This is Part 7 of the series Servant Leadership Examples from the Bible.
In the landscape of leadership, advocacy and sacrifice are qualities that often separate good leaders from great ones. Advocacy is about championing a cause or a vision with relentless passion, while sacrifice is the willingness to endure personal hardship for the greater good. Few figures embody these traits as profoundly as the Apostle Paul. A tireless advocate for the Gospel, Paul’s leadership journey was marked by his unwavering commitment to spreading the message of Christ, often at great personal cost. His life offers invaluable lessons for business leaders today, particularly those tasked with expanding markets, building new teams, or pioneering innovative initiatives.
By examining Paul’s example, we can glean insights into how advocacy and sacrifice can drive success, foster a committed workforce, and create a purpose-driven organizational culture.
Leadership Journey
Paul’s leadership journey is one of the most remarkable in the New Testament. Originally known as Saul of Tarsus, he was a zealous Pharisee who persecuted early Christians with fervor. However, his life took a dramatic turn on the road to Damascus, where he encountered the risen Christ and was transformed from a persecutor of Christians to one of the faith’s most ardent advocates Acts 9:1-19.
Following his conversion, Paul embarked on several missionary journeys across the Roman Empire, establishing Christian communities, preaching the Gospel, and writing letters that would later form a significant portion of the New Testament. These journeys were not without their challenges. Paul faced imprisonment, beatings, shipwrecks, and constant opposition 2 Corinthians 11:23-28. Yet, he remained steadfast in his mission, driven by a clear vision and an unshakeable commitment to the cause of Christ.
For business leaders, Paul’s missionary journeys can be likened to the efforts of expanding into new markets, building new teams, or launching innovative products. These endeavors require a leader who is not only passionate about the vision but also willing to endure the challenges and setbacks that inevitably arise. Paul’s example shows us that successful leadership is not about avoiding adversity but about persevering through it with purpose and determination.
Key Traits
Paul’s leadership was characterized by several key traits that are essential for business leaders who aspire to advocate for their vision and lead with sacrifice.
Advocacy: Paul was an unwavering advocate for the Gospel, using every opportunity to spread the message of Christ. Whether speaking to large crowds, writing letters from prison, or debating with philosophers in Athens Acts 17:16-34, Paul’s advocacy was tireless. For business leaders, this translates to the importance of being a strong advocate for the organization’s mission and values. Leaders who passionately champion their vision inspire others to buy into the cause, creating a sense of shared purpose that drives the organization forward.
Courage: Paul’s courage in the face of adversity is one of his most remarkable traits. He faced threats to his life, was imprisoned multiple times, and endured numerous hardships, yet he never wavered in his commitment to his mission. This courage is crucial for business leaders who must navigate the uncertainties of the market, competition, and internal challenges. Courageous leaders are willing to take bold steps, make difficult decisions, and stand by their convictions, even when it is unpopular or risky.
Willingness to Endure Hardship: Paul’s leadership was marked by his willingness to endure personal hardship for the sake of the Gospel. He described his experiences in 2 Corinthians 11:23-28, where he recounted being beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, and constantly on the move, often without food or shelter. This willingness to sacrifice personal comfort for the greater good is a powerful example for business leaders.
In the corporate world, this might mean working long hours, making personal sacrifices, or forgoing short-term gains for the long-term success of the organization. Leaders who are willing to endure hardship demonstrate a deep commitment to their vision, which can inspire the same level of dedication in their teams.
Theological Insights
Paul’s teachings on leadership, particularly in his letters, provide profound insights into the qualities of effective leadership, especially in the context of advocacy and sacrifice.
Servant Leadership: In his letters to Timothy and Titus, Paul emphasized the importance of servant leadership. He instructed Timothy to be an example to others in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity 1 Timothy 4:12, and encouraged Titus to teach what is in accord with sound doctrine Titus 2:1. Paul’s emphasis on being a servant leader, someone who leads by example and prioritizes the needs of others, is crucial for business leaders. Servant leadership fosters a culture of mutual respect, collaboration, and trust, which are essential for a thriving organization.
Mentorship and Development: Paul was not just a leader; he was also a mentor to many, including Timothy, Titus, and others. He invested time in teaching, guiding, and developing the next generation of leaders. This is an important lesson for business leaders who are responsible for developing their teams. Effective leaders recognize the value of investing in the growth and development of their employees, creating a pipeline of future leaders who can carry the organization forward.
Humility and Grace: Despite his significant influence, Paul remained humble, often referring to himself as the least of the apostles 1 Corinthians 15:9. He also extended grace to others, understanding that leadership is not about wielding power but about serving others with humility.
For business leaders, humility is a critical trait that fosters a positive organizational culture. Leaders who lead with humility are more approachable, open to feedback, and willing to admit their mistakes, which creates an environment where innovation and collaboration can flourish.
Business Application
Paul’s example offers several practical applications for business leaders, particularly in the areas of advocacy, sacrifice, and team development.
Be a Tireless Advocate for Your Vision: Just as Paul was unwavering in his advocacy for the Gospel, business leaders must be relentless in championing their vision. This means clearly communicating the organization’s mission, values, and goals, and ensuring that every decision and action aligns with this vision. A strong advocate not only inspires others to buy into the vision but also builds a culture of commitment and purpose.
Lead with Courage: Paul’s courage in the face of adversity is a powerful reminder for business leaders to be bold in their decisions. Whether it’s entering a new market, launching a new product, or leading a significant change initiative, courage is essential for overcoming challenges and driving success. Leaders must be willing to take risks, stand by their convictions, and make tough decisions, even when the outcome is uncertain.
Embrace Sacrificial Leadership: Paul’s willingness to endure hardship for the sake of the Gospel is a model of sacrificial leadership. Business leaders can apply this by being willing to make personal sacrifices for the greater good of the organization. This might involve putting in extra hours, forgoing short-term gains for long-term success, or making difficult decisions that benefit the organization as a whole. Sacrificial leadership demonstrates a deep commitment to the vision and inspires others to do the same.
Invest in Mentorship and Team Development: Paul’s mentorship of Timothy, Titus, and others highlights the importance of investing in the development of future leaders. Business leaders should prioritize mentorship, providing guidance, support, and opportunities for growth to their teams. This not only builds a pipeline of future leaders but also fosters a culture of continuous learning and development.
Lead with Humility and Grace: Paul’s humility and grace are critical traits for business leaders. Leading with humility means being open to feedback, admitting mistakes, and putting the needs of others before one’s own. This creates a positive organizational culture where employees feel valued, respected, and motivated to contribute to the organization’s success.
Conclusion
Paul’s leadership journey provides a powerful example of tireless advocacy and sacrificial leadership. His unwavering commitment to the Gospel, courage in the face of adversity, and willingness to endure hardship offer valuable lessons for business leaders today. By advocating for their vision, leading with courage, embracing sacrificial leadership, investing in team development, and leading with humility and grace, business leaders can build strong, purpose-driven organizations that inspire commitment, foster innovation, and achieve lasting success.
As you reflect on Paul’s example, consider how you can incorporate these principles into your own leadership practices, and how they can help you guide your organization toward a future of growth and impact.
References
- Holy Bible, Legacy Standard Bible.
- MacArthur, J. (2002). The Book on Leadership. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
- Collins, J. (2001). Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap… and Others Don’t. HarperBusiness.
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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.
