Leadership

Most of us have had experiences being led and leading. Even if we haven’t studied official titles for leadership styles, we could probably not only describe the various styles—but give accurate opinions on how effective each type is. Parenting styles can also be related to leadership styles. Without going into all the letter names, let’s just say the leadership types fall along a continuum. One end is the leader who is primarily concerned about himself and maintaining his authority. The other end is one who plays the servant-leader role—putting the primary concern on what is best for those he serves and supporting and providing for the needs they have to carry out their responsibilities.

The servant-leader role can be compared to the “shepherd” word used so often to describe Jesus. In order to fully understand the significance of Jesus being described as a shepherd, we need to understand the difference between western hemisphere shepherding that we are familiar with (if we are familiar with shepherding at all) and the eastern hemisphere shepherding. The eastern hemisphere definition would be what scriptures refer to. In our half of the world, sheep herding styles are primarily prodding, yelling, and use of dogs to keep on track. In Jesus’ time and in His part of the world, sheep herders lived with their sheep for periods of time, developed a truly caring relationship for them, provided for their needs, and protected them from danger. At night, the sheep would go to a sheepfold (an area fairly protected from danger except at the entrance). The shepherd would sleep at the entrance to protect his sheep from predators. Once I understood what the eastern style was, the scriptural comparisons to Jesus became a beautiful explanation of His love. I feel it gives a depth of understanding to the effectiveness of the servant-leadership role that is helpful to consider.