Leadership Gifts - Serving

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given us…If it is serving, let him serve.” Romans 12:6, 7.

In contrast to the leader with the gift of prophecy (who tends to be in the spot light and shouting from the rooftops), the leader with the gift of service is often quietly (and diligently) working behind the scenes. The individual who leads with a mindset of serving possesses an acute ability to discern the practical needs of others, is driven by the desire to meet those needs, and is highly motivated to solve those problems as quickly as possible.

There is often an urgency in the mind of this type of leader to complete the job; there is a physical stamina that pushes the individual with a disregard for weariness; and a willingness to utilize personal resources and funds to avoid delays. In reality, however, he/she can be quite frustrated if a time limit or much red tape is attached to certain tasks.

Short-range goals are more attractive to the leader with the gift of serving than are long-term projects. The practical takes precedence over the philosophical. A checklist of tasks is viewed as a challenge and an opportunity to accomplish great things. Putting forth sacrificial amounts of energy and time to accomplish specific projects serves as a prime motivating factor in this leader’s passion. The 30, 000-foot vision or the long range, strategic plan can be frustrating to this leader that wants to get things done quickly in order to serve others.

A positive strength that often accompanies this gift is the ability to remember the likes and dislikes of people. For example, birthdays and the names of the children of fellow workers are important details for this leader. Prayer requests are logged into his/her long-term memory and he/she asks for updates and expresses concerns for the needs of others.

This type of leader experiences joy when his/her efforts free others up to use their strengths in productive ways. This leader is motivated to remove burdensome tasks from others in order to enable them to accomplish more in the areas of their giftedness. The serving leader does not desire busy work but is willing to take on extra so that others can better use their strengths.

The leader with this gift loves to serve with others. This gift attracts people with similar giftedness. There is nothing more impressive than to watch a group of leaders, who possess the gift of serving, pooling their efforts to accomplish a goal. Fur flies and dust doesn’t have a chance to settle before the project is complete and all is organized and ready for action.

Leaders who function from this arena of giftedness do need to be cautious in some areas. First, their quickness to meet the needs of others might give the appearance of being pushy or brown-nosing toward self-advancement. Second, they often lack the ability to say “no,” (even to the detriment of their family) accepting too many jobs at one time. This can lead to an over commitment of time and a lack of balance in life... eventually the leader wears him/herself out physically and emotionally. Third, those who love to serve may have a difficulty being the recipient of the service from others. Using the gift is much easier than receiving the gift. Fourth, leaders with this gift can be hurt by the lack of gratefulness from the recipient of their efforts. Their motivation to serve is pure but it is fueled and affirmed by genuine appreciation. Fifth, they often feel that their giftedness does not qualify them for spiritual leadership and they view themselves as inadequate to play a leadership role within a larger group.

Serving others was one of the major methods that Jesus used to lead his disciples. After Jesus humbly washed his disciple’s feet as an act of leadership and service, he said to his disciples, “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you should wash one another’s feet. I have set an example that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13: 14-15). Another wonderful statement of Jesus is found in Matthew 20:25-28 when a discussion centered on the concept of greatness in the kingdom of God. Jesus shared, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Those with the spiritual gift of service will lead with the very heart of the gospel. If this is your spiritual gift, lead in strong and mighty ways, recognizing your greatness in the kingdom!