What is a Servant Leader?
To put it simply, a servant leader is someone who puts the needs of others above their own.
Most servant leaders are either already doing it without realizing it, or feel a deep calling to step into this role. If your career is in management, you are a leader. If your business serves others by teaching them a skill you are an expert at, you are a leader.
I want to be careful here and mention that being a servant leader is not the same as being a people pleaser. You'll need to exercise a bit of discernment here to ensure that you are leading from the heart, not because of influence.
How do you know if you are being called to be a servant leader?
It's a constant thought, a reminder that pops up, or something you feel a strong connection to.
How can you be ready to fulfill the calling to be a servant leader?
It takes a refinement of your heart to equip you with all that you need to be the leader you feel called to be.
I used to think I would not be ready to be a leader. I actually fought it for many years until one day I realized I was the oldest one in the room with the most experience. When did I get here? It just happened with time. Once I realized that God had fully equipped me with everything I need to be a good leader, I began working towards devising my plan to put it into action.
It is much easier to be complacent and continue denying my readiness to serve. But if I continue to do that, I'll keep failing because I am not doing what I am called to do.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 NIV
Not everyone may feel called to be a servant leader. And that, my friend, is okay. We are all destined to do very different things from each other and how we approach that is completely up to us. But, if you are someone, who like me, feels called to serve, I am here to help you.
I have failed so many times, I have lost count. I have denied my calling for 45ish years. Primarily because I felt I wasn't good enough, or smart enough, or worthy of the title leader.
These lies I told myself kept me stagnate both in faith and purpose. Don't do that to yourself.
If you need the confidence to say yes to leadership, I created two valuable resources to help you get there. My Braver with Belief book and Called to Serve Guided Journal were designed for you.
I share valuable steps on how to work through the refinement of your heart needed in order to step out as a servant leader.
This new beginning you face is the start of a revival. Be the start.
Stop saying no and start leading others.
In case you need to know what areas you can be a servant leader, here are a few of my favorites:
Entrepreneurs - Your brand, business, coaching, teaching, etc.
Authors - Your book, blog, socials, teachings, etc.
Ministry Leaders - Your ministry, small groups, bible study, etc.
Leading by Example - Your home, gatherings, events, open door, etc.
Being a servant leader doesn't look like just one thing. There is no cookie cutter approach to it, we are all different. But it is my hope that the lessons I've learned and shared in my book, Braver with Belief, will help instill confidence in you to boldly step out in faith and lead. You can read the first chapter free here.
If you are reading this, my friend, you are called to serve. Will you answer?
With Grace, Shonda Ramsey