So he provides us with backwardness training. He reminds us authority is not earned and grace is seldom deserved. The gifts of forgiveness and inclusion, which make community and teamwork possible, remain the generous contribution of a gracious God. No matter our competence, commitment and determination, in the final analysis there are forces larger than any of us at work and at play in leadership issues. The real challenge is to learn to develop the imperfect people we are.
Servant leadership addresses imperfection.
For me this means asking whether I'm willing to acknowledge my vulnerabilities and fears. My answers to these questions are evolving, but I suspect that if servant leadership is going to lead me to the stewardship of all participants I will include name and learn to work with my weaknesses as well as my strengths in community. One day he and his son were trying to get a balky calf into the barn. One was in front pulling on a halter, and the other was pushing from behind. The calf had its legs splayed, and for all practical purposes was immovable.