Being A Servant Leader - Homily by Archbishop William Goh

Summary

The speaker reflects on the significance of the Feast of St. Peter, emphasizing the symbol of the chair representing authority and leadership. They discuss the concept of servant leadership, which involves not only serving but also teaching others to be servants. The speaker outlines three key responsibilities of a leader: preserving truth, fostering unity, and empowering others. They stress the importance of humility, patience, and the willingness to carry one's cross as part of leadership. The talk concludes with an encouragement to look to Christ for strength and guidance in leadership roles.

Takeaways

• 🗝️ The symbol of the chair represents authority and leadership, emphasizing the importance of servant leadership.
• 🛡️ Leaders are called to preserve and protect the truth, ensuring it is respected and upheld within their communities.
• 🔗 Servant leadership involves teaching others how to be servants, which is more than just serving; it's about fostering a community of service.
• 👥 The second responsibility of a leader is to preserve unity, encouraging truth-telling in a spirit of charity and humility.
• 🤝 Leaders must be peacemakers and mediators, fostering unity and preventing disunity within their groups.
• 🐏 As a shepherd, St. Peter's role was to strengthen his friends, illustrating the leader's duty to support and empower others.
• 💡 Empowering people is a key aspect of leadership, with leaders needing to delegate and trust in the abilities of their followers.
• 📚 The truth is a cornerstone of leadership, and leaders must be unafraid to speak it, even when it is difficult or unpopular.
• 🏆 The price of leadership includes carrying one's cross, embodying the suffering and challenges that come with the role.
• 🙏 Leaders must find strength in their faith and rely on divine wisdom to guide them through the trials of leadership.
• 🌟 True leadership is not about self-aggrandizement but about being a witness to and a conduit for the values and virtues one espouses.

Q & A

What is the significance of the 'chair' in the context of the script?

In the script, the 'chair' symbolizes authority and the office of leadership, emphasizing the importance of servant leadership.

How does the concept of servant leadership differ from traditional leadership according to the speaker?

Servant leadership, as described by the speaker, is not just about serving but also about teaching others how to be servants, which is a more profound and active form of leadership.

What are the three key responsibilities of a leader as outlined in the script?

The three key responsibilities of a leader mentioned in the script are: preserving and protecting the truth, fostering unity, and empowering others to be leaders.

What does the speaker mean by 'preserving and protecting the church by eating the church in the way of truth'?

The phrase suggests that leaders are entrusted with the duty to uphold the integrity of the church and its teachings by guiding it in accordance with truth and righteousness.

Why is unity important in leadership according to the script?

Unity is crucial because it reflects the cohesiveness and harmony within a community, and leaders play a vital role in nurturing this unity, which is essential for the community's well-being.

How does the speaker relate the concept of truth to the role of a leader?

The speaker emphasizes that leaders must not only preserve the truth but also communicate it with charity and humility, ensuring that the pursuit of truth does not lead to disunity.

What is the role of a leader in times of crisis according to the script?

In times of crisis, a leader is expected to act as a peacemaker and mediator, working to bring people together and restore unity, which requires patience and resilience.

What does the speaker suggest is the price of leadership?

The speaker suggests that the price of leadership is the willingness to carry the cross, which symbolizes the suffering and sacrifices that come with the responsibility of leadership.

Why is it important for leaders to rely on their faith in Christ, as mentioned in the script?

Relying on faith in Christ provides leaders with the strength and wisdom to face the challenges of leadership, especially during moments of darkness and when they feel lost.

What is the final equation presented by the speaker regarding leadership?

The final equation presented is a call to leaders to recognize that they cannot lead effectively without turning to the Lord for guidance and support, emphasizing the importance of spiritual leadership.