Servant Leadership

The theme for this term’s Connect magazine is servant leadership. Ask most students at KingsWay School what we stand for, and they default to our servant leadership motto: 

“Servant leaders are people of Godly character who are willing to act on what they believe”.

My experience has shown that most people focus on the leadership aspect of the motto and believe that KingsWay should provide multiple formal leadership opportunities. We do have numerous leadership opportunities, but the reality is that we are about servant leadership which we desire to be characteristic of all our graduates.

So how are we meant to understand servant leadership? The concept is hugely popular and not only in Christian circles. Various interpretations and definitions abound, adding to the confusion about what we hope to achieve as a school in this area.

In John 13:1-17 Jesus provides practical examples of what it means to serve others:

• His motivation was one of love for his followers (verse 1).
• He volunteered his service to his people and those he did not know (verses 5-12).
• He set an example to his followers of humility (verses 14-15).

The Bible identifies leadership as a gift to those called to serve in this way. However, while the Bible does not explicitly name servant leadership, the concept of servant leadership is implicitly implied. It applies to all believers as we all lead somehow, whether in our families, friendship groups or unofficially at work. Furthermore, It appears that Jesus’ examples of servant leadership apply to those with the gift of leadership and as a general appeal to all believers. For example, if you are a sports team member without leadership status, you still get to lead by example and speech to those you interact with.

Graham Braddock’s original vision for KingsWay School was to send people of Godly character as servant leaders into the seven spheres of influence in society:

• Government
• Economics (Science, Technology & Business)
• Faith, Spirituality & Belief
• Education
• Family
• Media
• Celebration (Arts, Entertainment and Sports)

At KingsWay, we strive to equip all our students to be godly culture shapers that influence and lead in these areas as servant leaders. This aim is lofty and challenging but worth our time and effort.

May God continue to equip us as we labour towards this end.

God bless,

Graeme Büdler
Executive Principal