Servant leadership in the local church : reorienting leadership values of the Assembly of God churches in Kerala, India

Abstract

<p>This thesis is designed to propose, explore, and develop a concept of what servant leadership might look like if practiced in the Assembly of God church in Kerala, India. This proposed concept is set up in contrast to the current understanding of the power, control, and exploitation, held by many leaders in the Assembly of God church. Their current beliefs and practices have been used to set themselves above their followers. But the call from God for a pastor is to be a servant leader.</p><p>My interest in servant leadership arose from the church where I had worked as an associate pastor to be a "servant leader". Through this research work I believe that I can increase awareness of how servant leadership functions as well participation through training conducted in the churches, bible schools and discipleship training centers.</p><p>I hope that this thesis will contribute to a healthier understanding of leadership in the church. In the end I hope we are able to get a better understanding of "how can one become a servant leader" by addressing some problems as an example or experiences within the church leadership who are considering themselves as bosses instead of being as servants. This thesis indicates that servant leadership is a biblically desirable quality that one grows into over a life time in order to serve others.</p><p>In chapter one I brought out how servant leadership uses influence, power, and integrity to lead others. These essentials aspects of leadership will help churches and leaders to have growth while sustaining the people who are already in the church to remain members in the church rather than loosing their desire in life to serve God.<p><p>Second chapter deals with Biblical servant leadership by looking at the lives of Moses, Nehemiah and Jesus. They served as a pattern for servant leadership, empowering and influencing others by being faithful stewards in their lives for the ministry.</p><p>The third chapter describes valuable tips for an effective and successful servant leadership.</p>