Distinct from other forms of leadership the role of servant leader is adopted by those who truly know Gods heart and through discipline and prayer do his will.

It encourages a new approach towards leadership within ministry, it is no longer sufficient to be ‘well trained / equipped’ for the job, dictating to others the way but rather about a self sacrifice, being dependant upon others. We lead through being led. After all how can we lead if there is no one to follow? And how can we serve if there is no one to serve?

Leaders should not to be self-serving members of an establishment but to aid change, growth, inspiration, freedom and hope.

God calls leaders to be facilitators through which he acts; we are to direct others towards him, pointing the way and giving support.

They are to accept and manage conflict, empower others and witness Jesus to those around them.

"Leadership is about relationships that make a difference".

Leadership is not a competitive, isolated role, it is a communal experience involving complex relationships and mutual dependency, and leaders are human too!

Leaders are equal in God’s eyes, there is no hierarchy within the body of Christ, each is to fulfil their unique role of service, leaders are to serve and be served, love and be loved, forgive and be forgiven.

As Wright states,

"Leadership is a relationship of influence".

It is about a true relationship, giving and receiving with trust and Christian love.

We need only look to the radical example of Jesus to see how different this model is from the secular society, not so much about instruction but guidance, love not power.

The Christian leader of the future needs to stand poor, vulnerable, powerless and open to the spirit of God to lead. They are to think, speak and act in the name of Jesus, to reject the temptations of the secular world and proclaim the kingdom of God.

Nouwen suggests the discipline of confession and forgiveness to accompany contemplative prayer to overcome the temptation of individual heroism.

The crux of it all is love, unconditional love.

See Walter Wright & Henri Nouwen.