A New Chapter in Leadership: The Journey to Servant Leadership

Today marks a significant turning point, a commitment to lead at a higher level and redefine what influence truly means. If you have ever been in a position of leadership, you know the journey is filled with shared successes that warm the heart, but also moments of frustration, bad judgment, and mutual disappointment.

To everyone I have had the privilege of leading, whether in a formal organizational role or informally through our personal life relationships, thank you for being here. You have been a part of my past attempts to influence thinking, actions, and development toward positive goals. Today, I stand before you to acknowledge the price we have sometimes paid for my past mistakes, times when I led poorly out of pride, fear, weariness, or simply poor judgment. For those moments, I sincerely apologize and ask for your forgiveness.

 Seeking a Trustworthy Role Model

Moving forward, I have come to a personal conclusion: to truly maximize the influence entrusted to me, I need a trustworthy and relevant leadership role model. This model must be one that inspires, equips, and allows me to live a simplified life as a whole person, bringing joy and purpose to all my relationships.

My decision is clear, as the old hymn says, “I have decided to follow Jesus. No turning back, no turning back.”

This is not a casual choice; it is a heartfelt commitment to seek and follow the leadership teachings and model of Jesus in every future opportunity I must influence people’s thinking, behavior, and development.

 Embracing the Call to Servant Leadership

This commitment immediately translates into one core principle: I intend to be a Servant Leader.

As Jesus Himself stated, “Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve” (Matthew 20:28).

This powerful verse is the blueprint for the transformation I am undertaking. It is the realization that leadership is not about me. It is fundamentally about you, our mission, and the people we collectively serve.

Going forward, my focus will shift from being served to actively serving.

Accountability: Not Perfection, But Progress

To many who know me, this may sound like an impossible, even idealistic, goal. And in some ways, it is. If my aim were perfection, I would surely fail. If I promised uninterrupted progress without relapses, you would be right to dismiss these intentions as empty promises.

What I am truly intending is this:

• To start each day seeking to make the best leadership decisions possible.
• To rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
• To serve the highest purpose for the highest good in every leadership decision.

This is a promise of interrupted progress, not flawless performance. That is why I am asking each person here today to hold me accountable for leading at this higher, servant level in the future. Your honest feedback is now a vital part of my journey.

 The First Step: The Practice of Listening

“Every journey begins with a first step.”

My initial, practical step in seeking to be a better leader is to prioritize listening. This will be a multi-faceted practice:

• Listening to God: Seeking divine guidance and wisdom.
• Listening to Our Mission and Values: Realigning actions with our core purpose.
• Listening to You: Valuing your input, experience, and concerns.
• Listening to Scripture and My Heart: Drawing on wisdom to lead like Jesus.

 Summary: Key Takeaway for Better Leadership

Leadership transformation starts with a model you can trust. Servant Leadership, anchored in the example of Jesus, shifts the focus from personal power to selfless service. It is a journey of continuous, accountable progress, with the first essential step being the discipline of deep and intentional listening.

What leadership qualities do you find most essential in a servant leader? Share your thoughts in the comments below!