SERVING WITH HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE

The BEC reflection for August 2024 invites us, as Christian leaders and disciples of Christ, to embrace the powerful concept of Servant Leadership. It is a living principle that we actively follow in our roles within the Church community. It inspires us to serve with humility and obedience - following the example of Christ Jesus.

At the heart of our Christian servant leadership is our unwavering commitment to honesty and integrity. This commitment inspires us to lead with openness and truth, earning the trust and respect of our parishioners. It also encourages teamwork and open communication and fosters a strong sense of community within our Church.

Many of our parishioners often see themselves as ineffective leaders and acknowledge their shortcomings. We tend to focus on our weaknesses and overlook our strengths and positive qualities. Rather than striving for ambitious strategies, real leadership is all about serving, helping and looking out for the needs and well-being of those around us.

A truly effective servant leader must be an active listener during the decision-making process. If a leader fails to listen to their team members, they will miss out on valuable insights, ideas and suggestions when making decisions. By understanding and respecting the opinions of others, leaders can help the whole team achieve their goals and succeed.

The BEC reflection paper discusses the amazing servant leader, St Joseph - the spouse of Mary. His humility, obedience, perseverance, determination and most of all, his silent yet active participation in God’s salvation plan, are timeless models for our own leadership journey within the Church community. That is why he is known as the silent saint of God.

Some leaders talk a lot, but their voices are irrelevant. We are often more respected when we speak less, and everyone wants to listen. St Joseph did not even utter a word in the scripture, but he stayed calm and listened to the voice of the angels who appeared in his dreams for the next course of action. He was docile to God’s will to fulfil the needs of Mary and Jesus. He never forced his own will, nor did he hold on to his own dreams and plans. As leaders, there are situations when we need to speak and situations when we need to remain silent. This helps us to master the art of discernment - creating wise, strategic and respected leaders.

The servant leadership style teaches us to prioritise the well-being of others by showing concern and compassion. It is exemplified in the actions of Christ, who demonstrated servanthood throughout his public ministry, emphasising that “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Mt 20:28). In this leadership approach, our focus extends beyond ourselves as we wholeheartedly direct our attention to others with love - acknowledging the Lord’s presence in them. 

As we gather and reflect this month, let us all recommit ourselves to the path of servant leadership, fostering a community where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute.