Servant Leadership Methodology in my Secular Environment

The foundation of Christian Ethics have to be rooted in reference of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Therefore, Christian ethics would be the principles resulting from the Christian faith by which we act. While God’s word may not cover every situation we face throughout our lives, its principles give us the standards by which we must conduct ourselves in those situations where there are no obvious instructions. I feel Christian Ethics is well summarized by Colossians 3:1-6. “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory? Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience.” What makes it so difficult in today’s society is we frequently call upon very general principles that are not tied to any religious or philosophical world view because that’s what we are exposed to more regularly than Christian principles.

In reflecting on our reading on Ethics I realize there are many forms of biblical ethics that reflects the behavior, character, and actions of the people proclaiming to be God’s people. When you consider Ethics in Torah, Ethics in the Prophets, and Ethic in the New Testament one realize that the principles are expressed to a community of people being exposed to the same doctrine over the same period of time. This enables them the time and ability to have an impact on the audience they are focusing on to build solid Christian ethics and values. I believe what makes Christian Ethics problematic in our secular society today is that people are less community involved and practice more individualism. Technology have enabled people to forsake the assembly of the righteous and worship via live stream across the world if they would like. So it becomes very difficult to instill Christian Ethics in people whom are not around you long enough to learn who they are or what their beliefs are.

Under both secular and Christian thought, we are self-governing beings. We have free will. We make choices. We have an inherent right to govern our lives free of undue coercion, even if such coercion is offered for our own good or the good of a wider community. But Christians must exercise our dependence within the context of our primary identity as God’s beloved children and as those created in God’s image. We have free will but we are not free agents, with the license to live however we like with no consideration for how our lives are connected to God and others.

I find it most problematic to live up to my Christian principles in the work environment I’m spending the majority of my day in. I generally work at least 55 hours a week in an environment where people are openly self-absorbed in secular principles from the hourly associates to top leadership. I’m constantly managing people with what’s in it for me mentality and want to do less work for more money. The hourly associates have a strong union that have spoiled them to the point that they have forgotten that their pay check have Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company on it and not USW Local 831. Middle management at my level and senior leadership for the most part have a dogmatic management style that is no longer effective in today’s workforce. They have not adapted to the generational change in our work place and are having a hard time transitioning to a more developmental leadership style. I consider myself as more of a servant leader and over time have gained the respect of others as a manager and leader. My focus is on giving others what they need to be successful and win. Whether it be resources, guidance, inspiration, or discipline. For me the satisfaction is building a team that understands the benefits of striving for the greater good. Adopting the servant leadership methodology in my secular environment have enable me the ability to adhere to my Christian Ethics at work and have afforded me the opportunity to Pastor a wonderful group of people.

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