I read recently a story from Prime Time with God, a daily newsletter for Christians.  The article was entitled,” Servant Leadership.”   The author is Os Hillman, published July 4, 2009.

A rider on horseback, many years ago, came upon a squad of soldiers who were trying to move a heavy piece of timber. A corporal stood by, giving lordly orders to “heave.” But the piece of timber was a trifle too heavy for the squad.

“Why don’t you help them?” asked the quiet man on the horse, addressing the important corporal.

“Me? Why, I’m a corporal sir!” Dismounting, the stranger carefully took his place with the soldiers.

“Now, all together boys – heave!” he said. And the big piece of timber slid into place. The stranger mounted his horse and addressed the corporal.

“The next time you have a piece of timber for your men to handle, Corporal, send for the commander-in-chief.”

The horseman was George Washington, the first American president.

Yesterday we celebrated our freedom in Jesus with an indoor picnic in Melbourne.  It was another wonderful, terrible day.  There were two important concerns regarding church members and Special Gathering members.  First United Methodist Church of Melbourne allows us to use their facilities.  About the time clean-up was beginning, I was drawn away from the group by a church member who wasconcerned about the actions of a person that she thought was a Special Gathering member.  She is a church member who kind-of floats in and out of our meetings. 

Another incident involved a misunderstanding that one of our members and his family was having with public transportation.  In reality, none of this directly involved me or Special Gathering.  However, circumstances dictated that I became involved. 

As the two events simultaneously spun into action, I was working quickly to try to defuse both situations.  Shuttling back and forth from the hallway to the gym and then to fellowship hall, my time was pretty consumed. 

Meanwhile back at the indoor picnic, things buzzed along without comment, frowns or incident.  Even though our volunteer force was short staffed, with consistent methodical speed the trash was cleaned, the dirty dishes were washed and the left-over food was distributed.  As it flipped back into the gym briefly, I could not believe the joyfully calm atmosphere that had engulfed the area surrounding the picnic. 

President Washington, as commander-in-chief, did not have a corporal serving under him that he could trust to do the dirty work of leadership.  I will be eternally grateful that serving Special Gathering are men and women who understand that leadership also means washing dishes, putting up tables and chairs, and–most of all–providing a calm peaceful atmosphere in the middle of chaos. 

I want to thank my wonderful volunteers and paid staff for their leadership that quickly evolves into servanthood whenever a log must be jockyed into place.

Have you found that your volunteers understand servant/leadership?  Can they function as well with you as they can without you?  What is the model of servant/leadership that you use in your personal life?