Jesus modeled humble leadership.  There were no airs – pretension was absent from His personality.  Christ could be gentle and aggressive at the same time.  He led, but He led with sensitivity and prayerful obedience to His Heavenly Father.  A humble leader refrains from public pomp and defers to a modest manner.  Humble led is humble bred. 

 

A humble leader does not get too far ahead of his followers.  Indeed, he takes the time to get them up to speed.  He makes sure there is an understanding of the overall goals of the organization.  He provides the teaching, training, and coaching necessary for the team to serve with excellence.  He or she sets a high standard of character with their own example, but they are patient to work with people at all levels of maturity. 

 

A humble leader will make the hard decisions when necessary and will provide loving accountability.  He inspects what he expects.  This accountability results in encouragement and progress.  Humble leadership cares enough to take the time to make sure the team understands.  The humble leader avoids irresponsible assumptions that create false expectations and unrealistic goals that only frustrate.  Indeed, wise leadership starts with humility that leads to service. 

 

Humble leaders use their position as a platform for service.  The team is not there to serve the leader – there is a much bigger motivation.  The larger priority is the mission and vision of the church.  For the follower of Christ, the ultimate motivation is “to work as unto the Lord” (Colossians 3:23).  This one compelling desire will fuel the fires of excellence.  So, the humble leader looks for opportunities to serve the needs of his team. Humble leaders will not be out served. 

 

Again, “He [Jesus] poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples’ feet; drying them with the towel that was wrapped around Him” (John 13:5).