Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). 

Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act (Psalm 37:5).

A servant leader knows that the team must have trust in the Lord and trust in one another. She knows that one role of the servant leader is fostering trust between team members.

Trust in the Lord develops from study of God’s Word. God promises in His Word that He is trustworthy. He promises to be with us in all we do. Servant leaders trust in God to guide the team’s planning, decisions, and actions.

Psalm 37:5 gives a three point plan that a servant leader can use with her team.

The Psalmist urges that as a Christian you are to commit your way to the LORD. Each meeting and project undertaken by the team should begin by reminding members of the team that God is the Servant Leader, guiding and encouraging the team in His way, along His path.

The Psalmist encourages the team to trust in him. God encourages all to trust Him to lead and direct us. This is true because the trust is in God and how God empowers oneself. The trust the team has in God also cultivates trust in one another. The team trusts that members will meet deadlines, go above and beyond duties assigned, and take responsibility for commitments. Team members can make suggestions, trusting their ideas to be considered.

The Lord, through the Psalmist, promises the team that he will act. God will prosper the team’s work as they trust God and one another for the outcome of their teamwork to His glory and to the benefit of His people.

Use the devotion, A Piece of the Rock, with your team. 

Your sister in Christ,
Lucy Servant Leader

Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! (Psalm 100:1–2).

A servant leader takes joy in serving the Lord. Christian leaders understand that joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit gifted to us by God through faith — a part of our daily lives that we share with people around us. Lutheran Women in Mission sing with the Psalmist these heartfelt words: Serve the LORD with gladness!

Unfortunately, the hard fact is that there are days when leaders feel robbed of joy. Servant leaders might feel guilty because they do not joyfully serve, but feel obliged to fulfill their duties. A wise servant leader will realize that her team members might have the very same feelings. A wise leader remembers that joy and happiness are two different things. While happiness comes and goes, depending on external circumstances, joy continues on, even when not felt, because it is based on what Jesus did for her.

How do servant leaders tap into their joy again? How do they help others around them rediscover joy? They pray for God to reveal His truth about joy to themselves and others in need. They immerse themselves in the Word, finding solace in the promise of Baptism uniting them with Christ’s saving grace. They seek out Christian friends and family to walk with them through difficult, joy-robbing times and share with them the peace and joy that comes at the end of those trials.

The renewed knowledge of being a forgiven child of God in all circumstances — happy or sad, easy or difficult, feeling joyful or not — will bring His peace and that peace will guard all hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, nothing in the world can take that joy away!

Use the opening devotion, Living in the Spirit … Gives Me Joy, to open a team meeting or do the multi-session Bible study, Experience the Joy — Then Share It, together as a team. 

Your sister in Christ,
Lucy Servant Leader

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10).

God, our Creator and only God, created “two” for a very good reason! When I look in the mirror, I see two eyes that observe and appreciate all that God has provided, two ears that hear His Word and promises, and two lips that sing and shout His praise. How wonderful that He has also given us one another! It is even better when two believers are together. 

Strengthening Results: When a team of people work together, the result of their labor multiplies. We can accomplish more than one could alone. We need fellow believers to encourage, challenge, and support us.

Uplifting Support: When we need help or are burdened, a friend can support us. Having close connections provides strength and endurance. The team is supported by every member of its circle.

Energizing Encouragement: Encouraging others warms our souls. We can motivate each other, share our faith-stories, and remind one another of God’s mercy and grace. Our faith grows stronger when we hear and study God’s Word and are energized by the Spirit to share the Good News about Jesus with others

Jesus sent out disciples in pairs to serve the community. He also promised to be present when two or three are gathered in His name. As we serve the Lord, let’s seek more connections to encourage, support, and increase His kingdom — because two are better than one. 

For a reference on the importance of team commitment to use in your women’s group, read or listen to this Mustard Seed — The Word: Wisdom for Living: I Can’t Do It by Myself.

Your sister in Christ,
Lucy Servant Leader

Dear Servant Leaders,

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near
(Hebrews 10:24–25).

I absolutely enjoy connecting with women of my church, zone, and district. Why? For me, it’s learning more about the people around me and sharing more of myself in return. When that happens, I am able to fully support and encourage other Lutheran Women in Mission.

But how do we start the connection process? It is as simple as a warm greeting of the day and an introduction of yourself. It is also being open to a warm greeting and exchanging the same. To connect, try to find a commonality with other women. Offer to pray for or add a personal concern or a family member to a prayer list.

As we follow our Servant Leader, Jesus Christ, let His example be our ultimate guide, as He connected, encouraged, and supported those around Him. As servant leaders, it is so good to connect, encourage, and support those around us. God wants us to share the Good News about salvation in Jesus. What a blessing for the opportunity to spur one another on toward love and good deeds!

Plan to intentionally connect with one or more women in your church, zone, or district each month. Remember to start your connection with a smile and a greeting of the day. For another reminder of the importance of serving and supporting one another, take a look at Working as a Team to His Glory. 

Your sister in Christ,
Lucy Servant Leader

Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come (Proverbs 31:25).

On a recent trip to the Mediterranean, I visited a shop where rugs were being made by hand. I was in awe of the detail, the patience, and expertise of the woman weaving the threads into a pattern. That visit made me reflect on the complexity and intricacies of family life, where women constantly weave threads of love, strength, and grace into the walls of their homes. All women — single, married, or widowed — guided by God, play a wonderful role in serving and shaping immediate and extended families. I encourage you to embrace your God-given ability to lead in the family.

Nurturers: Women lead as nurturers, tending to the emotional and physical needs of their loved ones. We lead by providing comfort, encouragement, and healing.

Empowering Others: Women empower their spouses, children, and extended family members. We encourage dreams, celebrate victories, and provide a safe harbor during storms. Our strength lies not in dominance but in empowering others to rise.

Servant Leadership: Women can lead through service. Jesus exemplified servant leadership in washing His disciples’ feet (John 13:1–17). We cook meals, mend wounds, and listen patiently. Our acts of love echo Christ’s command to love one another.

Legacy Builders: Women shape family legacies. As mentors, we can leave indelible marks. We lead by investing in relationships, passing down values, and leaving a heritage of faith.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the women who lead within families. May our influence reflect Your love and grace. Strengthen us, guide us, and empower us to lead with wisdom and compassion. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

For another reminder on leading in your family, take a look at the Bible study, A Lot of Tough Love.

Your sister in Christ,
Lucy Servant Leader

Dear Servant Leaders,

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So, glorify God in your body (1 Corinthians 6:19–20).

I haven’t always made the healthiest choices when it comes to taking care of myself. I notice that prolonged periods of unhealthy choices truly catch up with me and weigh me down. When this happens, I’m not at my best physically nor mentally. I am of little help to anyone! 

As servant leaders, we must take care of the gifts God has given us and glorify Him with healthy choices. As you evaluate your choices, here are a few healthy options to support your physical and mental wellbeing:

• Pray. Pray daily for help with making healthy choices. Your body is a gift from God.
• Get moving. Move for 30 minutes every day in a way that is healthy for you by stretching, chores at home, gardening, a few steps in the backyard, or a walk in the park.
• Set a sleep routine. Set a regular schedule of sleeping and waking up that can work for the entire family. 
• Hydrate. Incorporate water with every meal; spice your water up with ice and a squeeze of an orange or lemon.
• Know your health numbers. Get an annual physical exam with your health professional and monitor yourself with blood pressure cuffs and the like.

We ask God to grant us the wisdom to make healthy choices for ourselves in order to serve others! For tips on improving your overall personal well-being, view Personal Development.

Your sister in Christ,
Lucy Servant Leader

Dear Servant Leaders,

But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint(Isaiah 40:31).

Servant leaders do not want team members (and themselves!) to burn out, so look for ways to keep members energized for the task. First of all, the team should look to God’s Word to give renewed strength and encouragement for service, even in times of discouragement or disappointment. Perhaps all members of the team could participate in the same daily Bible reading plan or devotional booklet and then discuss their insights weekly or monthly. Encourage members to journal their thoughts and questions.

Servant leaders:

1. Strive for a friendly atmosphere within the group. They are honest and set an example for team members to be honest as well.
2. Enjoy each person’s uniqueness.
3. Encourage team members to serve where they find enjoyment and can best use their gifts.
4. Motivate, don’t manipulate. Use passion, not position.
5. Keep lines of communication open and encourage questions.
6. Pray to God asking Him to be with the members of your team, keeping them well and energized.

All team members should recharge by doing something they enjoy on a regular basis. Be creative. It can be writing, taking pictures, visual artistry, going for a walk, or just spending a few days with family or a friend.

Read the Leadership Tip: Staying Energized as a Leader for ways to keep yourself energized!

Your sister in Christ,
Lucy Servant Leader