The Call to Lead: Understanding True Greatness
In this pastoral letter, we’re addressing Olivia; a dedicated professional recently blindsided by a performance appraisal. When her manager told her she needed to be “more assertive” and strive for “number one,” it sparked a deep internal conflict: is it possible to be a high-achieving leader in the business world while remaining a faithful follower of the “Servant King”?
Whether you are navigating a new promotion or struggling to find your voice in a competitive office, this letter explores the “360° view” of leadership, as we move past the pressure of worldly domination to rediscover the strength, humility, and profound impact of leading the way Jesus did.
Hi Olivia,
Having difficulties at work does indeed give stress. It sounds like it was an awkward ‘Performance Appraisal’ with your boss saying that you need to be ‘more assertive’. Your question as to whether it is right for a follower of Jesus to try to be ‘number one’ is a good one. The fact you have even raised this suggests that you don’t feel comfortable with the idea so let’s take a step back and do a ‘360°’.
World Views
The business world has certain expectations and when you work in that environment you need to be aware of them. One of them is that to be successful, and to be seen as such, you need to be assertive. If you are in a leadership position, then you need to be able to lead. In most work relationships, the best way is to win people by inspiration, humour and character. Usually, roles mean there is a ‘boss-employee’ relationship whereby team goals are achieved. When you became that ‘leader’, inevitably others in your team now look for appropriate direction.
Leadership Versus Domination
In your new leadership role, you bring to it the person you are. Attempting to apply dominating control is of course a bad idea and a quick way to cause hostility! Yet you can learn and acquire management skills to apply with confident but friendly assertion. Doing this will win people and by earn respect as you show strength within work-related boundaries. Leadership is often somewhat lonely which is where you need to find a mentor.
Team Versus Individual
‘Individualism’ tends to be self-centred but teams are made up of individuals, each with different skill sets and strengths. A successful team can achieve more than one person. A football team illustrates this well. The good captain will harness the strengths of individuals within the team. So yes, the captain is the ‘point person’, the leader, and a ‘number one’ in the context of leadership.
Biblical Perspective
The greatest leader of all time is Jesus and His model was ‘Servant Leadership’. You can see through the four gospels how he selected team, inspired them, recognised individuality, built His team, trained and empowered them. Followers of Jesus soon learn that there is a clash of kingdoms.
What Jesus Taught About Servant Leadership
Olivia, it is worth thinking through the example and teaching of Jesus so you can consider how to apply this in your own life.
1. Leadership Is Service, Not Status
Jesus flips the entire hierarchy of power on its head. When the disciples argued about who was greatest, He responded:
In His kingdom, greatness is measured by how much you give, not how much you control.
Key idea
• Leadership is not a ladder to climb but a cross to carry.
• Authority is not for self‑advancement but for lifting others up.
2. Leaders Go First in Humility
In John 13, Jesus washes His disciples’ feet—a task reserved for the lowest household servant.
This wasn’t a symbolic gesture; it was a redefinition of leadership.
What He modelled
• No task is beneath a leader.
• Humility is not weakness; it is strength under control.
• Leaders create a culture where dignity flows downward.
3. Leadership Is Motivated by Love
Jesus doesn’t lead through fear, coercion, or prestige. He leads through self‑giving love.
Implication
- True leadership is self-sacrificial.
- It costs something.
- It seeks the flourishing of others, even at personal expense.
4. Leaders Shepherd, Not Dominate
In John 10, Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd—one who knows His sheep, calls them by name, and lays down His life for them.
Shepherd leadership means
• Knowing people personally
• Guiding rather than driving
• Protecting rather than exploiting
• Leading from among, not above
5. Leadership Is Shared, Not Hoarded
Jesus consistently empowered others—sending out the 12, then the 72, entrusting them with authority.
This shows
• Leadership is multiplicative, not monopolistic.
• A servant leader raises other leaders.
The Challenge Continues
Jesus’ model of leadership challenges every culture—ancient Rome, modern individualism, corporate ambition and even church politics.
It confronts:
• The hunger for recognition
• The instinct to control
• The fear of vulnerability
• The temptation to build personal kingdoms
This way of leading is countercultural, enriches human relationships, and is profoundly Christlike.
Olivia, I hope this has given you some helpful reflections. Be strong in knowing that your personal identity, value and purpose are found in Christ Jesus – as a child of God, you can live with complete security, happiness and motivation. We are told to pray for our bosses and encourage others through the example of our lives.
You can do this … one day at a time!
Oggy
A final thought – become a great leader as you follow the greatest leader of all time: ‘The Servant King’ by Graham Kendrick:
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