The Level 5 Leader

"nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock" - 1 Peter 5:3 (NKJV)

Even the business world has picked up on something that we should remember about leadership. Jim Collins, in his book "Good to Great", researched what made companies great for sustained periods. He discovered what he called "Level 5 leaders"—leaders that everyone trusts and rallies around. What surprised Collins and his team was the nature of these leaders.

He describes it like this: "Level 5 leaders display a powerful mixture of personal humility and indomitable will. They're incredibly ambitious, but their ambition is first and foremost for the cause, for the organization and its purpose, not themselves. While Level 5 leaders can come in many personality packages, they often are self-effacing, quiet, reserved, and even shy." (from Jim Collins' website)

As you read Collins' description, you can't help but think, "This looks an awful lot like Jesus and His leadership style." You recall when the disciples came to Jesus jockeying for position—who's going to be the greatest—and what did Jesus say? "The one who serves is the greatest" (Mark 9:35, Luke 22:26). Toward the end of His ministry, Jesus grabbed a towel and a basin of water and washed the disciples' feet (John 13:3-5). Even when Peter protested, Jesus said, "Just like I have washed your feet like a slave, like a servant, so you also should wash one another's feet" (John 13:14-15).
 
We've seen in some areas of the American church, especially over the last ten to fifteen years, church pastors who have tried to be very domineering—not just leading, but they have been bullies—and their ministries begin to crumble. Why? Because that's not the model that Jesus gave. That's not the model that Peter gives here. True leadership isn't about domination; it's about serving others while also having spiritual authority. God's ideal for servant leadership is Jesus Himself. This is an ideal each of us can strive for, regardless of whether we are church leaders or not.

Reflection Question: In what areas of your life might you be tempted to "lord over" others rather than serve as an example?

Dear Heavenly Father, guard my heart against pride and the desire for power over others. Help me to lead like Jesus—with humility and an indomitable will for Your purposes, not my own advancement. Make me ambitious for Your cause, not for my own recognition. Teach me to serve others, with a towel and basin, not demanding to be served. In Jesus' Name, amen.

Adapted from "God's Ideal for Servant Leaders" (1 Peter 5:1-4): https://www.joshfranklin.org/media/wbzxn7b/22-god-s-ideal-for-servant-leaders-1-peter-5-1-4