Three Types of Leaders

So, are you a leader or a servant? I know you probably said both! But let’s press into that question. We love leading, but do we love serving? We attend leadership conferences and read leadership books. When is the last time you attended a serving retreat or read a serving article? We have FCA Leadership Camps but not Serving Camps. Do you think kids beg their parents, “Please sign me up for an FCA Serving Camp!” Not a chance! Everyone is seeking leadership, but who is desiring serving?

 

Over the last ten years of traveling to dozens of countries with FCA, I have met hundreds of amazing leaders from around the world who have modeled what it means to be a servant. They view themselves as just plain old servants—not leaders or even servant-leaders. They are not obsessed with titles, positions, accolades and accomplishments. They are humble, faithful, God-glorifying servants.

 

They have taught me a new way to view leadership, and I now believe there are three types of leaders:

 

1. Leader-Leader: This type of leader is one that enjoys being in charge. They live to lead and to make sure that others know it. King Saul was a Leader-Leader. He liked his title and power more than he liked the people he served or the desire to empower them. Leader-Leaders are everywhere. They seek positions and desire to be on top and first. They are marked with pride, control and arrogance. Unfortunately, the western culture breeds this kind of leader, even within the church. They lead so that people will follow them. It is a top-down leadership style that puts people in their place. Their primary job is to amass personal accomplishments and make sure no one climbs higher than them. King Saul did whatever possible to keep David from power. White-knuckled leaders grasp their position with everything they have.

 

2. Servant-Leader: This type of leader desires to be a servant, but is not willing to let go of the title of leader. A Servant-Leader is actually an oxymoron. Jesus expects us to take the low position of a servant, not the high position of a leader. Jesus taught on being last, not first, and being a servant, not a leader. Nowhere did He talk about being a Servant-Leader. It is a modern, man-made term that allows leaders to think they can have best of both worlds. A Servant-Leader is one who is willing to be a servant but does not want to be treated like a servant. Peter was a Servant-Leader. He desired to follow Christ and be a disciple, but when others identified him as a follower, he denied Jesus. He loved power. Being an out-front- leader was easy for

 

Peter, but being a broken, surrendered follower of Christ was not part of the plan. He changed after Pentecost and realized that being a Servant-Leader was not the answer.

 

3. Servant-Servant: This type of leader is just a servant; a bondservant who has no rights—a servant of servants. There is willingness to serve others in sacrificial, humbling ways. A Servant-Servant is one who is not only willing to be a servant, but is also willing to be treated like a servant. No complaining and no murmuring. No need for praise, thanks or encouragement. The Servant-Servant does not judge others for not being a servant, but has a pure desire for them to experience the joy of being a servant of servants. Barnabas was a Servant-Servant. He served Paul and the church, and he expected nothing in return. He was described in Acts as a man full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. No task was beneath him. He had nothing to prove. He served to give not get. He was never worried about his popularity. A Servant-Servant seeks to develop a Christ-like character, not a man-made reputation.

 

God calls us to be a Servant-Servant. Period. Ask Him to show you what it means to be a Servant-Servant. He would love to hear that prayer. He can do a lot with that simple prayer. Being a Servant-Servant can change your family, school, team, church, community and

country. I have met many men and women around the world who are Servant-Servants. And they are changing the world!