Leading Like Jesus: The Heart of Servant Leadership

By JN Everly

In a world where leadership is often equated with power, control, and personal gain, Leading Like Jesus: The Heart of Servant Leadership offers a radically different path. Drawing from the timeless example of Jesus of Nazareth, JN Everly shows that true leadership is not about climbing to the top, but about kneeling to serve.

Through Scripture, real-life examples, and practical applications, this book reveals how humility, compassion, courage, and sacrificial love can transform the way we lead—in business, ministry, community, and family. Each chapter explores core principles of servant leadership, from rethinking power and cultivating a servant's heart to building trust, empowering others, and leading with eternal perspective.

Far from being abstract theory, this book is deeply practical, with reflection questions and action steps designed to help readers live out Christlike leadership in daily life. Whether you're a CEO, a teacher, a pastor, or a parent, Leading Like Jesus will equip you to inspire trust, foster unity, and bring lasting change.

The world does not need more leaders. It needs more leaders like Jesus.

• Language: English
• Publisher: JN Everly
• Release date: Sep 17, 2025
• ISBN: 9798232398170

Book preview

Chapter 1

Rethinking Leadership: From Power to Service

If you ask most people to picture a leader, they might imagine a president giving a speech, a CEO at the head of a boardroom table, or a military general commanding troops. Leadership is often associated with titles, positions, or authority. But in the Kingdom of God, leadership is not defined by who stands above others but by who kneels to serve them.

The World’s Model of Leadership

In the world’s systems, leadership is built on hierarchy. The higher you climb, the more people serve you. Jesus acknowledged this when He said:

You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them (Matthew 20:25, NIV).

This is leadership built on dominance. Leaders in this model often use fear, control, or manipulation to maintain their positions. History is full of examples: dictators who oppressed their people, corporate executives who exploited workers for profit, and even church leaders who abused spiritual authority.

Practical example: Think of a workplace where the manager takes all the credit for the team’s success but blames employees when things go wrong. Morale drops, people work out of fear instead of passion, and creativity dries up. That is worldly leadership in action.

Jesus’ Model of Leadership

Right after pointing out how Gentile rulers behave, Jesus gave His disciples a radical alternative:

Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:26–28).

Here, Jesus redefined greatness. To be great in God’s Kingdom is not to rise higher but to stoop lower. It is to exchange titles for towels, authority for humility, and power for service.

The ultimate image is found in John 13. As Jesus faced betrayal and death, He took a towel, knelt down, and washed His disciples’ feet. This was the work of the lowest household servant. And yet the Teacher, the Lord, the Messiah, chose to do it.

Practical example: Imagine a CEO of a major company who not only listens to employees but also joins them in their work. Instead of only sitting in meetings, she occasionally spends a day on the assembly line, learning the struggles workers face. This kind of leadership inspires loyalty and trust—it echoes Jesus’ model.

Why Service Is Stronger Than Power

Power alone can compel people to obey, but service inspires people to follow willingly. When leaders serve:

Trust deepens.

Teams become more united.

People are empowered to grow.

Service does not diminish authority—it strengthens it. Jesus never stopped being Lord when He washed feet. His authority was magnified because it was expressed through love.

Practical example: Parents who lead through service—by listening, sacrificing, and modeling love—tend to raise children who respect and trust them. Parents who lead through harsh control may get short-term obedience but often lose long-term influence.

Questions for Reflection

Do I view leadership as a right to be served, or as a responsibility to serve?

Where in my life am I tempted to lord it over others instead of serving them?

What would it look like this week for me to take a towel and wash someone’s feet—metaphorically or literally?

Chapter 2

The Heart of a Servant Leader

Every great leader must decide what kind of heart will guide their leadership. Titles, positions, and responsibilities are important, but they cannot sustain leadership on their own. Leadership rises and falls not on skill or charisma, but on the condition of the heart.

When the Bible speaks of the heart, it means more than emotions. It refers to the inner life: the mind, will, desires, and motivations. A leader’s heart is the compass that directs their decisions, actions, and influence. If the heart is selfish, prideful, or insecure, then leadership becomes corrupted. But if the heart is humble, compassionate, and surrendered to God, leadership becomes life-giving.

Jesus consistently revealed His heart in the way He led others. He was powerful, yet gentle. He was confident in His