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Understanding Transformative Servant Leadership
Transformative Servant Leadership is too radical for most inspiring leaders, even in modern times. Without the Truth and acceptance of Godly principles, it is inconceivable for the human spirit. Transformative Servant Leadership operate under the concepts of God’s principles, the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22). In modern society, there is a form of this type of leadership. Realistically and truthfully, it is not even what most in ministerial leadership gravitate toward. Statistically, data supports this statement. In carrying out its principles, there must be a commitment to prioritize service over leadership authority (Mark 10:42–45). This calling is beyond what most leaders are willing to do. Giving a list of ten ways to transform people into God’s principles is not the answer. Transformative Servant Leadership is a matter of the heart. It is, however, in the business world, an important contrast.
Traditional leadership is more about self-ambition, hierarchy, competition, tracking successes, and levels of authority. Most leaders and organizations continue to think and drive this style of leading, even while they speak about transformation.
Greenleaf’s Foresight
Among scientists, most researchers credit the Servant Leadership style to that of Robert K. Greenleaf (1904-1990). However, while his contributions did make an impact, my view of Transformative Servant Leadership is that Greenleaf had the ability and intuitiveness to identify biblical principles into a modern theory of acceptance for aspiring leaders.
Quite often, in the natural (business, education, science, government, etc.) world, excitement for something new is always trendy until something else emerges to take its place. When it comes to variation of leadership styles i.e., authoritative, each can be scripturally found. However, Jesus, is the model of Transformative Servant Leadership. This is not to say that we should not try to move toward this model of better leadership in all areas of our lives. Why?
Why Transformative Servant Leadership
First, the word transformative, by definition, is about change. Second, the word servant, by definition, is about serving. Third, the word leadership, by definition, prioritizes guidance. Together, the philosophy of Transformative Servant Leadership is the continuity of change for serving and guidance beyond self. In contrast to other leadership models, the primary goal is to serve others with humility. That is a higher standard than any human can achieve without true guidance.
Transformative Servant Leadership model advocates “Grace.” The same grace that is given to you must be afforded to others. Therefore, to describe oneself as a Transformative Servant Leader is to wrestle with the weight of suffering, challengers, and victories under the free gift of GRACE.
Inspiring Stories of Transformation
Traditional leadership was my foundation in the business world; it was useful, in that roles and assignments were clearly defining. Even in education, as a leader, although I was providing a great service, leadership was still a more traditional in style. However, my most humbling experiences stem from learning the principles baked into Transformative Servant Leadership.
In fact, any story that I have about prosperity is because of grace. No silver or gold could buy what God did in transforming me. At the appropriate time, I will share more about the merciful Father who continues to give me more than I deserve. But for now, I share that those experiences of grace are my testimonies and causes of my willingness in supporting others for transforming their relationship with God. Perfection is not a requirement for transforming as servant leaders. One of the most effective means of transformation in leadership is sharing your truth. Unfortunately, there are too many leaders who hide behind their “coat of arms.”
The Role of Storytelling in Ministry
The role of storytelling in ministry must be truthful and shared from our experiences. The most transformative servant leader that ever walked this earth is Jesus. What a powerful ministry to have of messages for faith and leadership! His transformative leadership is the one to model. Jesus’s art of storytelling is still a powerful one for witnessing and serving to the oppressed, to the foreigner, to the poor, to the rich, and including to yourself.
There are many examples of his storytelling to all types of people. He met people where they were and his stories were analogies not to impress anyone; but to give understanding. To the farmer, it was the parable of the farmer; to those who wish to divide, read the parable of the wheat and weeds and parable of the woman making bread and yeast (Matthew 13:18-23; Matthew 13:24; Matthew 13:33-35). In furtherance, his messages of ministry highlight the importance of sharing stories and giving grace to all. His type of engagement was the result of transformation in others to serve and elevate others, continuingly. Percept upon percept; line by line – it is a continuous operation. That is why we must support and encourage one another, another principle for growing.
Encouraging Servant Leadership in Your Community
No, I am offering a list of ten ways to transform. However, I am to encourage you to remember that fostering practical steps of Transformation Servant Leadership can shape a community. In your transformative walk as a servant leader, work with the Holy Spirit to build up and out. Yours, is to build leaders and witnesses for His glory. If we aspire to this type of leadership, then we will be instruments of transformation by exhibiting Christ-like behaviors that pleases the Creator. We are not selectively teaching those we like or dislike. Thus, examine yourself to see if you are predominantly:
- Building relationships or badgering for submissiveness
- Harvesting or hindering
- Hospitable or Hoarding (Matthew 25:37-40)
- Blessing or persecuting (Matthews 5; the Beatitudes)
- Creating or Misusing Opportunities for Transformation
Thus, Transformative Servant Leadership, designed by God, is to be equipped by the Holy Spirit to do the work. Contrasting the world’s view, Transformative Servant Leadership was at the beginning of Creation, and it was expounded by leaders for God’s purpose (i.e., Moses, Joshua, Isaiah). In summary, the most powerful one was, of course, was Jesus. His leadership of obedience elevated people as communities of love and faith. Therefore, as joint heirs, ours is to be a continuation of serving others for transforming lives that leads to eternity.
Servant Leadership NOW: "Stepping Up Your Leadership Call"
Look for more about this topic. For now, we want to encourage your calling through the following blog posts. May you be uplifted:
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