The Role of Servant Leadership in Transformation

The objective of this project was to research the characteristics and influences of servant leadership and present a plausible case for the 'essentiality of servant leadership in empowering the Church to be a stronger catalyst for godly transformation.'

The Church in the Western World is currently struggling to maintain a relevant, positive influence with its membership, while trying to expand and influence the community at large. Regardless of denomination, every church organization seems to be working hard at trying to reinvent themselves to adjust to the new world, and regain some positive influence and presence in this new world. Too often, however, the reinventing can revolve around programs, formulas, and or facilities, more than people. There can be too much emphasis on 'doing' rather than 'being.'

The main thesis for consideration in this dissertation is a discussion on 'being.' Specifically, the role of servant leadership in 'being.' The key thought is that servant leadership is foundational for every Christian who desires to make a difference in his or her world and be a catalyst for positive change. Furthermore, servant leadership is foundational for the Church, as a whole, to effectively fulfill the Great Commission of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew 28:18-20. Finally, servant leadership is foundational to the success of every leader and leadership style if a maximum, positive transformation is to be realized in any setting or individual.
Based on this thesis, the reinvention process should then be focused on 'being' first, and the 'doing' will follow. Supplemental to this thesis is that the essence of 'being' is found in the servant heart of Jesus Christ.