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 346 reviews
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
LaDonna Hankinson
13:32 10 Mar 23
This place is a beautiful place to have a retreat. You can join one of Keswicks planned events or use the facilities for you own group. The grounds are beautiful and a great place to find some peace and tranquility.The staff are amazing, and... really make a person feel at home. The grace of God is evident throughout the ministry.My favorite part is the music/worship time. Drawing me to connect with God personally.The meals are prepared with love and very accommodating to special needs.If you're not there for a retreat, and just need a bed and breakfast that is an option as well.read more
Edwin Rivera
23:00 07 Mar 23
Loved it! Beautiful campus! I really had a good time at the dinner and a concert. Awesome experience all around. Will definitely be returning and will be bringing friends and family.
Cesar Alvaro
18:35 06 Mar 23
Hermoso lugar bastante tranquilo y acogedor mis hijos se divierten mucho y nos llenamos espiritualmente de la palabra de Dios.
Zoraya Quevedo
22:36 05 Mar 23
Peaceful place to relax, and good for retreat
Hector Gama
21:39 05 Mar 23
Lugar hermoso,para retiros, conferencias y estudios biblicos.Personas amables, generosas y muy respetuosas.
John Mackert
14:37 03 Mar 23
Visited the alcohol rehab facility because a friend was in the program. Christian based, very positive environment, 4 month program. They are doing great work there. Visitors allowed every other weekend. We had a great time at one of their... Christian services. We watched the superbowl together and they even fed us! Very generous.read more
Andrea Conti
01:19 03 Mar 23
Awesome business great people. Very honest
K.B.D Janitorial Supply SUPPLY66COM
01:02 25 Feb 23
Very one very nice and it a buitful place and peaceful
Charlie Amiano
21:35 20 Jan 23
We went to an event for Gold Star Mothers. These are parents of an active duty soldier who was killed. Keswick was a fantastic place to have this event. It was clean food was great people were fantastic.
Sandra Salama
22:08 14 Jan 23
Amazing experience for people of all ages
Amerin Meric
19:17 14 Jan 23
Awesome place to gather with friends. Also has an excellent record for helping people out of alcoholism.
David Garzetta
01:46 11 Jan 23
Beautiful facility, caring individuals, good food
Alvin Abraham
22:22 08 Jan 23
This is a really nice Retreat center. The facilities are very nice, with beautiful scenery. Staff and all are really sweet and nice.Only negative I would say was the Food isn't very good.
Camilo Pereira
20:18 02 Jan 23
Great for gathering and worship The Lord
soyun chong
22:40 30 Dec 22
Very nice place for a church retreat. Kind employees, nice rooms and area
Google Rating
4.8
Based on 346 reviews
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
LaDonna Hankinson
13:32 10 Mar 23
This place is a beautiful place to have a retreat. You can join one of Keswicks planned events or use the facilities for you own group. The grounds are beautiful and a great place to find some peace and tranquility.The staff are amazing, and... really make a person feel at home. The grace of God is evident throughout the ministry.My favorite part is the music/worship time. Drawing me to connect with God personally.The meals are prepared with love and very accommodating to special needs.If you're not there for a retreat, and just need a bed and breakfast that is an option as well.read more
Edwin Rivera
23:00 07 Mar 23
Loved it! Beautiful campus! I really had a good time at the dinner and a concert. Awesome experience all around. Will definitely be returning and will be bringing friends and family.
Cesar Alvaro
18:35 06 Mar 23
Hermoso lugar bastante tranquilo y acogedor mis hijos se divierten mucho y nos llenamos espiritualmente de la palabra de Dios.
Zoraya Quevedo
22:36 05 Mar 23
Peaceful place to relax, and good for retreat
Hector Gama
21:39 05 Mar 23
Lugar hermoso,para retiros, conferencias y estudios biblicos.Personas amables, generosas y muy respetuosas.
John Mackert
14:37 03 Mar 23
Visited the alcohol rehab facility because a friend was in the program. Christian based, very positive environment, 4 month program. They are doing great work there. Visitors allowed every other weekend. We had a great time at one of their... Christian services. We watched the superbowl together and they even fed us! Very generous.read more
Andrea Conti
01:19 03 Mar 23
Awesome business great people. Very honest
K.B.D Janitorial Supply SUPPLY66COM
01:02 25 Feb 23
Very one very nice and it a buitful place and peaceful
Charlie Amiano
21:35 20 Jan 23
We went to an event for Gold Star Mothers. These are parents of an active duty soldier who was killed. Keswick was a fantastic place to have this event. It was clean food was great people were fantastic.
Sandra Salama
22:08 14 Jan 23
Amazing experience for people of all ages
Amerin Meric
19:17 14 Jan 23
Awesome place to gather with friends. Also has an excellent record for helping people out of alcoholism.
David Garzetta
01:46 11 Jan 23
Beautiful facility, caring individuals, good food
Alvin Abraham
22:22 08 Jan 23
This is a really nice Retreat center. The facilities are very nice, with beautiful scenery. Staff and all are really sweet and nice.Only negative I would say was the Food isn't very good.
Camilo Pereira
20:18 02 Jan 23
Great for gathering and worship The Lord
soyun chong
22:40 30 Dec 22
Very nice place for a church retreat. Kind employees, nice rooms and area