Servant Leadership: Leading by Example

My approach to leadership has always been comprehensive, which is why the C in chief executive officer (CEO) often represents more than just “chief” for me—it also implies the idea of “contractor” and “custodian.” This reflects my commitment to lead by example, never asking others to do tasks I wouldn’t do myself. For me, it was never about the letters following my name but rather the name that I followed—Yahushua.

The Heart of Servant Leadership

It is also a reminder that we are servants for those we lead and servants of Yah. Twenty-one years ago, when the Most High gave me the vision to establish the Yunion, I was always willing to do the dirty work. This commitment remained unwavering even after the Cave of Adullam’s viral videos, worldwide media coverage, bestselling books, an award-winning documentary, and acquisition of a larger building. I often reflect on the years I served as a facilities manager at a popular charter school in Detroit, where I maintained the grounds, facilitated essential repairs, and safeguarded the property, among other duties. Those three years were instrumental in preparing me to maintain what we have today.

I firmly believe in this principle: Whatever we do, we should do it as unto the Most High (1 Cor. 10:31). Consequently, I refuse to allow His property to go unkempt even for a day. Do I get tired? Yes, I do! However, I continuously strive to manage my emotions so that weariness doesn’t overtake me. I firmly believe that the Most High is worth the greatest sacrifices. Despite having the resources to hire staff now, I remain willing to jump in and assist when needed. For instance, I recently hired one of my spiritual sons to install porcelain tiles in one of the rooms within our building. When it was time to apply the grout, he required assistance due to the rapid drying time of the additive I had purchased. Without hesitation, I joined in to help.

Leading with Humility and Action

Being on my knees once again reminded me of the years when I owned and operated a ceramic and marble tile company. During those years, I worked diligently, though sometimes begrudgingly. My heart’s true desire was to engage in the work I believed the Most High had created me for. Yet I learned that as long as my attitude toward my current situation didn’t align with what was pleasing to the Most High, He couldn’t move me to where I needed to be.

If you become frustrated or trapped in a certain stage of life, seek to learn every lesson Yah is teaching you in that moment. Remain patient and committed to long-term growth rather than chasing quick rewards.

One myth of leadership is that a leader should never ask for help since it makes a person see weak or incompetent. However, it is written, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another” (Prov. 27:17 ESV). Just as one piece of iron requires friction to sharpen another, one man needs another to refine him. This friction is necessary for a man to become mentally and spiritually sharp enough to cut away any sin, addiction, or strongholds that come his way.

Servant Leadership Builds Camaraderie

Unfortunately, many of us seek polishing partners—men who tell us only what we want to hear instead of what’s needed for us to grow.

Due to the amount of trauma I experienced in my younger years, I had to take steps toward opening up to others. First, I recorded myself sharing my struggles, and then I played it back. This process revealed that there was nothing pusillanimous about expressing my emotions, but it required strength from muscles I had never trained. Eventually, I felt comfortable sharing one of my concerns with a friend, and to my amazement, my transparency encouraged him to be open as well. Before we knew it, we were both supporting and affirming each other, and being human became the norm.

That being said, as a leader, do not be afraid to ask questions or seek guidance. We don’t have all the answers. When we allow the men in our lives to see when our swords are dull, we foster a camaraderie that sharpens us all—equipping us to confront and cut away sin when it surfaces in our lives.

I want to wrap up by presenting this activity. Take out your mirror and silently gaze into the eyes of the man reflected in it. Don’t look away for sixty seconds. Then, affirm that man with the following statements:

A Leadership Mindset for Long-Term Impact

I will be a strong and compassionate leader, maintaining emotional stability.
I will pass the torch before it burns out in my hand.
I will listen to others with the same intensity and attention that I desire for my own voice to be heard.
I will never be so successful that I can’t get my hands dirty for the success of others.
My life is not a highlight reel—I will allow people to learn from the mistakes I made.

The lesson from my leadership journey is this: Never resent the process you’re in, because what you’re doing now will likely be crucial for where you’re predestined to go.

By Jason Wilson