THE THEOLOGY OF SERVANT LEADERSHIP AND SHEPHERD LEADERSHIP
Introduction
There are widespread Christian teachings that project servant leadership as the definitive leadership style for a Christian leader. While these teachings are backed by the scriptures, the same scriptures direct that Christian leaders should also possess the qualities of shepherd leaders. Servant leadership is not the polar opposite of shepherd leadership. The two leadership ideals are also not antagonistic of one another. Yet, there are distinct elements unique to, through which it is possible to delineate one from the other. It is through these elements that one can compare and contrast these styles of Christian leadership.
About Servant and Shepherd Leadership
The theory of servant leadership provides that most effective Christian leaders serve as servants to their people[1]. Unlike contemporary secular leadership styles that describe the top-down flow of authority and command, a servant leadership underscores the need for a leader to rely on collaboration, trust, empathy, and doctrinal ethics as a means of influencing the followers[2]. Although the biblical application of servant leadership is extensive, the concept and context of servant leadership were first brought about by Jesus Christ, saying that whosoever desires to be great amongst his followers ought to first be a servant of the others (Mathew 20: 26). Essentially, Jesus was emphasizing the need to eliminate hierarchy in a leader’s service to the people by insisting that a leader must be motivated by the desire to serve others by focusing on the needs and desires of the subjects rather than the quest to attain more power[3]. In retrospect, the focus on the needs and desires of the followers makes the followers reciprocate in the form of increased engagement, better teamwork, and enhanced performance. Shepherd leadership, on the other hand, is a Christina leadership founded on the context of sacrifice[4]. Accordingly, a shepherd leader is an embodiment of selflessness and commitment to the afflictions of the subordinates. A shepherd leader will be required to be committed to the desires of the others without the need for recognition or reward. It is the call to lead with gentleness and tending to the weak followers while mentoring them along the way[5]. A mention of shepherd leadership was made by prophet Isiah, describing Cyrus as a shepherd who would ultimately perform all the desires of his servants (Isiah 44: 28). Even Jesus Christ identifies himself as the good shepherd, a leader of the Christian flock who would end at nothing to see that all those who are called by his name are safe and well catered for (John 10:11).
The Differences between Servant and Shepherd leaders.
The first and the most basic difference between the two categories of Christian leadership is in their root meanings. Servant leadership requires that a leader first becomes a servant- that is, the beginning of servant leadership is the natural feeling to execute tasks rather than to dispense orders[6]. Through the conscious choice to engage first-hand in group activities would thereafter inspire one to lead. This creates a sharp contrast with the person who aspires to always take the leading role, which is more often inspired by the promise of uncommon power to make decisions or to acquire material positions[7]. Servant leadership thus puts focus on servant-first and leader-first as the only diametrically opposed extremes. Conversely, shepherd leadership requires that a leader possess a set of traits as those in a shepherd. Biblically, shepherds were known to keep sheep. The shepherds tended, fed, and guarded the flock. The leaders’ role is, therefore, similar to that of a parent, as impressed by the scriptural statement: “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” (Psalm 23: 1) This verse points to the fact that a shepherd leader is driven by the desire to ensure that those under him do not lack in whatever their immediate needs are[8].
Second, servant leadership is distinguished from shepherd leadership by their respective approaches to exercising authority. Under servant leadership, the authority of the leader should be exploited to the result that everyone in the group experiences growth. Servant leadership is a better approach to mobilize others by service. The increased service to others is supported by a holistic approach to work and a sense of community and shared decision making[9]. When everyone in a group is aware of the significance of their contribution in steering the group forward, they strive to improve their performance and grow in the process. A similar understanding was shared by Paul when he wrote to the Hebrews to remember their leaders, who spoke the word of God to them. Paul urged the Hebrews to consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith (Heb.13:7). Paul’s writings portray a leader as someone who can be imitated by his followers in order for the latter to grow. The followers can only imitate the works, and not just the words of their leader, implying that a leader must be a slave to the subjects before being considered the head (Mark 10: 45). On the other hand, in shepherd leadership, the authority of the leads is exploited by guiding the followers in areas of conduct and actions. The shepherd leaders are meant to teach the followers for the purpose of restoration and to offer guidance on the paths of righteousness[10]. It is through the shepherd leadership that the followers are protected from the dogma of error. The life or death of the follower is depended upon the sobriety, power, and provision of the shepherd leader. Just as Christ alluded to himself as a shepherd who knows his flock and whose floc knows, the shepherd leader is expected to unpack the quality of the intimate relationship between the leader and the follower. The shepherd leader must know, lead, and protect the followers. The relationship thus forms the leader’s recognition of the followers and the followers’ recognition of the leader.
The last variance between the two leadership styles in the qualities of the leaders themselves. A shepherd leader is the imagery of bravery, empathy, and selflessness. Great old testament leaders such as Moses and David were shepherds first of sheep, then of God’s people. To these leaders, the welfare of the sheep was a top priority, and they sacrificed a lot to ensure the wellbeing of their flock. Later when David confronted Goliath, his bravery as a shepherd of the flock- where he even killed wild animals preying on his flock- was made manifest when he single-handedly brought down the Philistine giant who set out to kill God’s chosen people[11]. The servant leadership, on the other hand, suits persons with high self-esteem[12]. It is easier for such persons to listen to other people for ideas. People with high self-esteem also have no trouble giving credit to others, and taking instructions from others regardless of their position or influence[13]. It suits the description given by Christ that whoever wants to be first among the rest must first be a slave to all (Mark 10: 45).
Similarity
The point of convergence of servant and steward leadership is on their overall goal. Collectively, both shepherd and servant leadership are based on the deliberate effort by the leader to build and develop others and protect them from harm. The scriptures provide that when the leaders fail to guide God’s people, the family of God becomes fragmented and very vulnerable (1 Kings 22: 17; 2 Chr 18: 16; Zech 10: 2). It requires both the input of a servant leader and that of a shepherd leader to ensure that the flock is united, fully grown, and strong.
Bibliography
Adamo, David T. “reading Psalm 23 in African context.” Verbum et Ecclesia 39, no. 1 (2018): 1-8.
McCormick, Blaine, and David Davenport. “The leader as shepherd.” Executive Excellence 21, no. 2 (2004): 6.
Reaves, Brad. “Servant or Shepherd Leadership.” The Brethren Church | Planting Churches, Developing Leaders, Serving Globally. Last modified 2018. https://www.brethrenchurch.org/articles-stories/servant-or-shepherd-leadership.
Resane, Kelebogile T. “Servant leadership and shepherd leadership: The missing dynamic in pastoral integrity in South Africa today.” HTS Theological Studies 76, no. 1 (2020): 1-8.
Tarallo, Mark. “The Art of Servant Leadership.” SHRM. Last modified August 16, 2019. https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/organizational-and-employee-development/pages/the-art-of-servant-leadership.aspx.
“What is Servant Leadership?” St. Thomas University Online. Last modified November 25, 2014. https://online.stu.edu/articles/education/what-is-servant-leadership.aspx.
[1] Reaves, Brad. “Servant or Shepherd Leadership.” The Brethren Church | Planting Churches, Developing Leaders, Serving Globally. Last modified 2018. https://www.brethrenchurch.org/articles-stories/servant-or-shepherd-leadership.
[2] ibid
[3]ibid
[4] McCormick, Blaine, and David Davenport. “The leader as shepherd.” Executive Excellence 21, no. 2 (2004): 6.
[5] ibid
[6] Resane, Kelebogile T. “Servant leadership and shepherd leadership: The missing dynamic in pastoral integrity in South Africa today.” HTS Theological Studies 76, no. 1 (2020): 1-8.
[7] Resane, Kelebogile T. “Servant leadership and shepherd leadership: The missing dynamic in pastoral integrity in South Africa today.” HTS Theological Studies 76, no. 1 (2020): 1-8.
[8] Adamo, David T. “reading Psalm 23 in African context.” Verbum et Ecclesia 39, no. 1 (2018): 1-8.
[9] Resane, Kelebogile T. “Servant leadership and shepherd leadership: The missing dynamic in pastoral integrity in South Africa today.” HTS Theological Studies 76, no. 1 (2020): 1-8.
[10] Resane, Kelebogile T. “Servant leadership and shepherd leadership: The missing dynamic in pastoral integrity in South Africa today.” HTS Theological Studies 76, no. 1 (2020): 1-8.
[11] ibid
[12] “What is Servant Leadership?” St. Thomas University Online. Last modified November 25, 2014. https://online.stu.edu/articles/education/what-is-servant-leadership.aspx.
[13] Tarallo, Mark. “The Art of Servant Leadership.” SHRM. Last modified August 16, 2019. https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/organizational-and-employee-development/pages/the-art-of-servant-leadership.aspx.