It begins with a mindset.
When Paul wrote to the believers in Philippi, he wasn’t issuing corporate policy or strategy. He was calling them to adopt a posture of the soul—one that echoed the very heart of Christ. “Let this mind be in you,” he writes, “which was also in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 2:5, NKJV) This is not a command to act humble—it is a call to be humble. And not just in general, but specifically in how we lead.
For those of us who serve in the Salvation Army, our commitment to servant leadership isn’t just practical; it’s completely theological. We follow the Servant King.
Christ’s Descent: A Pattern of Leadership
Philippians 2 paints a vivid picture of Christ’s descent:
- He was in the form of God… yet did not grasp equality with God (v. 6)
- He emptied Himself (v. 7)
- He became a servant (v. 7)
- He humbled Himself (v. 8)
- He became obedient to death… even death on a cross (v. 8)
This progression is striking. True leadership, as modelled by Jesus, is not about ascending ladders—it’s about choosing descent. In God’s Kingdom, greatness comes through servanthood. Jesus didn’t shed His power—but He laid down His privileges. He didn’t stop being King—but He refused to cling to His crown.
And here’s the mystery: in His descent, He was exalted. “Therefore God highly exalted Him…” (v. 9). Leadership in the Kingdom of God moves in the opposite direction of worldly ambition.
Servant Leadership in the Army’s Context
Catherine Booth once wrote, “If we are to better the future, we must disturb the present.” And servant leadership does precisely that—it disturbs the pride, entitlement, and self-interest that so easily sneak into even the most well-intentioned service.
In the context of the Salvation Army, servant leadership must ask:
- Am I motivated by a desire to serve others, or by the need for recognition?
- Am I more concerned with how I am perceived than how I serve?
- Do I seek the spotlight, or do I look for opportunities to humbly serve behind the scenes?
There is a danger, even in ministry, of leading from the platform rather than from the basin and towel. But the cross reminds us that the greatest act of leadership in human history came not through applause, but through sacrifice.
Supporting Scriptures
Scripture speaks into this frequently:
- Matthew 20:26–28 – “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant… just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.”
- John 13:12–17 – Jesus washes the disciples’ feet, commanding, “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.”
- 1 Peter 5:2–3 – “Be shepherds of God’s flock… not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”
- Micah 6:8 – “What does the Lord require of you? To act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.”
These passages are more than devotional—they are instructional. They paint a clear vision of leadership shaped not by control, but by character.
Reflection & Response
Personal Reflection:
- Where have I been tempted to lead from position rather than humility?
- Are there moments when I’ve used my role to be seen, rather than to serve?
- How does Christ’s pattern of descent challenge the way I view success?
A Prayer to Close:
Lord Jesus,
You emptied Yourself to serve and save.
Help me do the same.
Strip away my pride, my insecurity, my hunger for approval.
Form in me the mind of Christ—humble, obedient, and free.
Let my leadership point not to me, but to You.
Amen.