The Apostle Paul and His Perspective and Practice of Servant Leadership

Abstract

This chapter highlights Paul’s understanding and practice of servant leadership with specific attention to the New Testament book, 1st Thessalonians, the earliest written document in the New Testament. The letter can be thought of as an encouraging conversation that Paul carries on with the faith community of Thessalonica. The chapter targets Paul’s leadership through the lens of servant leadership. It focuses upon the attitudes and treatment by leaders with their constituents, what has occurred, or what should occur in community life, without a programmatic recipe for how leaders should serve in their respective contexts. The chapter treats attitudes, motivations, instruction, encouragement, and helpful practices with attention to relevant moral and behavioral values, which are conducive for vitality, health, and growth in faith communities and organizations. While the New Testament letters express Christian faith and practice, these letters also prioritize values and enjoined practices, which can inform, instruct, and empower other communities, businesses, and practices, under the broader umbrella of common revelation and values.