excellence

• And the message of God kept on SPREADING, and the number of disciples MULTIPLIED greatly in Jerusalem; and [besides] a large number of the priests were obedient to the faith [in Jesus as the Messiah, through Whom is obtained eternal salvation in the kingdom of God]. Acts 6:7

How can you do a better job of serving your church, your community, your family, your company, and others with EXCELLENCE?

Here’s a tip. Start small, and start today. 

Do something and SERVE PEOPLE with excellence.

The Influence of the Middle Man

You can lead from the top, the middle or the bottom.  Your greatest place of influence may actually be somewhere towards the middle.

The middle? Come on...isn't that where all the responsibility is but none of the power?  Isn't that less money but more work?  Isn't that more to manage but less training?  

The middle...really?

The truth be known, most of the influence within an organization, team, church, etc. comes from the middle and not from the top.  It's from the middle that the success of the mission, vision and values are being LIVED OUT!

How do you gain this type of INFLUENCE as a middle man?

1. You don't need a title.  Having influence doesn't necessarily involve a title or a position.  You can have a great amount of influence from anywhere, especially in today's culture.

2. People will talk about you.  If you are amazing at what you do, people are going to take notice!  When they take notice, they will talk about you! (Hopefully in a good way.)

3. Alleviate someone's load. Your influence will definitely be felt when you anticipate the needs of those you serve.  Understanding how to best serve your leader and removing something from their plate onto yours will speak volumes of your servant-leadership.  Honestly, if you are creating more work (stress) for your leader instead of less...you're diminishing your influence.

4. Never stop cheering! When you can celebrate someone else's victories...your influence in their life will magnify.  Sometimes being an influencer is nothing more than being a cheerleader and mentor to your team.

5. Come along side. Offering to help your peers on an upcoming project will show your willingness to serve the "big picture" and not just yourself.  

6. Do what you say. Trust is huge when it comes to influence. People will accept your failures and your successes if they know you are worthy of being trusted.  Keep your word and determine to make good decisions.

7. Think like a leader! Just because you're not the CEO, doesn't mean you shouldn't lead like you're the one paying the bills!  Taking on the spirit of ownership will change the way you speak and think.  instead of saying "they" you'll be saying "we."

8. Be happy wherever you are!  If you show up every day looking like a dill pickle, no one will want to be around you...and hence, you'll diminish your influence.  Embrace where you are today!  Don't be bitter...be better!  Be the best where you're at right now!

If you want more information on this topic, I recommend John Maxwell's 360 Degree Leader book.  I read it years ago and it definitely helped me identify:

Hands Up Ministry

Hands Under Ministry

Hands On Ministry

Observations about a Servant Leader

Beverly and I are so proud of the men, women, students and children who SERVE in the multiple areas of ministry at BFWC.  Volunteering for the Lord’s work involves the heart of a SERVANT.  (Also known as a SERVANT LEADER.)

11 Observations about
a Servant Leader

1. Servant Leaders are flexible.  Even if their area of service isn’t a “perfect” fit, they keep an open mind and look for ways to make things better.
2. Servant Leaders are persistent.  Even if they don’t get answers to their questions right away, they keep on serving and improving their area.
3. Servant Leaders are  available.  Even if their schedule is demanding, they look for innovative ways to make full use of their time so that their available when needed.
4. Servant Leaders are responsible.  They show up on time and follow through with their commitments.  They realize that people are depending on them.
5. Servant Leaders are humble.  They don’t expect to start at the top.  They understand the value of working hard and proving their work/worth before they are given more responsibility.
6. Servant Leaders don’t need a babysitter.  They finish their assignments from start to finish and don’t leave any task undone. 
7. Servant Leaders give their word.  When they say “Don’t worry about this, I’ve got it covered” they follow through till the end.  Their word is their bond.  Plus, they have a good attitude during the process.
8. Servant Leaders are respectful.  They watch their “P’s” and “Q’s” at all times and in all directions – vertically and horizontally.   You never have to wonder if a servant leader will be disrespectful, shoot you dirty looks, embarrass you in front of others or respond with “short” answers.
9. Servant Leaders has a right perspective.  They do not consider themselves to be above those they lead.  They are able to see those they lead as peers and learn from them.
10. Servant Leaders are Team Builders.  They draw strength from their followers and they know how to be a follower as well.  These kinds of leaders do not lead by decree or dictate.  Instead, they lead by allowing everyone to do what they do well.  They know how to step out of the spotlight to let others shine.
11. Servant Leaders adapt to fit the situation.  They gauge each situation and respond accordingly.  When appropriate, they will pass over the reins to someone whose leadership style is more appropriate to the situation – they work with people’s strengths.  Good leaders understand that they are not necessarily the best person for a specific job; they know their strengths as well as their weaknesses, and can gracefully pass on opportunities best suited to other individuals.

These are just a few observations of a long list. 

What Is Best For The Church?

I never dreamed I'd have the privilege to pastor such a great church!  When Beverly, Kaitlyn and I came to Indianapolis 12 years ago (May 11, 1999) we had high hopes and a burning fervor in our heart to run after God's design and desire for our lives.  The dream is still alive in us and the journey still fires me up!!!

We are also blessed to serve with an incredible team!  Last night we honored Darrell & Sue Vincent, our JOY Coordinators...(Just Older Youth 60+) for their stellar volunteerism! 

Darrell & Sue serve as a model of excellence when it comes to servant-leadership. 

They arrive early, stay late, help out, sweep floors, take out the trash, stand in the gap, pray for the sick, encourage their pastors, send cards of encouragement, greet guests, cook meals, minister to others, support the church with their finances, communicate routinely, deliver bread...and they do it all with a smile and you never have to wonder if they're going to be at church. 

For all you pastors reading this, you know full well how valuable a "Darrell & Sue" are to you at your church also.  People like that...REFRESH their pastors!

Can you imagine a church full of people like Darrell & Sue? 

I talk with pastors and leaders all the time who express how refreshing it is to have quality staff and volunteers on their team. 

Apostle Paul was particularly fond of Onesiphorus (2 Timothy 1:16-18) whose name means "bringing profit."  Onesiphorus sought out Paul while he was in prison in Rome.  He offered him hospitality, kindness and courage. 

Can you imagine a church full of Onesiphorus's?

If you're going to last in ministry, working with a team is essential.  Each team member will be different and will bring to the table their unique gifts, talents and personalities.  Diversity can add flavor to your team but there are some things that should be a staple amongst all team members.

Each member of the team should SPEAK the SAME LANGUAGE as their LEADER and the VISION of the HOUSE. 

You should NEVER hear the following said from a member of your staff/team:

"That's Not My Job!"

• If you ask a member of your team to do something and they reply "That's not my job," then rest assured that they do not have a heart that is fully devoted to the ministry.  Your team should walk around with FIRE in their eyes and when they are asked to do something they just make it happen because they are there to SERVE and their answer should always be yes!

"That Can't Be Done!"

• Sometimes the people who make that statement realize how much work will be required to finish the task, so they just say it can't be done.
• I don't want to hear it can't be done.  I want to hear someone come up with a solution of how it can be done and their recommendations as it pertains to cost, time and so forth.  That's the attitude I'm looking for.
• If someone is constantly saying, "It can't be done" they either have a LAZY work ethic or a very small view of who GOD is.  Neither are beneficial for your team.

"I Need More Money & Staff To Make This Happen!"

• If someone is using resources as an excuse for a stale or declining ministry then you can be sure they are in trouble and have more than likely become spoiled not having to be routinely creative.

"I Want Recognition!"

• You have to watch out for the team member who is always telling you how much work they do, how many hours they put in and how tired they are.
• We have to balance ministry with family and everyday life.  But when someone is always demanding attention for the work they've done then you can be sure that either PRIDE or INSECURITY is coming out...and neither are good.

"My ministry needs ________ to...and if we don't get it then..."

• When a staff/team member begins to focus on his/her ministry more than the church as a whole...then there is a HUGE problem.
• A good staff/team member will have passion and vision for their particular area of ministry; however, they have an even greater passion for the CHURCH as a WHOLE and will gladly lay aside their plans if it means that it is BEST FOR THE CHURCH.
• The church will either be a loosely organized group of sub-ministries or ONE BODY with many parts...and if a staff/team member cannot be a part of the BODY then they most likely do not have a KINGDOM MINDSET and will not fit on your team.

Serving in ministry will cost you something! 

There are many people who say they want to be in ministry today but when push comes to shove and the rubber meets the road, they quickly look for the path of least resistance.  Friends, the Lord's work is demanding but is also very REWARDING not only here but in the hereafter.

Determine to give your best! 

Serve WHEREVER, WHENEVER and HOWEVER you're asked to, with a good attitude, humble spirit and a blazing fervor.....and then you'll do what's BEST FOR THE CHURCH. :-)

Cultivating My Service

With any ministry, gift or talent God has entrusted us to use, we must develop it to reach its fullest potential.  When we consider serving others, especially our leaders, we must consider the following:

1. Build Relationship
Getting to know whom you're serving is essential.  Relationship will guard you.  One example of this is in the area of "offenses."  Satan has laid a trap against each of us.  However, relationship will guard us from his attempts.  When the enemy comes to distort the truth about your authority, you can say, "I know this person and there must be a reason for this."  Your leader may do the same for you through relationship. 

2. Personalize your Service
Every leader is different and what they desire may differ from another.  Each pastor or leader has a different set of gifts and needs of service than another  Learn what your leader's are and personalize your service.  Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you.  Be attentive to His promptings.  He will teach you what works best for your authority.

3. Be Pure in your Service
Make sure your service is to your leader's benefit.  For example, do not view your time with your leader as an opportunity to get your needs met.  If you desire to assist your leader in their travels, speaking engagements, etc., then be cautious not to bombard them with all your personal problems and issues before they reach the pulpit.  Remember there is a time and place for everything.  Allow your concerns and needs to take a backseat to discerning your leader's need.  God is faithful; as you plant seeds of excellent service in your leader's life, He will remember to take care of you.

4. Wear Godly Garments
What attitude are you wearing when you serve your leader?  Whether you intend to or not, your attitude is transferable.  Our leaders shouldn't have to GUARD against receiving a bad attitude from us.  If we strive to wear a garment of humility, kindness and congeniality, our leaders may safely trust themselves to us.

5. Develop Loyalty in your Ministry
Decide to be where your assigned leader is.  Have you considered where Joshua was when Moses went up the mountain to receive the law of God?  We can only assume he was somewhere close by because he was right there with him when he came off the mountain forty days later.  Remember, how can your ministry to him or her be developed if you are not in place?

6. Develop a Watchful Spirit
Jesus said to His assistants on the first night of His trial, "watch and pray..." yet, they were unable to stay awake to watch.  He then gave us the key to a watchful spirit in His last words to them saying, "The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak."  If it is your hour of trial or your leader's hour of trial, determine to build your spirit so that you may remain alert and prayerful.

When I'm looking for help, I'm looking for someone who will commit to the long-term.  There are pastors and leaders who are weary in the fight because they do not have anyone to hold up their arms.  We must take our place as God appointed armorbearers, assistants and helpers in His army.

Is This God's Choice?

Have you been called to serve someone else's ministry effort?

When you speak about this subject, it's almost always met with someones assumption that "you're just wanting someone to wait on you hand and foot."

However, the truth of the matter is that every leader, especially a pastor, needs an armorbearer to offer the simple qualities of loyalty, watchfulness and attentiveness.

When we acknowledge that we are called to serve a particular leader we settle on God's choice for our life. Although the Lord knows His own and He has said, "I chose you, you did not choose yourself," we must accept the call.

When you acknowledge yourself as a "God-chosen" armorbearer, your doubts will flee and your anointing will increase.

Here are some things to keep in mind while growing:

• Remember God still appoints people to serve today. "See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah:" Exodus 31:2
• Allow God to make your appointment. Your assignment might not be the person you would choose. John Maxwell said, "Leaders attract not whom they want, but who they are." Still, God chooses and appoints, for He knows the needs of the ministry and the personalities. He fitly joins LEADER and HELPER together, if we allow Him.
• Realize that your calling will be specific. Every armorbearer will be placed with a designated leader. Your appointment will be specific just as Joshua was assigned to Moses, Elisha to Elijah, David to Saul, Timothy to Paul, etc.
• Your leader will be worthy. He or she will be a faithful servant of the Lord with proven leadership. More than likely they will function in a fivefold office of ministry. God will appoint you to serve one who is faithful.
• Expect to receive confirmation. In the mouth of two or three witnesses, your appointment will be established. You will know and your leader will know. Don't rush this. Let it happen naturally. If God has truly called you to a certain person, He will give evidence of your appointment.
• Watch out for pride. Rest assured, you'll be tempted with pride as you serve your leader. However, if you give into pride, God will resist you. Rather, choose to wear the garment of humility.
• Expect persecution. If Jesus was persecuted, you will be too. People who don't understand you or know your heart will question your motives.
• Trust God to defend you. As you serve your leader God will defend you. As an armorbearer, you have made a choice to lay your armor down to hold someone else's. Rest assured, that He will protect you while you're back is exposed to your adversaries.

God still appoints armorbearers to serve in the ministry of helps today. Your leader needs you! Sadly, many of our leader's arms have fallen down, not because they weren't anointed, but because there was no one in place to hold their hands up in the heat of the battle.

Who's In Charge?

Have you ever worked on a job or volunteered in a ministry where there were a lot of "chiefs" and not enough "Indians?" 

Everyone wants to be in charge.  I've heard people complain about this very thing in my tenure of ministry.

God has an authority structure.  This is nothing new.  God had the same structure back in Moses' day when the Israelite grumblers complained against the leadership of Moses and especially Aaron saying, "We are all chosen and holy, who set you above all the Israelites?" (Numbers 16:3)

If you remember, under Old Testament law, judgment and destruction fell upon them that complained.  Along comes God with His mercy far stretched and uses Aaron's budding rod to produce ripe almonds while the other staffs in the camp stayed the same.  He then reiterates the duties of the LEADERS and the SUPPORTERS.

It is a fact, not everyone is called to be a leader at the same time.  Someone must lead and others must follow.  From Scripture, we discovered God appoints leaders and those to support them.

• Have you been appointed to SUPPORT someone in your leadership? 
• Is your heart set toward HELPING this person accomplish their God-given tasks?

If the answer is yes, then you are not alone.  All over the Body of Christ, God continues to make specific appointments of helpers to assist His authorities. 

As an ADMINISTRATOR of the HELPS MINISTRY, He has uniquely formed the ARMORBEARER'S place in His support system.  It is a part of His design for a TEAM to STRENGTHEN His leaders.

When God called Beverly and I to serve as armorbearers (support staff) for our pastors, we had good examples to follow...our parents and others who have served or currently serve in the ministry of assisting.

Obviously, we asked the Holy Spirit, our Teacher and Guide, to give us examples.  God showed us examples not only in NAME but also in FUNCTION. 

One of which, his name is not mentioned, was the armorbearer for Jonathan, prince of Israel.  This man wasn't involved in the ministry of assisting ANYONE and EVERYONE. He was assigned to Jonathan.  He was focused and attentive to his leader.

His helper was always nearby. 

• Jonathan didn't have to hunt him down;
• Constantly remind him of his duties;
• Light a fire under him;
• Tip-toe around him for fear of hurting his feelings. 

Jonathan's armorbearer was so close, all Jonathan had to do was turn to his armorbearer and say, "Let's go up..."  His assistant's response was, "Do all that is in your mind.  For I am with you heart and soul." (1 Samuel 14:7)

Sounds like music to my ears!  If you are a pastor needing support or a weary church leader it's music to your ears also!

IN THE BODY OF CHRIST we need more people who will SUPPORT the man or woman of God in a more tangible way.  God is looking for people who will be with their assigned leader HEART and SOUL.

In what way can you encourage your leaders?

Does My Opinion Matter?

Serving the vision of a local church trumps my personal views and opinions.  Although my opinions and views may be utilized at some point to further the overall vision, they do not take precedence over the God appointed voice and visionary in that place, namely the pastor.

As I have served my leaders, I have done so with continual regard to their particular vision and direction.  My objective is to hold up their hands as we, together, achieve the vision.

Holding up someone elses hands can be tiresome if you are not disciplined in your own spiritual fitness.  One could easily begin to criticize their leader or find fault with their methods if they themselves become negligent in their own spiritual disciplines of prayer, fasting, reading the word and meditation.

Serving others can be draining and at times demanding.  However, there are great rewards and an increase of anointing that flows your way when you continue to serve faithfully and with pure motives. (i.e., Elisha and the double portion)

We all have our own opinion.  There's nothing wrong with having an opinion.  However, if our opinion impedes negatively on the overall direction of the defined vision, and is not communicated with layers of love and careful word choices, then our opinion causes seeds of destruction rather than construction.

For example...if I were teaching a class in a local church, it would be out of order for me to make personal, opinionated statements that are contrary to the teachings or viewpoints of the senior pastor in that local church.  It would not only be out of order it would also reflect a lack of spiritual maturity on my part.

It would be like me saying, "The pastor and I share similar viewpoints on a particular subject, but I don't really agree with his philosophy."  Or "I teach one thing, the pastor teaches another...you decide."  This would be planting a seed of doubt and furthermore attempting to make ourselves appear more knowledgeable.

When we serve under a vision, whether it's corporate or personal, we are accountable to represent our leader's viewpoints, philosophies and heart at all times.  We become an expression of them to others.

The inability to carry this through is a reflection of our own spiritual immaturity.  It cannot be justified and cannot be allowed to continue.

David's son Absalom, had a canny way of undermining his father's leadership by his words and kisses.  "Oh, don't bother the king with that...I'll gladly resolve this for you.  No need to involve the king...he don't have time for you anyway...but I do."  Hence we coin the phrase "An Absalom spirit."

Representing my leader is a major priority in my life.  I also believe "what goes around comes around."  Remember, until Jesus comes, you'll be representing someone and someone will be representing you.  We would do well to remember this.

When I was a youth pastor, my pastor would send me to the hospital to pray for people on his behalf.  I had a choice of how I was going to represent my pastor.  I could be loyal or disloyal.  I could seek to gain an audience or point people to him.  It was my choice. 

I could say, "Pastor didn't have time to come pray for you today.  BUT I'M HERE!"  or I could say, "I'm here on behalf of my pastor today.  When I leave here I will be reporting to him your condition.  He sends his love to you, let's pray!"

It's an internal decision that can have external results in days, weeks and years to come.  I'm so glad I received the training I needed (and I heeded) so that I would receive a FULL BLESSING even to this day.

Remember, your opinion may be a good one. However, there is an appropriate time and place to release that opinion. 

• A mature leader does not speak everything that comes to their mind. 
• They hold their words till an appropriate time. 
• They are careful not to offend others. 
• They are mindful of how their opinion will affect others.
• They seek to represent their leader with class, dignity, integrity and maturity.

There's nothing wrong with having an opinion...but just learn to bridle your tongue, remain teachable and seek to honor God and those He's placed over you.  You'll save yourself a lot of headache and you'll save your leaders a lot of damage control - as they try to salvage your public image.

Maturing in Christ, Reaching in Love;

Pastor Hylton

Leading People is Personal

I had a manager at one of the banks I worked for named Debbie.  Debbie was probably one of the best managers I've ever had.  Anytime our lines would become extra long, she'd jump in and help the team clear out the lobby.

Sure, she had responsibilities, that none of us could do, but what she could do for us made a huge impression to the morale of the team.

I've thought about her leadership from time to time.  She modeled a "servant-leader" style that made each member of the team want to emulate.

In my last blog, I shared Paul's recommendation of Timothy to the church in Philipi. 

• Philippians 2:19-22 "But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the Gospel."  

Paul modeled before Timothy.
Timothy watched Paul.
Timothy then emulated Paul's actions.
Paul recommends Timothy.

Before Timothy "did" leadership, he first "saw" leadership.  He then adopts Paul's style of ministry as his own.  Timothy's love for the people came first from his love for Christ in which he saw modeled in the life of Paul.

The gist of this passage shows us that Paul didn't sit on his "high horse" and bark orders at Timothy.  Paul got in the trenches, showed Timothy how to perform servant-leadership and then watched as Timothy did the same.

If a leader is going to disciple a follower, that leader must NOT be viewed only in the "manager's" role.  Jesus modeled servant-leadership before his disciples.  Thus His disciples modeled His actions

Leading people has to become personal.

Best regards to my former bank manager...Debbie.