Dear Servant Leaders,

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing (1Thessalonians 5:11).

Do you value encouragement from others? Encouragement from fellow Christians can uplift and give support in the day-to-day activities of life. You can encourage others by sharing your faith in your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, as well as sharing your joy in serving Him.

A servant leader who is an encourager is a real blessing to the team. Out of genuine Christian love, take the time to speak supporting words to your team, especially when they appear to feel lost or unsure of themselves and their capabilities. Take time to pray to the Lord for the encouragement and support you need to give to others.

When we give encouragement, we strengthen the team to continue in service. Team members will feel lifted up and appreciated when compliments are sincerely given. Team members will continue to serve as long as they feel their efforts are accomplishing something, their talents are appreciated, and they are making a difference.

• Set realistic goals that help team members know they are successful.
• Encourage them to serve in ways they enjoy.
• Help develop their gifts once they are given a task.
• Encourage team members to work together.
• Compliment with credibility.
• Show people you enjoy your work. If servant leaders are joyful, others will be encouraged and joyful too! 

See Volunteers in Christ's Ministry for more ideas on how to encourage your team.

Your sister in Christ,
Lucy Servant Leader

Dear Servant Leaders,

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Psalm 119:105).

The servant leader needs to constantly get strength and instruction from God’s Word. The Holy Spirit works through His Word to give the servant leader the confidence and direction for her work.

Each of us finds ourselves in many different leadership positions and roles. The requirements of the leader change depending on the gifts and abilities of the group. Jesus, our servant leader and example, leads us through His Word to the truths of servant leadership and guides us in actions that follow Him.

God’s Word provides answers and direction as the servant leader works with many different personalities and varied gifts and abilities. It can shine light into the darkness of competition and failure. It assures us that we are forgiven in the name and for the sake of Jesus and that forgiveness should be shared with others.

A conscientious servant leader will identify and use daily Bible reading plans and devotions. She will start and close each group time with devotion and prayer. The Word will be her team’s guiding light.

A servant leader lets the Word shine through her words and actions, as the Holy Spirit guides and directs her actions. She looks to Jesus in faith as her leader. The servant leader trusts her Savior to light the path to help fulfill the team’s goals.

Challenge: Join a Bible study group or find a good daily Bible reading plan and immerse yourself in the light of God’s Word!

I recommend the Working Together Bible study to do with your team.

Your sister in Christ,
Lucy Servant Leader

Dear Servant Leaders,

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony (Colossians 3:12–14).

Together: As a Christian, friend, Lutheran Woman in Mission, parent, or employee, each of us finds ourselves as servant leaders on a team. As we serve our leader, Jesus Christ, we want to put others first on the team and model the virtues of compassion, kindness, humility, meekness (gentleness), patience, forgiveness, and love.

Everyone: A servant leader wants to include all members of her team. Each member has her own gifts and abilities that will enhance the team and its work. She will find out those strengths and give each member tasks that are enhanced by her skill sets. A servant leader forgives as the Lord has forgiven her.

Accomplishes: The servant leader needs to make the goals of the team clear so team members can measure their accomplishments. When goals are met and team successes happen, the servant leader will remember to praise and encourage the team for a job well done. She will not fail to give the glory to Jesus, who brought the gifts and talents of the team together and blessed their efforts.

More: It is not the end. The servant leader will challenge her team to new goals and urge them to identify others that want to be a part of the group. As the team grows, so does its accomplishments to the glory of God.

Don’t forget to give all thanks and praise to God for a cohesive TEAM!

I encourage you to start your teamwork with the devotion Working Together in His Strength.   

Your sister in Christ,
Lucy Servant Leader

Dear Servant Leaders,

Confidence in Christian leadership is being grounded in the Word.

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).

Leadership goals are as unique as each of us. They should reflect our unique personality and passions. We arrive at goals via different avenues. But here are steps to goal setting that can guide us.

1. Start and End with Prayer. Prayer is the best way to jump-start the process of goal setting. Thank God for His guidance and leadership in setting goals.

2. Check Your Motives. Take a long, honest look at your motives to make sure you’re going after your goals for the right reasons, and not selfish ones.

3. Think in Categories. Goals can be divided into different categories, such as (1) your home church, (2) charities outside your home church, (3) your own group’s spiritual growth, and (4) your group’s physical health.

4. Be Specific. Goals need to be specific. If a goal isn’t measurable, there is no way of knowing whether it has been accomplished.

5. Write It Down. It has been said, “The shortest pencil is longer than the longest memory.” If you haven’t written down your goals, you haven’t really set them.

6. Include Others. Nothing cements a relationship like a shared goal. Goals are relational glue.

7. Celebrate Along the Way. When you accomplish a goal, celebrate it! One of my favorite Hebrew words is ebenezer. It means “thus far the Lord has helped us.” When you accomplish a God-given goal, it is an ebenezer moment. Feel free to find a unique way to celebrate it and commemorate it.

I suggest “Time Management ~ Manage Yourself, Not Your Time!”

Your sister in Christ,
Lucy Servant Leader

Dear Servant Leaders,
Confidence in Christian leadership is being grounded in the Word.

Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety (Proverbs 11:14).

When you start a new leadership role, you are in what is often called a "temporary state of incompetence," faced with having to do the most when you know the least. Being a leader is quite a responsibility, but very much a privilege.

Here are a few guidelines for new leaders:

• Prepare yourself mentally, physically, and emotionally from the time you accept until the time you begin.
• Manage others' expectations of you — leaders above you, your peers, and members of your group or zone.
• Learn the lay of the land and find out how things "really work around here."
• Communicate your story effectively to women inside and outside your group or zone.
• Avoid the traps that confront every new leader such as disrespecting your predecessor, being swayed by “We’ve always done it this way,” or micromanaging your team’s work.

Rejoice in your role as a leader. God has placed you in this position for a reason and He will not abandon you. He has planned your life down to the smallest detail and will walk with you every step of the way. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18).

I recommend “Stay Calm and Transition On” for tips on transitioning between leaders.

Your sister in Christ,
Lucy Servant Leader

Dear Servant Leaders,

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves (Philippians 2:3).

Often, people in charge don’t do a good job. A supervisor might like to dictate your hours and coffee breaks, and what you can and cannot do on company time, but she often doesn’t follow her own rules. Sometimes parents send the message to their children, “Do as I say and not as I do.” But Jesus is not like that. The above-referenced verse from Philippians reminds us of the importance of selflessness and valuing others above ourselves. Jesus not only tells us what to do, He does it Himself first. Let your actions follow the actions of Jesus through your servant leadership.

As you lead, feelings of anxiety or worry might creep into your mind. Uncertainty quickly leads to fear and fear erodes away at faith. Fear can be powerful. In fact, fear is one of Satan's most-used tactics to get us to doubt God. However, the Holy Spirit enables us to overcome anxiety and fear as we remember God’s promises to us in His Word. God is in charge, even when things around us seem out of control! He is our peace, comfort, and guide. He is our Leader!

I recommend “Christian Leaders Bible Study” for spiritual guidance on leading.

Your sister in Christ,
Lucy Servant Leader

Dear Servant Leaders,

And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all” (Mark 10:42–44).

Have you ever thought about the words “servant leadership?” I recently attended a workshop that explored this topic and learned that servant leadership can actually become a way of life. I am learning that my life as a Christian, a friend, a Lutheran Woman in Mission, a parent, or even an employee is really service to my Leader, Jesus Christ. How can I serve others in my leadership roles?

Servant leadership emphasizes putting the needs of others first and empowering individuals to reach their full potential. It is a people-centered approach that flips the conventional understanding of leadership. Instead of leaders focusing on their own ambitions and authority, servant leaders prioritize the growth and well-being of their team members and followers. These leaders demonstrate empathy, active listening, and a genuine desire to help others succeed. They lead by example, encourage selflessness within their team, and foster a culture of collaboration and support. Volunteers are more likely to stay in a group where they feel valued, supported, and challenged to grow.

I encourage you to check out the LWML Bible study, “A Servant Leader.” 

Your sister in Christ,
Lucy Servant Leader