Unlikely Servant Leaders

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Moses

Moses is often cited as a well-known, unlikely servant leader example. His calling was from God (Exodus 3:1-12). When Moses was called to lead, the Scripture tells us that he was not over-joyed for several reasons. First of all, he had murdered an Egyptian soldier. Second, Moses felt inadequate to lead because of a speech impediment. But his reason can be a reminder that whatever our imperfections, God is our strength – Our Source – Our El Shaddai. Knowing this brings comfort.  Take the view that this is an opportunity to walk in your purpose. He can remove the anxiety to help you step up to your assignment. God is able and willing to provide the resources for our assignments (God even sent Aaron as a support to Moses).

More than that, keep in mind that Moses was the designated leader. The assigned purpose – lead the children of Israel out of slavery into the Promise Land, Exodus. What it must have felt like for Moses to meet God face-to-face! Even the miraculous signs were that of God’s performance through him. Yes, an imperfect man called by the Perfect God!

Leadership by God is for the Kingdom of God!

Ruby – Servant Leaders: Required Forgiveness

Oprah Among Unlikely Servant Leaders

As a young child, this resume read:

“A servant leader must not forget that leadership is for the Kingdom of God.” – Bulluck

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Unlikely Leaders can be anywhere

The blessed brings forth fruit in its season. Their leaf do not wither. Whatever that person goes, there is prosperity. It is more than financial and material possessions. That is not that person’s value. It is more than silver, gold, or rubies. It is joy. That person knows where their wealth comes from. The Lord provides all of their needs. Their trust in the Lord is true prosperity. It does not cease. It is incorruptible.

Break the Mold

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

The Mold – Deliberate in Time

The Mold as Ripe Fruit

Mold Imitation

Gardenia Bulluck Pic
You are meant to be an individual.

You are not a Mistake: God Made You to Win

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

You are not a Mistake

Sterotyping – Perception of a Winner

First, what is the problem? There is an underlying perception of who and what makes a winner according to human standards. The negative result is sterotyping. Sterotyping is the labeling of untrue and unfair beliefs about a particular group. Early in life, these inflated ideas impact the mental health of young people. In this climate of social media, statistics show that teen suicide has also increased. Research supports that a negative statement about one’s appearance or family increases the possibility of suicide rates among young people. Additionally, isolation, economic barriers, cyberbullying, and constant picture-perfect people in TV ads, fuel low self-esteem. Furthermore, the problem persists through messaging from politicians and ministries that stereotype people.

Dogma – Mindset of Who Are Winners

Religious Dogma: In speaking with young adults, they cite sterotyping as a reason for their departure from home churches. This stereotype stopped them from joining other mainstream churches. Unfortunately, religious dogma is real. Religious dogma is defined as a set of beliefs to accept without questions or doubts. They lack the self-esteem to view themselves as winners in life due to religious dogma. For instance, the teaching that a human born out of wedlock, meant that person is a MISTAKE.

Society Dogma: Economics status also impacts how some people view others. For instance, because they get free or reduced lunch, the view is these children are less intelligent. In the community, material wealth meant self-worth.

These direct and indirect messages permeate every day through various forms of media. Different method, same message received. Moreover, there is the negativity that your family does not look like my family, so you do not belong.

Winning -Dispelling Inferiority

It will take lots of work and love to dispel messages of inferiority. Throughout history, there is the teaching of God’s love for His creation. You are NOT a mistake, neither biologically nor scripturally. Yet, we do not as a society do very well in this area. God’s standards are not people standards. However, when you are young, it is difficult to understand. Unfortunately, too many of us carry negatives spoken to us into our adulthood. Even suggestive or research has an impact (Gender Gaps). You are not inferior to other groups.

The heading from an article in ScienceNewsforStudents read Scientists Say: Egg and sperm

So, let’s take a look at why you are biologically a winner.

Biologically a Winner

Second Leg of the Race

Race of Endurance

As servant leaders, it is our job to teach and dispel the idea that a child is a MISTAKE because of how you were born, who your parents are, one’s economic disposition, ethnicity, religious background, locale and any other reason that is counter-productive to what God says about us. Are you onboard?

More Suggestions on “Your Watch.” On this journey, encourage yourself.

What Type of Servant Are You? A Journey of Self-Reflection

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

What type of servant am I? This is your personal time to self-reflect.

You are not expected to be hidden. You are a shining light. So, who are you? First of all, a servant of God hurts, moans, cries, loves, and laughs. Emotions of a servant are a part of who you are. Salvation (coming to Christ) did not make you invisible. Instead, it makes you who God intended you to be.

Although your emotions are part of your character, they are not in control of you. Sometimes, I literally cry because I am moved by my compassion. I also cry because of seeing the lack of compassion people have for others. My response to the situation, however, should be controlled by the Spirit within me. It does not mean mistakes will not be made. It means that the compassion of God should override my behavior. So, ask yourself, “What type of servant am I?”

A Servant’s Wounds

A TV commercial from ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) can bring me to tears. The wounds and treatment of these animals are heartbreaking. But under the care of this society, the before and after pictures capture what a caring staff can achieve. These animals are at the mercy of caregivers. Under the care of great caregivers, they have hope. Finally, the pictures do not show outwardly the scars and trauma that these animals went through.

So, it is with any servant of God. Their outward appearance does not show what they went through. For most, you will only know their pain through their stories or as a witness to their truth. Yes, the scars still exist as a reminder of what a servant endured. But those scars are reflections of God’s glory too.

The Healing Balm of Gilead for the Servant

A servant of God has a “balm (b-a-l-m) in Gilead.”  The servant goes through a process of healing, soothing, and restoring. It is the application of the blood through Jesus Christ. Scar tissue over a serious wound witnesses their tormenting situation. The scars from healing wounds! They show that the servant has been in a battle(s). But God binds up his wounds. Jesus is the symbol of their healing balm.

The Servant Reciprocates

Because God shows mercy, the servant must show mercy. He reciprocates. The Holy Spirit takes the lead. What happened before this servant’s transformation? Before the servant’s transformation, bitterness and hard-heartedness were at home in his heart. Unrepenting ways would lead this individual. Driven by short-sightedness was the cause of his blindside. Deeply scarred, fractured, and broken. Yes, wounded persons hurt others. Thus, there exist many opportunities to hurt people. But now, the servant’s transformative spirit is that of Matthew 5:7. “Blessed are the merciful for they will obtain mercy.” Though the servant is imperfect, the Holy Spirit perfects those things regarding him. That is, this type of servant listens to the voice of the Holy Spirit, and then righteousness prevails.

The Servant’s Self-Control

One of the most significant changes in this type of servant is self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Jesus is the model of self-control. Of course, the servant of God is not Jesus. Still, the servant’s behaviors are a result of self-control by the Holy Spirit. For example, are my actions Christ-like or self-righteous? What are my response(s) to the situation(s)? Will it reflect Christ-like behavior? Or will it reflect more about my desire to prove my own self-righteousness? What is the right response? What type of servant am I?

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The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your (His) faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23 New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (NRSV). Encourage Yourself.

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

God is awesome. He is love. His mercy is an awesome reminder of that love. This is a hard truth for unbelievers. However, for those who believe, it is a reminder of how great and merciful he is. Today, you ARE a reminder of God’s promise, love, humility, grace and mercy. You are reminder of His love and that love abides in you. Yes, if you abide in Him then you see his love everywhere. If you look with the lens of more than enough, you see his mercy in action. You know that you are more than a conqueror through God.

The air you breathe is a simple but important reminder of Him. You can’t see it, but you take it in and breathe it out every second. Hence, every second, God expresses intimate and incredible love towards all of us. Yes, there is an awesomeness about you. It is the uniqueness that God gives to all. Contrast this gift. There is not another person in this universe like you. To God, your beauty is an example of his creation. Your choice to flow in love is yours and yours alone. You are meant to be a light in darkness. Do you see your awesomeness?

The enemy is fearful. He is angry because you are so loved by God. But that is his problem. Today, you have the free will to live your best life, glowing in that love. Just look around! Take an inventory. Take stock of who you are. His Holy Spirit lives in you. It is not your imagination. You do what is right. Even your mistakes make you sorrowful. That is his Spirit controlling you. No wonder the enemy fears you! Indeed, the Spirit of God wants to order your very steps! Today, you stand and move ahead!

This is your newsflash! This is a reminder of those who love God, overcomes this world. This morning God gave you new mercy for a brand new day. It is no wonder that the enemy is angry. He does not have that gift. So, to all who believe, “You are of God, dear children. You can overcome the world. He who is in you is greater than he (the devil) who is in the world (1 John 4:4 NIV).”

I am excited for you. There is no greater love than God. Psalms 91 reminds us of this. God will send his angels to keep us from falling (Psalm 91:11). WOW! What a successful destination you have! Why?  Because God promises that He will never leave or forsake us is true. 

A lone silhouette stands beneath a crescent moon and starry sky, evoking a sense of solitude and wonder.

By the way, for another perspective by a therapist non-spiritual viewpoint, we suggest reading this article by Dr. Michelle Maidenberg, titled the Truth About Love.

Safe Spaces: Creating Environments for Youth

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

The time to revisit Safe Spaces for children, youth, and young adults is now. True leaders must be willing to spend time and effort to support this subgroup. Among this generation, some leaders have reasons to choose organizations other than the church. They wish to be heard.

Why Young People Disconnect

Although this survey was taken a few years ago, it is still what I hear today. When they are not heard, this leaves young people open to other religious networks.

Data shows top fie reasons for decline in church attendance of church dropouts

Silent – No More – Clinical Professionals

Networks of Psychological Trauma

Second, we must engage to share insights. We need to determine how to push the development of “Safe Spaces for Children, Youth and Young Adults.” It is important to grow a strong base of caring, insightful leaders. How? Gather information from gifted clinical therapists for insight. These professionals have the knowledge base about networks operating in their field, including information about current, organized religious networks. Not all networks work in the interest of solving problems. Sadly, some networks foster psychological trauma among our most vulnerable populations.  Even more shocking, some networks exist to foster religious child maltreatment (RCM).

What is Religious Child Maltreatment ?

When Janet Heimlich began writing her book, Breaking Their Will: Shedding Light on Religious Child Maltreatment, she realized something important. The term religious child maltreatment (RCM) was not among the most popular for online searching.  In fact, the subject matter, according to Heimlich, made many uncomfortable. RCM is religious child abuse. Predators of RCM, like other networks, use social media as an online method. They aim to gain access and infiltrate the mindset of the young. As a result, some of our young people are falling into the hands of predators without leaving their homes.  Beyond the home, predators also look for places where young people hang out, i.e., with friends, schools, college campuses, recreational centers, shopping malls, etc.

As a norm, children, youth, and young adults take a “leap of faith” in adults without much fear and experience. They follow the religious teachings and steps of their parents. However, the impact of social media on the value system is real. Therefore, it is crucial to include this population in our conversations to help them feel at ease engaging in discussions. We must prioritize knowing more about the topic. Sharing information with them about Religious Child Maltreatment (RCM) is essential for change.

Be Silent No More

Some institutions of faith have open safe havens to discuss sexual abuse and immorality. Some institutions choose to abandon the discussions and just pray about it. On the other hand, some faith-based organizations are part of national organizations for transforming policies that support their theology. Nevertheless, research shows that trauma continues to increase across all areas of social and economic status. For local pastors and ministries, this is a known problem as a related decline in attendance. Subsequently, it gives them unique opportunities to serve people. This service includes addressing values, religious trauma, and faith.

Personal Attachments Make It Harder

According to clinical professionals, personal attachments make it harder for abused people to leave their situations. Some leaders practiced RCM and are defined as religious cult leaders. Well-known examples include Jim Jones and Wilbert Thomas. Why? Their followers’ emotional attachments gave them a sense of protection by their abusers. However, according to clinical professionals, most leaders of RCM are not widely known. What can today’s true leaders offer to victims of RCM? (1) Conversation and definition of RCM. (2) Gives people the true message of what faith and grace is based on the Word and not human theology. (3) No more silence. (4) Remain knowledgable and discerning with materials i.e., The Child’s Song: The Religious Abuse of Children. The late Dr. Donald Capps (Princeton University Seminary) writes about religious abuses in this book,

Workshops of Support

Today, let us continue to make an impact in 2025 and beyond. Remember that you are relevant – not a mistake.

Other suggested articles, read The Next Generation Is Leaving the Faith Earlier Than You Realize. For further study, read “The Cost of Inaction for Young Children Globally by the Institute of Medicine Forum. It highlights the need to do more.

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