How to Be a Servant Leader

The Samaritan’s Purse Leadership Development Pathway program is about equipping Gospel-focused leaders to do excellent work in the humanitarian world. These leaders are to instill trust, drive, vision and purpose, communicate effectively, manage conflict, shepherd individuals, direct work, and build teams. We cannot do any of these things on our own, but with the help of the Holy Spirit, God can work in and through us to accomplish His purposes.

“I am just so thankful for the diversity that we have and how God has gifted each one of (our leaders) differently. And really that's what makes leadership work: is recognizing that God has gifted people, allowing them to operate in their gifts, supporting them, and that's really a picture of the body of Christ.”—Kendell Kauffeldt

Whether you are leading in your home or in a small group, we are all leading in some capacity. And because of this, we should never stop learning and studying the Word each day. Kendell Kauffeldt shared about the four aspects of leadership that he takes the Leadership Development Pathway program cohorts through—shepherd leader, servant leader, surrendered leader, and steward leader—and pointed out where these are exemplified in Scripture.

During a recent visit to Samaritan’s Purse headquarters, Kristy got to meet with the cohort and hear what they learned through the leadership training. Each of these leaders come from such different backgrounds and experiences, yet they all lead with the same goal: taking the Gospel to the ends of the earth. This program truly shows that no matter what culture or context we serve in, we can lead with the Gospel in mind. Madeline Chilton, a recent graduate of the program based in the Middle East, talked about emotionally healthy leadership and what that looks like as a Christ follower.

“I think as leaders it's how we move forward and how we lead the teams that makes the biggest impact, right? It's not relying on our own strength to solve the problems or even to pretend like we have all of the answers, but it's more of how do we model what it looks like to trust in the Lord and to really rely on Him.”—Madeline Chilton, Regional Program Development Officer

Kendell has been a leader in the field, including many years as the country director of Liberia amid the Ebola crisis. In an extremely difficult time to lead, God taught Kendell a lot, as he came to the end of himself. We never know what the Lord is going to call us into tomorrow, so today, stay ready, and stay faithful.

“We are limited. And that doesn't mean that God isn't going to ask you to lead in places that will require more than what you think you have. And what I can tell you as a leader, if He does, He is faithful, and He will accomplish His purposes through you.”—Kendell Kauffeldt

Please join me in praying for our leaders here at Samaritan's Purse, especially these recent graduates of the Leadership Development Pathway program. Pray that God would give them wisdom and discernment in the field. If you’d like to keep up to date with more stories from On the Ground, please visit SamaritansPurse.org.