Introduction
Jesus says that to be a leader means being a servant and slave to all. In a world full of stories of suffering and violence, we explore what it means to be that kind of leader, and where we can find examples to inspire us to serve.
Context
The conflict in Syria still dominates the world news this week. Al Jazeera interviews key players about the role of Russia and asks Khaled Khoja, leader of the Syrian National Coalition, for his perspective.
Meanwhile a British worker supported by crowd funding provides practical help for refugees in danger of drowning.
After 43 student activists 'disappear' in Mexico, people say leadership is about accountability and social action.
Social action can start as a small step that with determination leads to a great thing as the life's work of one social worker shows.
It's Healthcare Sunday. A fascinating fact about the NHS: it's one of the five largest workforces in the world! Being a health worker can be dangerous. This week saw the anniversary of the death by firing squad of Edith Cavell, a WW1 nurse who helped to smuggle allied troops into neutral Holland.
This year's One World Week theme is ‘Hope in Action’. That makes a good strap-line for a leadership of suffering and service, and there are many inspiring stories to be told.
Reflection
Who is the greatest? The squabbling disciples sound like children competing for favour (‘who is Jesus favourite?’) and positional power (‘I'm sitting next to Jesus’). Sometimes the discussion about Syria has a similar ring. National powers fight over Syrian airspace, trade arms with different factions and compare numbers of refugees.
What of religious leaders? In an interview, John Kerry (USA) emphasises that the goal is for a ‘unified, secular Syria’. The world doesn't look to religion to bring peace. Jesus’ message is to both religious and political leaders; it’s not about power, it’s about service.
What does servant leadership look like? On Healthcare Sunday, the NHS provides us with a compelling model: it’s about care that is available to all – that is still one of the core principles. Service is all about practical help, as shown by the British worker who invented the Centiboard, already saving the lives of Syrian refugees at sea. Service stems from empathy and compassion – both readings place God right in the middle of our suffering. Gwen Rymer, the social worker who did so much for vulnerable children young people, led by listening to the voices of the suffering child.
Jesus uses the word doulos (bond-slave) as well as diakonos (servant). What does it mean to be bound to serve? The story of Edith Cavell demonstrates Jesus's warning that slavery can come with a high price.
The Mexican people suggest leaders are bound to us through accountability. They call for a citizen's audit of their government. Risk of death doesn't hold people back; slave leadership binds us in mutual commitment and hope for a better future.
The One World Week theme – ‘Hope in Action’ – sums it up. We are bound to serving in hope of God's promised new life.
Prayer
A binding prayer to be said together. String or ribbon could be used to 'bind' people's hands symbolically together as they say the prayer.
We bind ourselves to your service, Lord;
bind us to your way of servant leadership.
We bind ourselves to your service, Lord;
bind us to feel your heart of compassion.
We bind ourselves to your service, Lord;
bind us to hear the voice of the suffering.
We bind ourselves to your service, Lord;
bind us to touch with your caring hands.
We bind ourselves to your service, Lord.
bind us to walk in hopeful action together.
Amen.
Questions
- Are we all called to serve?
- What does it mean to be a servant leader in your daily life, at home, at study, at work?
- Is there a difference between a servant and a slave? Why might Jesus have use these two words?
- Which servant leaders inspire you? Where can we find role models today?
Action
Can you bind yourself to serve in a very specific way this week?
It may be a re-commitment to strengthen something you are already doing, for example volunteering locally. It may be taking a new small step. You could start by praying and reflecting about the news through the week and committing yourself to one active response, for example visiting your local refugee centre to see how you could help, or using social media to raise awareness.
Young people
Young people are traditionally the 'rebels' who criticise the leadership of the previous generation.
Using Jesus's idea about leaders as servants, how do you rate the service of the people who lead? Think about natural leaders amongst your peers and everyday role models, as well as your parents, teachers, cultural influencers, politicians and world leaders. Are you a servant leader in the making? What can you do this week to be of service to others?
Jane Chevous, educator and willing slave with Reshapers CIC, a creative learning company, is currently living and sailing off the coast of Mexico.
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