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Presented by Lauren Stibgen
The worldview of a servant leader is someone who empowers others. Basically, giving someone the power to do something. Jesus empowered his disciples, and he empowers us today!
Jesus was all powerful. We see it time and time again in the miracles he performed in the gospels—water to wine, healing the sick and raising the dead! Jesus rebuked demonic spirits. In Matthew 10, Jesus sends out the twelve disciples.
These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give” (Matthew 10:5-8).
Can you imagine how these twelve men felt? The things they had seen Jesus do, they were being empowered to do! Personally, I would be invigorated and terrified all at the same time!
How can you empower others? Sometimes this can be as simple as being a good encourager when you see someone trying something new or struggling when they are stuck. Your words give them power to do something! Your words of encouragement may be the extra fuel they need to not feel scared of the next step they need to take. Think about someone who has been looking for work. They apply and apply, maybe even interview and are discouraged and tired. Your encouragement can empower them to keep applying and not lose hope!
Perhaps the empowerment is more literal. You are empowering a subordinate or colleague to try something new—something they have seen you do time and time again, just like Jesus did with his disciples! Is it preparing and presenting materials to a board of directors? Perhaps it is taking ownership of opening or closing during a shift. Either way, you are serving them by releasing your power and allowing them to do something they would not otherwise have an opportunity to do!
Think of when this has happened for you. Is there a specific time you can recount? This isn’t only for those just starting out in a career. It is a lifelong journey! I think of how Mary Lowman and Julie Busteed have empowered me through both giving me the power to do something new at The Christian Working Woman and their ongoing encouragement to me! I have been working for a long time.
Don’t lose sight. There are opportunities for you to be a servant leader through empowering someone around you today!
