I have read lots of leadership books over the past 45 years of my ministry life. One of the lessons that I have learned is that the best leaders are ones who have the heart of a servant.
Dr. Alistair Begg said in his devotional book, Truth for Life, “In God’s kingdom, the way up is actually down. Honor is found in giving it, not in receiving it. Greatness is displayed in serving, not it being served.”
Several years ago, I was a groomsman in a friend’s amazing wedding. It was the “Who’s Who” of participants in the ceremony. Dr. Tim LaHaye was the officiant. Beth Moore gave the charge to the bride and Dr. James Dobson gave the charge to the groom.
At the rehearsal, Dr. Dobson, who is over six feet, walked into the room and sat with the groomsman. One of the other men, who clearly had no idea who Dobson was, introduced himself to him and asked where he was from and what he did for a living.
I will never forget the response from Dr. Dobson. “My name is Jim, and I am part of a ministry in Colorado that serves families.” I smiled inside, thinking, how cool is that – “I am Jim, a man who serves families.”
Roy Lessin shares this list of characteristics of a servant leader:
The presence of the Lord rests upon his life.
He speaks with power and authority.
3. He loves what God loves.
4. He seeks God’s purposes.
5. He is fearful of displeasing God.
6. He inspires trust.
7. His word is true.
8. He is deeply identified with God’s heart.
9. He is the same with everyone.
10. He does not minister legalism or licentiousness.
11. He is wise in his walk.
12. He takes people beyond themselves.
13. He despises anything that hurts others.
14. He proclaims his dependence on God.
15. He is well balanced.
16. He is efficient, but not at the cost of others.
17. His life is in order.
18. Jesus is His audience.
19. He knows how to bear injustice.
20. He loves the truth.
21. His goal is to know God, and make Him known to others.
22. He is not satisfied if he doesn’t give his best.
23. He is an optimist, not a pessimist.
24. His greatest passion is Jesus.
25. He delights in giving.
26. Others say of him, “That is how my God is.”
27. He doesn’t exploit others.
28. He respects other servants.
29. He is always learning.
30. His convictions are firm, although he can be flexible.
31. He loves being nothing.
Not the list you would expect to see on a typical resume – but what powerful characteristics!!!
Every one of us is a leader. Are you a husband? Then you are a leader. Are you a parent? Then you are a leader. As you look at that list – how are you doing? Think about it – then make the necessary adjustments to be a servant leader.
Written by Bill Welte:President/CEO of America’s Keswick: Bill has been married to his childhood sweetheart for 40+ years and has four married kids and 12 amazing grandkids. He loves music and is an avid reader.
Think About This: “Life is wasted if we do not grasp the glory of the cross, cherish it for the treasure that it is, and cleave to is as the highest price of every please and the deepest comfort in every pain. What was once foolishness to us – a crucified God – must become our wisdom and our power and out only boast in this world.” – John Piper
This Week’s Verse to Memorize: “It is good to give thanks to the Lord, And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; 2 To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, And Your faithfulness every night…” Psalm 92:1-2
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
Based on 384 reviews
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
Wanda Read
17:45 26 Sep 23
praise God for this place and all staff
Dinah Lopez
17:06 19 Sep 23
Beautiful property. Woodsy, nice lakes and a lot of land to explore. A great place for Christians to gather. They also have indoor auditoriums.
Andrea Rowe
01:30 18 Sep 23
Great banquet food.Great piano performance.
Melissa Williams
10:55 15 Sep 23
The warmest, most loving people working together on a mission of love for the Lord. This place is a treasure and I look forward to going every chance I get.
marilyn clinton
09:26 10 Sep 23
Food is not great.
Linda Hamadyk
04:54 10 Sep 23
The entertainment was excellent. The servers were great enjoyed my evening.
Raquel Perez
13:04 03 Sep 23
Amazing, relaxing, friendly and the most important part, the presence of God!!!
Doug Anderson
11:39 29 Aug 23
Had an amazing experience here for two nights!Stayed in the newly renovated rooms - very nice and clean.Amazing and helpful staff, maintenance, chaplains, etc.Everyone is very warm and friendly.Student summer staff were joyful and... respectful.They really take care of pastors and all of their guests.Such an atmosphere of hope, healing and restoration! Highly recommend for personal and group retreats.read more
Albert Spangler
14:15 25 Aug 23
This is an amazing place where you can feel God's presence and find peace.
Carol Swill
05:06 24 Aug 23
America's keseick is a wonderful place of peace and restoration. The combination of the physical and emotional feeding, together with the bible conference really works.I loved the Bible studies, and i loved the 'vacation stuff'- the pool, the... beach, the games,the music, walking around the lake- it all worked togetherread more
Karen Downs
18:43 31 Jul 23
Awesome place. Great place for children and awesome place to relax and enjoy
Richard Donato
18:14 14 Jul 23
Great place
Rubbins St Louis
18:57 12 Jul 23
Great place to visit and have fellowship with other believers. I love taking in God's word.
Loida Rojas LLM
06:03 04 Jul 23
They need to remodel all the dorms
Vince Dizol
04:56 26 Jun 23
Beautiful retreat center. You can feel the presence of God in the beauty of His natural creation in this place! Great pool and jacuzzi area as well as basketball / volleyball court!
Google Rating
4.8
Based on 384 reviews
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
Wanda Read
17:45 26 Sep 23
praise God for this place and all staff
Dinah Lopez
17:06 19 Sep 23
Beautiful property. Woodsy, nice lakes and a lot of land to explore. A great place for Christians to gather. They also have indoor auditoriums.
Andrea Rowe
01:30 18 Sep 23
Great banquet food.Great piano performance.
Melissa Williams
10:55 15 Sep 23
The warmest, most loving people working together on a mission of love for the Lord. This place is a treasure and I look forward to going every chance I get.
marilyn clinton
09:26 10 Sep 23
Food is not great.
Linda Hamadyk
04:54 10 Sep 23
The entertainment was excellent. The servers were great enjoyed my evening.
Raquel Perez
13:04 03 Sep 23
Amazing, relaxing, friendly and the most important part, the presence of God!!!
Doug Anderson
11:39 29 Aug 23
Had an amazing experience here for two nights!Stayed in the newly renovated rooms - very nice and clean.Amazing and helpful staff, maintenance, chaplains, etc.Everyone is very warm and friendly.Student summer staff were joyful and... respectful.They really take care of pastors and all of their guests.Such an atmosphere of hope, healing and restoration! Highly recommend for personal and group retreats.read more
Albert Spangler
14:15 25 Aug 23
This is an amazing place where you can feel God's presence and find peace.
Carol Swill
05:06 24 Aug 23
America's keseick is a wonderful place of peace and restoration. The combination of the physical and emotional feeding, together with the bible conference really works.I loved the Bible studies, and i loved the 'vacation stuff'- the pool, the... beach, the games,the music, walking around the lake- it all worked togetherread more
Karen Downs
18:43 31 Jul 23
Awesome place. Great place for children and awesome place to relax and enjoy
Richard Donato
18:14 14 Jul 23
Great place
Rubbins St Louis
18:57 12 Jul 23
Great place to visit and have fellowship with other believers. I love taking in God's word.
Loida Rojas LLM
06:03 04 Jul 23
They need to remodel all the dorms
Vince Dizol
04:56 26 Jun 23
Beautiful retreat center. You can feel the presence of God in the beauty of His natural creation in this place! Great pool and jacuzzi area as well as basketball / volleyball court!