Task IV

Running head: BIBLICAL INTEGRATION PROJECT 1

Biblical Integration Project

Student’s Name

Liberty University

BIBLICAL INTEGRATION PROJECT 2

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to provide insight to the term servant leadership. While there are

many different views on servant leadership, this papers provides the reader resources to a

Biblical worldview as opposed to a naturalistic worldview. The paper also provides resources for

Christ’s example as a servant leader as well as the role model for servant leaders in any realm.

Servant leadership is defined as a transformational process and the goal of the servant leader

should be to show the love of Christ to those to whom they lead and serve. One characteristic

identified in this paper is that of humility, which is considered one of the most important in a

servant leader. A humble heart and attitude reveals the presence of Christ. A servant leader that

exudes humility will be a successful and transformational leader within an organization;

however, not in words, but actions. After reading this paper, the reader will have a better

understanding of servant leadership and how it can utilize the greatest role model of all times in

the life of Jesus Christ.

Key words: servant leadership, transformational, humility, Biblical worldview

BIBLICAL INTEGRATION PROJECT 3

A Biblical analysis of Greenleaf’s servant leadership perspective

While Greenleaf’s theory of servant leadership (Spears, 1996) was not that of a Biblical

perspective, it is in line with the model that Jesus Christ exemplified. According to Spears

(1996), Greenleaf maintained “the great leader is first experienced as a servant to others” (p. 33).

In Matthew 20:28 (NIV), we find Christ’s example “. . . the Son of Man did not come to be

served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” most fitting for servant leaders.

Spears (1996) also suggested that Greenleaf relayed four priorities; however serving others was

considered the first priority. This theory presents a problem from a Biblical perspective as it is

missing the most important aspect, that of a relationship with Jesus Christ. Matthew 6:33 (ESV)

states “but seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” should be the first priority.

Duby (2009) contended that Greenleaf’s theory was from a “naturalistic worldview” and not a

“Biblical worldview” as a servant leader should be concerned about serving God first and then

others (p. 2).

Van Dierendonck (2011) maintained that Greenleaf’s theory did not actually provide a

definition of servant leadership that was actually correct and was even ambiguous (p. 1231).

Coulter’s analysis of Greenleaf’s theory concluded “great leaders are servants first” (Coulter,

2003, p. 23). Coulter claimed a Biblical perspective could be modeled after Peter’s example as a

leader and as a peer. Peter’s example portrays that the first priority is that all leadership should

not be self-serving, but focused on God and His glory (Coulter, 2003, p. 25).

A Biblical Foundation for Servant Leadership

While Peter is a good example, the Biblical foundation for servant leadership is best

exemplified in the life of Christ and in the Truth of the Word of God. The first priority is that a

Biblical servant leader must be a follower of Christ (Fischer, 2013a). John 14:6 (NV) states

BIBLICAL INTEGRATION PROJECT 4

“Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except

through me”. In order to lead like Jesus, a change must occur and it does not happen overnight, it

is a transformational process (Blanchard & Hodges, 2008). It starts with changes in one’s

personal leadership style; one understands that they are not in control, but God is. If leaders are

motivated by control, they will fail. Control is an illusion of the mind and believers must grasp

the concept that if Jesus is truly Lord of their lives, God must be in control (Fischer, 2013b). The

personal leadership style then affects others in one-on-one relationships, which are why leaders

are defined as those who influence others (Fischer, 2013c). The next step is the team leadership

process (Blanchard & Hodges, 2008, p. 19). This team leadership process takes the “I” out of

leading and empowers the team. Once again, Jesus’ example was that he invested “most of His

time training and equipping the disciples for leadership when His earthly ministry was over”

(Blanchard & Hodges, 2003, p. 11).

Conclusion

The process to become a servant leader involves a transformation of one’s “heart, head,

hands and habits” (Blanchard & Hodges, 2008, p. 33). Each one of these areas is as important as

the other; however, the heart is the first priority as it is impossible to love those that you lead if

you do not love Jesus Christ. Unconditional love is only exemplified in the love that Christ had

by giving up His life for man. The head must be led by the heart as the servant leader makes

decisions. These decisions must be based on what the heart knows as truth and what the servant

leader’s mission is within the team and organization. How the servant leader leads will reveal his

character as well as his character flaws at times. The hands of the servant leader will be evident

in the changes the leader is willing to make in order to become a servant leader. The habits of the

BIBLICAL INTEGRATION PROJECT 5

servant leader can be a conductor for the changes the leader needs to make in order to change

character flaws and serve others (Blanchard & Hodges, 2003).

The servant leader does not draw attention to self. Servant leadership is not about words

but about actions that glorify God. Matthew encourages “let your light shine before men in such

a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew

5:16, NIV).

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References

Blanchard, K., & Hodges, P. (2003). The servant leader. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson.

Blanchard, K., & Hodges, P. (2008). Lead like Jesus: Lessons for everyone from the greatest

leadership role model of all time. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson.

Coulter, G. L. (2003). The servant leader. Christian Education Journal, 7(1), 23–45. Retrieved

from, http://p2048-

www.liberty.edu.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.

liberty.edu:2048/docview/205458916?accountid=12085

Duby, D. G. (2009). The Foundation for Biblical Servant Leadership. Unpublished manuscript,

Liberty University.

Fischer, K. (2014a). Biblical leadership. [Video podcast]. Retrieved from Liberty University

Course BUSI 502 Blackboard site.

Fischer, K. (2014b). Personal application. [Video podcast]. Retrieved from Liberty University

Course BUSI 502 Blackboard site.

Fischer, K. (2014c). Biblical application. [Video podcast]. Retrieved from Liberty University

Course BUSI 502 Blackboard site.

Liberty University. BUSI-502 Servant leadership Module/Week 2. The servant leader. [Audio

Presentation]. Available from http://www.liberty.edu.

Liberty University. BUSI-502 Servant leadership Module/Week 3. The head of a servant leader.

[Audio Presentation]. Available from http://www.liberty.edu.

Spears, L. (1996). Reflections on Robert K. Greenleaf and servant leadership. Leadership &

Organizational Development Journal, 17(7), 33-35. Retrieved from, http://p2048-

www.liberty.edu.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.

liberty.edu:2048/docview/226920195?accountid=12085

BIBLICAL INTEGRATION PROJECT 7

van Dierendonck, D. (2011). Servant leadership: A review and synthesis. Journal of

Management, 37(4), 1228-1261. doi:10.1177/0149206310380462