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Abstract
Servant leadership is a leadership concept where leaders place others before themselves. There
are ten characteristics of servant leadership that include listening, empathy, healing, awareness,
persuasion, conceptualization, foresight, stewardship, commitment to the growth of people, and
building community. These ten characteristics can be found in man-centered and Christ-centered
servant leadership. The greatest difference is found in the motives and attitudes of the servant
leaders. A servant leader whose motives and attitudes are grounded in love, as described in the
Scriptures, is practicing Christ-centered servant leadership.
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Biblical Integration Project: Servant Leadership
There are several styles of leadership, including autocratic, democratic, transformational,
and charismatic, to name a few. Each has advantages and disadvantages depending on the
circumstance and situation for which it is being used. One leadership style that has gained
attention since the 1970s is servant leadership, introduced by Robert Greenleaf (Crowther, 2018).
Greenleaf describes servant leadership as a concept of leadership in which “leaders would learn
to serve their followers with skill, understanding, and spirit” (Crowther, 2018, Chapter 1). Ten
characteristics were developed from Greenleaf’s writings and continue to be researched as key
components of servant leadership. Greenleaf's characteristics are taken from a contemporary or
man-centered view of servant leadership. Although many of the characteristics described seem
Christ-centered, there are differences in principle. This paper will provide a general synopsis of
servant leadership and the differences between man-centered and Christ-centered servant
leadership.
Biblical analysis of man-centered servant leadership
Servant leadership consists of two roles in which the servant leader assumes. The first is
the visionary or strategic role, which entails the leadership aspect. The second is an
implementation or operational role, which entails the servant aspect (Blanchard & Broadwell,
2018). The visionary role of servant leadership provides direction and purpose for those who are
following. Along with direction and purpose, it is vital to articulate the leader’s values as a guide.
The strategic mission, which includes direction, purpose, and values to uphold, is passed down
from the servant leader to the followers, as the responsibility of the visionary role cannot be
delegated (Blanchard & Broadwell, 2018). As the followers become responsive to the strategic
mission, the servant leader can begin to take on the implementation role of servant leadership.
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The implementation role of the servant leader is to be responsive to the followers and those
above them. This consists of helping them with their responsibilities and ensuring they have what
they need to be successful (Blanchard & Broadwell, 2018). The leader aspect of servant
leadership is no different than in any other leadership style. However, the servant aspect turns the
traditional hierarchy upside down, placing others above the leader.
The contemporary servant leader perspective has morphed into various models
throughout the years. Larry Spears developed the ten characteristics of servant leadership from
Greenleaf’s writings (Blanchard & Broadwell, 2018). The ten characteristics consist of listening,
empathy, healing, awareness, persuasion, conceptualization, foresight, stewardship, commitment
to the growth of people, and building community (Crowther, 2018; Blanchard & Broadwell,
2018). These characteristics are critical to developing a servant leadership environment.
Although Greenleaf introduced servant leadership in the 1970s, it existed well before. Servant
leadership is best illustrated through the life of Jesus Christ, not only by words but through His
actions.
Biblical foundation for Christ-centered servant leadership
As we begin to discuss the difference between man-centered and Christ-centered servant
leadership, the most significant difference is in motives and attitudes (Crowther, 2018). A Christ-
centered approach to servant leadership applies Biblical scripture to its model and methods. 1
Corinthians 13:13 says, “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of
these is love” (New International Version, 1973/2011). For Christ-centered servant leadership,
love is the key driving force in a servant leader’s motive and attitude. Winston and Patterson
expounded on Greenleaf’s servant leadership model and produced a model based on love
(Crowther, 2018). Any leader can follow the ten characteristics of servant leadership identified
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by Spears, but without love, they will only be practicing man-centered servant leadership. Christ-
centered servant leadership is led by love, followed by other characteristics such as integrity,
forgiveness, perseverance, and self-control (Crowther, 2018). Greenleaf’s idea of servant
leadership suggests that a person is looking for a natural desire to serve, whereas a Christ-
centered approach is focused on the care of others and being called to serve (Crowther, 2018).
Man-centered servant leadership is useless without love and will lead to greed, self-focus, and
self-proclamation. Love and humility are the keys to overcoming or avoiding toxic or narcissistic
leadership (Crowther, 2018).
Conclusion
In conclusion, servant leadership provides a unique model of leadership that can be used
in various organizations, whether for profit or not for profit. The various characteristics
developed can be used in the man-centered and Christ-centered application of servant leadership.
The most significant difference comes down to the motives and attitudes of the servant leader
acting in love, as described in the Scriptures. Developing a relationship with Jesus Christ through
studying God’s Word is the foundation of Christ-centered servant leadership. Jesus was the
perfect example of servant leadership, and we should strive to follow his example.
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References
Blanchard, K. H., & Broadwell, R. (2018). Servant leadership in action: how you can achieve
great relationships and results. Polvera
Crowther, S. (2018). Biblical servant leadership [VitalSource Bookshelf version]. Palgrave
Macmillan. vbk://9783319895697
New International Version. (2011). Zondervan. (Original work published 1973)
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