This is Part 12 of the series Servant Leadership Examples from the Bible.
In our journey through the lives of biblical servant leaders, we have uncovered timeless principles that continue to resonate in today’s business environment. From Moses’ compassion and dedication to Joseph’s integrity and forgiveness, the traits of these biblical figures have provided a roadmap for effective, ethical leadership. But how do these ancient lessons translate to the modern world? In this article, we’ll explore how contemporary Christian business leaders embody these servant leadership principles, drawing parallels between their practices and the biblical examples we’ve studied. By examining the lives and leadership styles of Truett Cathy, David Green, Anne Beiler, Dan Cathy, Horst Schulze, and John Maxwell, we can see how the core values of servant leadership remain as relevant today as they were in biblical times.
Servant Leadership in Modern Business
Servant leadership, as we’ve seen through the stories of biblical figures, is about putting others first—whether that’s God, employees, or customers. This approach is countercultural in a world that often prioritizes profit and power over people. Yet, as modern Christian business leaders have demonstrated, servant leadership is not only a viable path in today’s corporate landscape but also a highly effective one. These leaders have built successful companies by adhering to principles of integrity, humility, and a deep commitment to serving others.
TRUETT CATHY: BUILDING WITH COMPASSION AND INTEGRITY
Truett Cathy, the founder of Chick-fil-A, is a prime example of how biblical servant leadership can be applied to modern business. His approach to leadership was deeply influenced by his Christian faith, much like Moses, who led the Israelites with compassion and dedication. Cathy’s decision to close Chick-fil-A on Sundays, despite the potential for financial loss, reflects a commitment to honoring God and prioritizing the well-being of his employees—an act reminiscent of Moses’ unwavering dedication to God’s commandments.
Cathy’s leadership also mirrored Joseph’s integrity. In an industry often driven by competition and profit margins, Cathy maintained a focus on ethical business practices and treating others with respect. His leadership fostered a corporate culture of trust and loyalty, demonstrating that a commitment to servant leadership can lead to long-term success and a positive workplace environment.
DAVID GREEN: STEWARDSHIP AND GENEROSITY
David Green, the founder of Hobby Lobby, embodies the biblical principle of stewardship, a concept that aligns closely with the leadership of Nehemiah. Just as Nehemiah was entrusted with rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls, Green has taken on the responsibility of running his company with a focus on stewardship—managing his resources in a way that honors God and benefits others.
Green’s leadership is also characterized by generosity, a trait that echoes Joseph’s forgiveness and compassion. By offering generous employee benefits and using his company’s profits to support various charitable causes, Green exemplifies how modern business leaders can use their influence to make a positive impact on the world, much like the biblical servant leaders who prioritized the welfare of their people.
ANNE BEILER: OVERCOMING ADVERSITY WITH FAITH AND INTEGRITY
Anne Beiler, the founder of Auntie Anne’s, has a leadership journey that parallels the story of Joseph. Like Joseph, Beiler faced significant challenges, including personal and professional setbacks, yet she remained steadfast in her faith and commitment to integrity. Her story is one of overcoming adversity through reliance on God, much like Joseph’s rise from slavery to a position of power in Egypt.
Beiler’s leadership is also marked by a focus on community and service, much like Ruth’s loyalty and selflessness. She has used her success to give back to the community, creating a business model that prioritizes the well-being of others. Beiler’s life demonstrates how modern leaders can navigate challenges by leaning on their faith and maintaining a servant’s heart, much like the biblical figures we’ve studied.
DAN CATHY: CONTINUING A LEGACY OF SERVANT LEADERSHIP
Dan Cathy, the current CEO of Chick-fil-A and son of Truett Cathy, has continued his father’s legacy of servant leadership, much like how biblical leaders such as Samuel upheld the values of their predecessors. Dan Cathy’s leadership is characterized by a hands-on approach and a commitment to maintaining the company’s Christian values. This dedication is reminiscent of Samuel’s obedience and integrity, as Cathy leads with a focus on honoring God and serving others.
Cathy’s leadership also reflects the courage and compassion of David. He has navigated the challenges of leading a large corporation in a rapidly changing business environment while maintaining a focus on people—both employees and customers. By prioritizing service and humility, Cathy exemplifies how modern leaders can uphold the principles of servant leadership in a complex and competitive world.
HORST SCHULZE: EXCELLENCE THROUGH SERVICE
Horst Schulze, co-founder and former president of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, is known for his philosophy of “ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen.” This approach to leadership is deeply rooted in Christian principles and aligns closely with the biblical model of servant leadership. Schulze’s emphasis on service and excellence parallels the leadership of Paul, who tirelessly advocated for the Gospel with a commitment to serving others.
Schulze’s focus on creating a culture of service is also reminiscent of Nehemiah’s vision and perseverance. Just as Nehemiah inspired the people of Jerusalem to rebuild their city, Schulze has inspired his employees to strive for excellence in service, demonstrating that leadership is about empowering others to reach their full potential. His leadership style is a powerful example of how the principles of servant leadership can drive success and create a positive organizational culture.
JOHN MAXWELL: TEACHING SERVANT LEADERSHIP
John Maxwell, a renowned Christian author and leadership expert, has dedicated his career to teaching the principles of servant leadership. Maxwell’s teachings are deeply rooted in biblical principles, much like the teachings of Paul in his letters to the early Christian communities. Maxwell’s emphasis on leading with integrity, humility, and a focus on others aligns closely with the servant leadership principles we have explored in this series.
Maxwell’s impact as a teacher and mentor mirrors the role of Samuel, who guided and anointed leaders for Israel. Through his books, seminars, and mentorship, Maxwell has influenced countless leaders around the world, encouraging them to adopt a servant leadership approach. His work demonstrates how the timeless lessons of the Bible can be applied to modern leadership challenges, inspiring a new generation of servant leaders.
Comparative Analysis: Biblical Figures and Modern Leaders
When we compare these modern Christian business leaders with the biblical figures we’ve studied, we see a clear alignment in the principles and values that guide their leadership. Like Moses, Truett Cathy led with compassion and a focus on serving others. Like Joseph, Anne Beiler overcame adversity with faith and integrity. Like Nehemiah, David Green and Horst Schulze built and rebuilt their organizations with a focus on vision and service. Like Ruth, these leaders have demonstrated loyalty and selflessness in their business practices.
The challenges these modern leaders face—whether in crisis management, team building, or strategic planning—mirror those faced by the biblical figures. However, by adhering to the principles of servant leadership, these leaders have been able to navigate these challenges effectively, creating organizations that are not only successful but also ethical and purpose-driven.
Modern Application: Integrating Biblical Lessons into Today’s Business Leadership
The timeless lessons from biblical servant leaders are not just relevant for today’s business environment—they are essential. In a world where ethical lapses and leadership failures are all too common, the principles of servant leadership offer a path forward. By prioritizing the well-being of others, maintaining integrity, and leading with humility, modern business leaders can create organizations that are resilient, innovative, and ethical.
These principles are not just theoretical—they have been put into practice by the Christian business leaders we’ve discussed. Their success stories demonstrate that servant leadership is not just a nice idea, but a practical and effective approach to leadership. Whether it’s through creating a positive workplace culture, navigating crises, or building a legacy, the principles of servant leadership can transform organizations and drive long-term success.
Theological Insights: Christ-like Leadership in a Modern World
At the heart of servant leadership is the example of Jesus Christ, who came not to be served, but to serve (Matthew 20:28). The modern Christian business leaders we’ve discussed have embraced this Christ-like approach to leadership, prioritizing service to others over personal gain. Their leadership reflects the humility, compassion, and integrity of Christ, who is the ultimate model of servant leadership.
This Christ-like leadership is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage. By leading with a focus on service, these leaders have built strong, loyal teams and created organizations that are admired for their ethics and values. Their leadership demonstrates that the principles of Christ-like servant leadership are not only relevant in today’s business world but are also a key to sustainable success.
Call to Action: Embracing Servant Leadership in Your Own Leadership Journey
As we conclude this series, the challenge for today’s business leaders is clear: to embrace the principles of servant leadership in their own leadership journey. Whether you are leading a small team or a large organization, the lessons from these biblical and modern-day servant leaders offer a roadmap for success. By prioritizing service to others, maintaining integrity, and leading with humility, you can create a positive impact in your organization and beyond.
Servant leadership is not just about achieving business success—it’s about making a difference in the lives of others.
As you reflect on the lessons from this series, consider how you can integrate these principles into your own leadership practices. By doing so, you can become a leader who not only achieves great things but also leaves a lasting legacy of service, integrity, and compassion.
Conclusion: The Enduring Relevance of Biblical Servant Leadership
The principles of servant leadership, as exemplified by biblical figures and modern Christian business leaders, are as relevant today as they were thousands of years ago. These principles offer a powerful antidote to the challenges of modern leadership, providing a path to ethical, effective, and compassionate leadership.
As we have seen throughout this series, the traits of servant leadership—compassion, integrity, humility, and a focus on others—are timeless. They are the foundation of great leadership, both in the biblical world and in today’s business environment. By embracing these principles, modern leaders can not only achieve success but also make a positive impact on the world around them.
In a world that often prioritizes power and profit over people, the principles of servant leadership offer a refreshing and necessary alternative. As you continue your leadership journey, may the lessons from these biblical and modern-day servant leaders inspire and guide you to lead with integrity, compassion, and a servant’s heart.
This final article in the series provides a comprehensive look at how the principles of biblical servant leadership are embodied in modern Christian business leaders, offering practical insights for today’s leaders. By comparing and contrasting these figures, we see that the lessons of servant leadership are not just relevant—they are essential for creating organizations that are ethical, resilient, and successful.
Be sure to follow the series and engage in the conversation. Let’s work together to bring about a new era of leadership grounded in biblical principles!
This series was originally published on LinkedIn as part of the Wisdom & Wit Newsletter.
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Chris Reighley is a Colson Fellow and a leader grounded in faith, family, and mission. With a career spanning servant leadership, digital marketing, and servant leadership, he is driven by a passion for empowering others. He is pursuing an Executive Master’s at The Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M and a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies from Redemption Seminary. Through Shoe Leather Gospel, Chris is dedicated to combating biblical illiteracy and mentoring future leaders.
