Serv LDR

International Centre for Excellence in Leadership
International Mission Board, SBC
Servant Leader Dimension—

FOLLOWING HIS EXAMPLE
Servant Leader Dimension SL-1

EXPLORE: Pathways to Missions was developed by Corella Ricketson,
Associate Director for Explore, ICEL. A graduate of Oklahoma
Baptist University, Corella also studied at University of Tulsa,
Southern Methodist University, SWBTS, and the Taipei Language
Institute, where she earned a diploma in Chinese studies. Corella
was appointed as an educational missionary to Republic of China
(Taiwan) in 1966. She taught at the Taiwan Baptist Theological
Seminary, served as principal at Bethany Christian School (a TCK
school), managed the Baptist Christian Literature Centers, and
worked as a translator/writer for the Chinese Philatelic Department
of the Post Office. In 1984, Corella joined the staff of the IMB’s
Missionary Learning Center, developing the MK program of
orientation and education. She was responsible for cross-cultural
resources, teaching, and coaching in all leadership development
programs until her retirement in December, 2003.
Susan Atkinson, ICEL Manager of Instructional Technology, created

the instructional design for the EXPLORE series. Susan holds the
M. Ed. degree from the University of Richmond and has studied
Instructional Technology at Virginia Tech.
Copyright © 2004
International Centre for Excellence in Leadership
International Mission Board, SBC
Rockville, VA
All rights reserved
Scripture taken from the

HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®.
Copyright©1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society.
Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.
SL-2
Servant Leader Dimension:
table of contents
Welcome to Servant Leader Dimension..........................SL-4
Self-Assessment......................................................SL-6
Being Self-Aware.........................................................SL-10
Being a Servant.......................................................SL-16
Influencing Others..................................................SL-22
Being Vision Oriented...............................................SL-28
Appreciating & Supporting Organizational Stewardship..SL-34
Supervising and Accepting Supervision.......................SL-42
Translating Vision into Action....................................SL-48
Being Purposeful....................................................SL-54
What Now?...........................................................SL-60
How to Use this Guide

Here is a summary of how to work through this booklet. For more details, see the Naviga-
tional Aids booklet.
1. Complete the Self-Assessment on pages SL-6-7. This will help you diagnose your
current development as a Servant Leader.
2. Interpret the Self-Assessment using pages SL-8-9. You can celebrate your strengths
and identify the characteristics that need further development.
3. Choose the appropriate section that addresses your needs and work through the four
components—head, heart, hands, habits. Use the chart to locate resources specific to
the listed characteristic. As you complete the sections, go back to the self-assessment
and measure your progress. When you finish one characteristic, move on to the next
one that needs attention.
4. Work at your own pace. You may want to join with one or more partners who are
or have been on the same journey so you can explore together, sharing insights and
experiences, encouragement and accountability.
5. Record your thoughts in a personal journal. You can find help with creating a
journal in Nav Aids, page NA-16 .
6. Share your thoughts with a spiritual mentor—perhaps your pastor, teacher or
trusted friend. You can find more help for this in Nav Aids, page NA-18 .

This is the
Servant Leader
Dimension.
J esus is the model of servant leadership. On the night before

He was crucified, He set an example for His disciples that was
pointed, clear, and easy to understand. He, the Master, became
the servant and washed the feet of the disciples.
In washing the feet of His disciples, Jesus, the greatest and

most high, became the least and the lowest.
Sacrifice is never easy. Our natural tendency is to protect our

own status—our comfort—and be sure that we are getting recog-
nition and rewards.
In cross-cultural ministry we must be willing to

give completely of ourselves to people who do
not understand or even necessarily trust us. We
must be vulnerable and open.
Personal vision leads an individual to become a servant

leader. Passion for God’s glory and focus on lostness drives us to
follow His example.
For even the Son of Man did not come to be

served, but to serve, and to give his life as a
ransom for many.
Mark 10:45
SL-4 Welcome
No servant is greater than his master, nor is the
messenger greater than the one who sent him.
John 13:16
Servant Leaders acknowledge Jesus as their model. With Jesus

as your model,
• you base your leadership on His example.
• you increase your self-awareness.
• you experience being supervised and supervising
others.
• you articulate your personal vision.
• you strengthen your understanding of SBC support and
resources for global missions.
• you learn and follow the procedure for appointment/
approval.
• you influence others by enlisting their support for your
exploration of mission service.
• you show a passion for the lost.
Does this describe you?
This study guide points you to resources and activities that will
help to develop you as a servant leader in the following charac-
teristics:
• Being a servant
• Being self-aware
• Being vision oriented
• Appreciating and supporting organizational
stewardship
• Supervising and accepting supervision
• Influencing others
• Translating vision into action
• Being purposeful
For reminders on how to work through this material, see page

SL-3 or the Navigational Aids booklet.
Servant Leader Dimension—
Mark the answer that best de- Nearly
Often
Some-
Rarely Never
scribes you with an X. Always times
Being self-aware
1. I have intentionally identified my gifts,
skills, and preferences through assess-
ments, Bible study, and being discipled
A O S R N
or counseled.
2. I am generally happy with who I am. A O S R N
3. I use my knowledge of myself to help
clarify my calling to cross-cultural A O S R N
service.
Being a servant
4. My friends and acquaintances describe
me as a person willing to work for the A O S R N
good of others.
5. The people to whom I minister are
growing as persons.
A O S R N
Influencing others
6. It is important to me that I influence
others with the message of Christ.
A O S R N
7. I intentionally choose friends, activities,
and church ministries that will prepare A O S R N
me for international missions.
Being vision-oriented
8. My personal vision keeps me focused
on the tasks God has called me to join A O S R N
Him in.
9. My personal vision and my vision of
sharing the gospel with all people are A O S R N
in sync.
SL-6 Self-Assessment
Self-Assessment
Nearly Some-
Mark your answer with an X. Always
Often
times
Rarely Never
Appreciating and supporting organizational stewardship

10. I am familiar with and am using mis-
sion resources to help me prepare for A O S R N
mission service.
Supervising and accepting supervision
11. People in my work world describe me
as a team player.
A O S R N
12. When I disagree with someone
in authority over me, I strive to
appropriately discuss the issues within
A O S R N
biblical limits.
13. My friends and colleagues would say
that I submit to those in authority over A O S R N
me whether or not I agree with them.
Translating vision into action
14. I can outline the steps necessary for
approval or appointment to serve with A O S R N
the IMB.
15. I am preparing to meet the require-
ments for approval/appointment.
A O S R N
16. I am in contact with the IMB about
being approved/appointed.
A O S R N
Being purposeful
17. I understand and am prepared to do
“whatever it takes” so that all people A O S R N
may know Him.
18. People characterize me as having a
passion for the lost.
A O S R N

What now?
Go back to the chart and circle the responses that you marked
Sometimes, Rarely, or Never. Count the number of circles for each
characteristic and write your totals here.
total # of
Characteristic S, R, N go to page...
responses
Being self-aware SL-10
Being a servant SL-16
Influencing others SL-22
Being vision-oriented SL-28
Appreciating and supporting

SL-34
organizational stewardship
Supervising and accepting

SL-42
supervision
Translating vision into action SL-48
Being purposeful SL-54
Characteristics with more circles are areas where you need

to develop more knowledge, commitment, or skill. Choose the
characteristics with which you need help and locate the associated
sections on the following pages. There are resources, activities,
networking ideas, and opportunities to dig deeper for each characteristic.
Reassess yourself when you complete your study.
Remember that no characteristic stands alone; each one relates to

and impacts many others in the mosaic of missionary life.
SL-8 Self-Assessment
If the trumpet does
not sound a clear call,
who will get ready for battle?
1 Corinthians 14:8

But each man has his own gift
from God; one has this gift,
another has that.
1 Corinthians 7:7
I
n our world of “pop” psychology and multiple self-help and
self-improvement resources, it is easy to be confused or over-
whelmed concerning our gifts, skills, preferences, challenges,
and limitations. You can worry about whether or not you are fit to
tackle a challenge or task.
God is a god of peace and order. When you are obedient to

His plan for your life, you can identify the gifts, skills, challenges,
and limitations that He has given to you.
By understanding and accepting who you are, you can fur-

ther discern your cross-cultural calling and possible future assign-
ments.
The Bible is clear that God equips you and me

for what He has planned for each of us.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord...”
Jeremiah 29:11
“My grace is sufficient for you.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
Our responsibility is to utilize our gifts, sharpen our skills,

and understand our challenges and limitations as we follow God’s
plan for our lives.
SL-10 Being Self-Aware

The resources and activities in this section are designed to help
you to
—identify your gifts, skills, strengths, challenges, and
limitations.
—accept your gifts, skills, strengths, challenges, and
limitations.
—utilize your gifts, skills, strengths, challenges, and
limitations to discern your call to a cross-cultural
ministry.
Being Self-Aware
Each one should use whatever gift he

has received to serve others, faithfully
administering God’s grace in its various
forms.
1 Peter 4:10

Activities for development
Choose 1-2 activities that will help you develop in your areas of need
based on the self-assessment.
Read at least one resource from the list for this characteristic.
Take a spiritual gifts inventory. See the section resources for sug-
gested online tools.
• Determine which of your spiritual gifts can be sharpened
with practice.
• Initiate a plan to develop at least one of your gifts more fully.
• Keep notes of successes and challenges in your journal.
• Discuss your progress with your mentor.
Identify your gifts, skills, strengths, challenges, and limitations by

completing an assessment tool. See the section resources for sug-
gested books. Discuss with your mentor how these qualities can
affect your type and place of cross-cultural service.
Interview 2-3 people who have served 2 years or more in a cross-

cultural ministry. For help contacting missionaries, call 1-800-866-
3621. Include these questions in your interviews:
• What gift or skill has been most helpful or significant in your
ministry?
• Did any gift or skill develop during your service period?
How?
• What gift or skill that you originally felt was a weaker one
proved to be adequate and showed growth?
• Were any of your challenges or limitations highly detrimental
to your service? How did you compensate?

Accountability for growth
Do all of this section. Discussing the activities with others is vital to
your progress.
Write a question for your mentor here:
Share with your mentor what you discovered in the activities you
completed.
Now that you’ve taken some steps to grow in your prac-

tices related to this characteristic, go back to page SL-6
and assess yourself again in the areas of Being Self-
Aware, using a different color to mark these responses.
Review the resources and activities as necessary and
then complete the task below.
Exploring Further for service

What will you take away from this experience? Using the guidelines
in the Nav Aids book (page NA-20), write 2-3 goals for your self-
development based on what you have learned about yourself and this
missionary characteristic. Since you are the who, begin with “I...”
will do What? When? How? it’s done when...

Resources for study
Check off each resource you use. As you read, use your journal to
note your reactions and discoveries. How does what you learn speak
to your life and your call?
Books
q Baron, Renee. What Type Am I? New York: Viking Penguin Press,
1998. Helps for understanding individual preferences and appreci-
ating strengths.
q Buckingham, Marcus and Donald O. Clifton. Now, Discover Your

Strengths. New York: The Free Press, 2001. Emphasizes identifying,
knowing, and using your strengths from a group of 34 to man-
age your life and work. When you purchase a copy, you receive
instructions and codes to take the online StrengthsFinder® Profile,
an assessment which will provide a report of your strengths and
tendancies based on your answers. Also available in abridged
audio-cassette and CD formats.
q Francis, David. Spiritual Gifts: A Practical Guide to How God Works

Through You. Nashville: LifeWay, 2003. A 6-week Bible study for
individuals or groups with daily topical studies for how to utilize
and sharpen your spiritual gifts.
q Joiner, Barbara and Jennifer Law. Yours for the Giving: Spiritual
Gifts—Revised Edition. Birmingham: New Hope Publishers, 1999.
Spiritual gifts inventory included.
q Trent, John, Rodney Cox, and Eric Tooker. Leading from Your
Strengths. Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 2004. Discover leader-
ship gifts and skills through identifying God-given strengths and
behavior style.
q Voges, Ken and Ron Braund. Understanding How Others Misun-

derstand You. Chicago: Moody Press, 1995. Book and companion
workbook with helpful activities allow you to pinpoint your
behavioral style and secondary characteristics. Gives case studies
from Scripture, showing how God can use each style to His glory.
Suitable for group or self study.
q Warren, Rick. The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth am I Here For?
Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2002. A 40-day devotional guide to
understanding God’s plan for life.

Online Resources
q Spiritual Gifts Analysis at www.teamministry.com. Free on-line

interactive analysis to help identify spiritual gifts.
q Explanation of MBTI at www.personalitypathways.com/type_

inventory.html. Helpful basic assessment of personality prefer-
ences.
q Search for other online resources to support your quest.

Whoever welcomes this little child in my
name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes
me welcomes the one who sent me. For he
who is the least among you all—he is the
greatest.
Luke 9:48
T
hroughout His earthly ministry, Jesus consistently reflected a ser-
vant spirit in His daily life. No job, no task was too lowly for Him.
He never sought recognition or elevation to positions of authority.
The Bible is our guide to discovering, defining, and developing

servant leadership.
Our challenge is to follow Jesus’ example and be a

servant.
SL-16 Being a Servant

The activities and resources in this section will help you
—define Biblical principles of servant leadership.
—develop a servant spirit.
—demonstrate servant leadership in your life, work, and
ministry.
Being a Servant
Whoever finds his life will lose it

and whoever loses his life for my
sake will find it.
Matthew 10:39

Study at least one resource from the list for this characteristic.
Complete a Bible study focused on servant leadership.

• Use the study to identify your gifts, skills, and preferences.
• List the gifts, skills, and preferences you are using.
• Which gifts, skills, and preferences are you under-using?
• How can you use these less-developed traits more effectively?
Discuss a plan with your mentor and put it into action.
Some resources to consider for your study are
—The Leadership Bible published by Zondervan. There is a 10-day
study on pages 1258-59. Also available on CD-ROM.
—Wilks, Gene C. Jesus on Leadership: Becoming a Servant Leader,

Revised Workbook. Nashville: LifeWay, 1998. A 5-week study
for group or individual learners.
—
—www.tmch.net/inperson.htm Click on the link under General
Studies for Servant Leadership. This is a brief study you can
download.
—Blanchard, Ken, Phil Hodges, Lee Ross, and Avery Willis. Lead
Like Jesus, Beginning the Journey. Nashville: J. Countryman,
2003. An 8-week study for groups or individuals from the
Center for Faithwalk Leadership. “What Jesus did to develop
His disciples and how He interacted with them is the defini-
tive lesson in leadership...”
Look for and act upon opportunities to be a servant leader. For example,
what jobs in your church go begging for workers? Fill one of those jobs
for at least 2 weeks, recording the experience in your journal. Then re-
view your journal entries, looking for specific places where you find ei-
ther satisfaction or challenge. Will you continue in this job? Explain your
answer. Communicate the opportunities for service that you discover to
at least 3 others in your church, and enlist at least one person to fill a job.
Compare experiences with that person.
Identify someone in your church or neighborhood with whom you might

ordinarily have little or no contact. Show genuine concern for his/her
welfare and life, seeking opportunities to interact on an individual level
and to be a servant after Jesus’ example. Note the new experiences,
challenges, and blessings in your journal. Will you maintain a long-term
relationship with this person? Explain your answer. How has the experi-
ence changed your attitude?

your progress.
completed.

and assess yourself again in the areas of Being a Servant,
using a different color to mark these responses. Review
the resources and activities as necessary and then com-
plete the task below.


Resources for study
Check each resource you plan to use. As you read, use your journal
to note your reactions and discoveries. How does what you learn
speak to your life and your call?
Online Resources
q www.nppn.org/Articles/Article053.htm “10 Hallmarks of a Servant
Leader” uses the life and ministry of Jesus to identify characteris-
tics in this article by Jerry Bowers of Pray California.
q http://www.avodahinstitute.com/resources/writings/
pollardspeech.shtml “The Leader Who Serves” is a speech by Bill
Pollard, former Chairman of the Board of ServiceMaster. He now
serves on the board of the Center for Faithwalk Leadership.
q www.ianr.unl.edu/pubs/misc/g1481.htm “Becoming a Servant

Leader: Do You Have What It Takes?” A description and checklist
of the characteristics of a servant leader from the University of
Nebraska-Lincoln Cooperative Extension Service.
Books
q Blanchard, Ken and Phil Hodges. The Servant Leader. Nashville: J.
Countryman, 2003. Popular speaker and developer of management
styles emphasizes the head, hands, heart, and habit concepts of
servant leadership.
q Blanchard, Ken, Phil Hodges, Lee Ross, and Avery Willis. Lead Like
Jesus, Beginning the Journey. Nashville: J. Countryman, 2003. An 8-
week study for groups or individuals from the Center for Faithwalk
Leadership. “What Jesus did to develop His disciples and how He
interacted with them is the definitive lesson in leadership...”
q Jones, Laurie Beth. Jesus in Blue Jeans. New York: Hyperion, 1998.
Beginning with the proposition that Jesus had an everyday life,
Jones explores the four fundamental qualities of Jesus that we can
emulate in our everyday lives: poise, perspective, passion, and
power. Each chapter includes a meditation and teaching, closing
with a question to challenge and motivate.

q Miller, Calvin. The Empowered Leader: 10 Keys to Servant Leadership.
Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 1997. Lessons from the life of
David regarding servant leadership.
q Pritchard, Ray and Bob Briner. Leadership Lessons of Jesus. Nashville:

Broadman & Holman, 1997. Uses the book of Mark to organize
daily devotionals with comments and application questions for
today’s life and ministry.

... Always be prepared to give an answer to
everyone who asks you to give the reason for
the hope that you have...
1 Peter 3:15
One man yawning makes another yawn, too.

—Latin Proverb
D
o you recognize that everyday you influence others? Usu-
ally we give little thought to the impact we make daily on
others. The way you live your life is the greatest influence
you can have.
Living cross-culturally, your influence is multiplied by your

being an outsider, a foreigner. You stand out wherever you go.
You need skills and experience that will shape

the kind of influence you have into effective
leadership.
SL-22 Influencing Others

The activities and resources in this section will help to
—develop your understanding of leadership as influence.
—guide you toward becoming a person of influence.
—enable you to enlist others to join your support network.
Influencing
Others
Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate

you; rebuke a wise man and he will love
you. Instruct a wise man and he will be
wiser still; teach a righteous man and he
will add to his learning.
Proverbs 9:8-9

Enlist at least 10 people who will provide prayer support for your
journey toward missionary service.
• Meet with them regularly to establish communications within
the group and to pray together.
• Devise a plan for keeping them aware of your progress
toward appointment and your specific prayer or other needs
(e-mail newsletters are great for this purpose, but that might
not work for everyone).
• Keep notes in your journal regarding your interactions,
answered prayer, and insights.
Survey at least 7 people regarding leaders and influence. Use the

following questions:
• Describe someone besides Jesus who has influenced you to
make life-changing decisions.
• Which was more important—words or examples?
• How did this person gain your trust?
• Did you ever discuss with the person the impact of his/her
leadership on your life? Please elaborate.
Record the answers and write a summary of what you discover.
How might you apply this to your own servant leadership?
Take a course in effective public speaking. Check the web, your lo-
cal community college, or other agencies for courses and seminars.
Mentor a child or student who needs a role model. Contact your lo-
cal school, YMCA, Salvation Army, Big Brother/Big Sister organiza-
tion, or social service agency. Keep notes in your journal.

your progress.
completed.

and assess yourself again in the areas of Influencing Oth-
ers, using a different color to mark these responses. Re-
view the resources and activities as necessary and then
complete the task below.


Resources for study
Books
q Berkley, Susan. Speak to Influence: How to Unlock the Hidden Power of

Your Voice. Englewood Cliffs: Campbell Hall, 1999. Basic straight-
forward suggestions and ideas for improving your public speaking.
q Blanchard, Ken and Spencer Johnson. The One Minute Manager.

New York: William Morrow, 2003. A concise, easily read story that
reveals three very practical secrets: One Minute Goals, One Minute
Praisings, and One Minute Reprimands. Originally printed in 1983.
q Blanchard, Ken and Patricia Zigarmi. Leadership and the One Minute
Manager. New York: William Morrow, 1999. Teaches managers
the art of Situational Leadership®—a simple system that refutes
the conventional management mandate of treating all employees
equally.
q Burroughs, Esther. A Garden Path to Mentoring: Planting Your Life in

Another, Releasing the Fragrance of Christ. Birmingham: WMU, 1997.
Suggestions and methods for becoming a person who influences
another in living and ministry.
q Merritt, James and Zig Ziglar. How to be a Winner and Influence

Anybody: The Fruit of the Spirit as the Essence of Leadership. Nashville:
Broadman & Holman, 2002.
q Warren, Rick. The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For?
Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2002. Devotional or study format
leads the reader to consider five points a Christian should live by,
defining what is expected of a Christian. Also available unabridged
in audiocassette and CD formats.

“Leadership happens any time you are trying to influ-
ence the thoughts and actions of another individual to
accomplish specific tasks or goals.”
Ken Blanchard
“Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Jesus

So we fix our eyes not on what is
seen, but what is unseen. For what is
seen is temporary but what is unseen
is eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:18b
V ision is a guiding image for planning. It is a dream— a

picture of meeting goals, of plans for success.
Have you developed a statement of your personal vision?

Your participation in Explore indicates that you envision a world
in which all peoples know Christ.
The IMB has clearly stated its vision: We will lead Southern
Baptists to be on mission with God to bring all the peoples of the world to
saving faith in Jesus Christ.
How does your personal vision relate to the IMB

vision?
SL-28 Being Vision-Oriented

The activities and resources in this section will help you to
—identify the IMB vision and your personal vision.
—come to agreement with the IMB vision.
—describe the relationship between your personal vision
and the IMB vision.
Being
Vision-Oriented
No eye has seen, no ear has heard,

no mind has conceived what God has
prepared for those who love him.
1 Corinthians 2:9

Read the IMB vision statement and basic principles at

www,imb.org/core/mission.asp. Discuss the vision statement with
a missionary using the following discussion guide.
• Describe some ways the IMB vision statement helps you
function.
• How does the IMB vision statement keep you focused?
• What kinds of challenges or pitfalls have you encountered in
implementing the vision statement?
Write a summary in your journal.
Write your personal vision statement. It should be

• realistic and credible
• well-worded and easily understood
• brief and to the point
Have your mentor review your statement and make suggestions.
For helps, see www.successnet.org where you can sign up for
access to articles including how to write your personal vision
statement.
www.mentoringgroup.com/html/archive.html has tips for
mentors and mentees. Under Tips for Mentees, there are 3
articles which address vision statements.
Spend some time exploring the IMB website: www.imb.org. Be sure

to look at World Explorer (WE). From the home page, click “I want
to” and then choose “Learn about missions” to reach WE. How
does this information relate to the IMB vision? To your personal
vision? Reflect in your journal.

your progress.
completed.

and assess yourself again in the areas of Being Vision
Oriented, using a different color to mark these responses.
Review the resources and activities as necessary and
then complete the task below.


Resources for study
Books
q Barna, George. The Power of Vision : How You Can Capture and Apply
God’s Vision for Your Ministry. Lynwood: Regal, 1997. Concise
explanation of what vision is and what it can do for you and your
church.
q Dowsett, Rose. The Great Commission. Raleigh: Monarch Books, 2001.

Provocative and thoughtful look at our responsibility to carry out
the Great Commission.
q Jones, Laurie Beth. The Path: Creating Your Mission Statement for Work
and for Life. New York: Hyperion, 1998. Identifies 3 key elements
for defining and fulfilling a mission. Outlines for developing your
personal mission statement as you read through the book. Also
available on audiocassette.
q Piper, John. Let the Nations Be Glad! 2nd edition. Grand Rapids: Baker
Book House, 2003. Revised and updated to include current ques-
tions and references, the focus of the book is that the glory of God
is the driving purpose of missions. The vision is to see God glori-
fied and worshipped by all the world’s people.
q Stanley, Andy. Visioneering. Sisters: Multnomah Publishers, 1999.

Explores the life of Nehemiah and his vision for accomplishing the
extraordinary. The astonishing concepts learned from Nehemiah
are laid out in this practical guide that provides the direction,
motivation, and encouragement for rising above the ordinary and
realizing the unique vision that God has for you and you alone.

List your own resources or notes here.

Sing to the Lord, all the earth;
proclaim his salvation day after day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
1 Chronicles 16: 23-24
S
outhern Baptists have developed and maintained a unique support
system for global missions. This support system begins with the local
congregation, small or large, and provides education, training, equip-
ping, and logistics for multiple ministries.
The International Mission Board is one of these ministries.
Without SBC organizational stewardship, the IMB would

not be able to focus its efforts on fulfilling its vision.
SL-34 Appreciating and Supporting Organizational Stewardship

The activities and resources in this section will help you to
—become more knowledgeable about the SBC support
system for global missions.
—deepen your commitment to the SBC support system.
—find available SBC resources as you discern your call and
begin your preparation for service.
Appreciating and
Supporting Organizational
Stewardship
And the gospel must first be preached

to all nations.
Mark 13:10

Explore the IMB website, with particular attention to giving. Go to

www.imb.org and click on the Giving tab. Look around that page,
following the links for the Cooperative Program and your local
church’s giving. There should be a chart available that shows how
the funds go from your offering to the field. Share this information
with at least one fellow church member. Did you learn something
you did not already know? Reflect in your journal.
Actively promote a special missions offering in your church—Lot-

tie Moon Christmas Offering® (LMCO), Annie Armstrong
Easter Offering for North American Missions®, or your state or
associational missions offering. There are resources for LMCO
on the IMB website. Resources for Annie Armstrong are at
www.anniearmstrong.com
• Set a personal goal to see your church give more than the
previous year’s total.
• What will you do to help reach that goal? Discuss your plan
with your mentor. Refine it, present it to your pastor, and
follow through.
Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® and Annie Armstrong Easter

Offering® are registered trademarks of Woman’s Missionary Union.

Interview a “faith missionary”—one who is personally responsible
for raising the funds to support his/her ministry overseas. You
may need to check with another denomination, such as Assemblies
of God or Christian and Missionary Alliance, for contact with this
kind of missionary. Ask these questions:
• How long does it take you to raise support?
• Who provides names of potential support churches or
individuals?
• How do you maintain your list of supporting churches? What
contact do you have with them?
• What happens if a supporting church or individual quits
giving?
Follow up by interviewing a SBC missionary. Contact your church,
association, or the IMB to locate someone to interview. Ask these
questions:
• What is provided by the SBC/IMB to support you and your
family?
• Do you have to solicit funds?
• Do you ever fail to receive your salary and benefits?
• How does the SBC system of support keep you focused on
fulfilling your vision?
Study your state convention’s budget, which should be available
through your state Baptist newspaper or website. The SBC website
(www.sbc.net
(www.sbc.net
www.sbc.net)) has a wealth of contact information for state con-
ventions and local associations if you need help. Identify as many
different ministries as you can from the budget. How many of
these support or provide ministry opportunities that are missions-
related? What percentage of the budget do these represent? Reflect
on this information.

your progress.
completed.

and assess yourself again in the areas of Accepting and
Supporting Organizational Stewardship, using a different
color to mark these responses. Review the resources and
activities as necessary and then complete the task below.


Resources for study
Online
q www.cpmissions.net This is the Cooperative Program website of
the Southern Baptist Convention. Find out “What is CP?” and “CP
in Action.” Learn online about the extent and work of SBC’s unique
Cooperative Program.
q www.sbc.net The SBC’s main website has more information about

SBC organization and stewardship. Click on Cooperative Program,
Faith and Facts, SBC Life, and FAQ.
Learn about the special agencies of the SBC by visiting their websites:
q www.lifeway.com/ then click on the Corporate tab to read about

www.lifeway.com/,
LifeWay. Located in Nashville, LifeWay provides printed materials
and media resources for SBC churches.
q www.namb.net is the North American Mission Board’s (formerly

the Home Mission Board) website. They seek to share the gospel in
the United States and Canada.
q www.wmu.com takes you to the Women’s Missionary Union’s site.

They “seek to equip adults, youth, children and preschoolers with
missions education to become radically involved in the mission of
God.”
q www.absbc.org is the website of the Annuity Board of the SBC.

They provide comprehensive plans for retirement and the well-
being of denominational workers, pastors, church staff, and
missionaries. The name of this organization is scheduled to change.
Check the SBC website for updated information and links.

Does the Lord delight
in burnt offerings and
sacrifices as much as in
obeying the voice of the
Lord? To obey is better
than sacrifice...
1 Samuel 15:22
I
n Southern Africa, you can see villagers working together and
crying aloud “Harumbee” (pronounced ha-rum-bay) meaning
“pull together.” This cry begins with the supervisor of the task
and is echoed by the workers signifying acceptance of authority.
The villagers know, understand, and accept the structure of
supervision.
Working cross-culturally requires this “harumbee” kind of

cooperation.
You need to know how missionaries work

together.
For we are laborers together with God.
1 Corinthians 3:9
SL-42 Supervising and Accepting Supervision

—introduce the basic supervisory structure of the IMB.
—encourage you to commit to the supervisory structure of
the IMB.
Supervising
and Accepting
Supervision
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I

urge you to live a life worthy of the
calling you have received.
Ephesians 4:1

Interview missionaries from at least 3 different regions of the

world. For help contacting missionaries, check the IMB website.
Ask these questions:
• How are the personnel in your region organized?
• How do personnel become supervisors?
• How do supervisors relate to those they supervise? And vice
versa?
• What challenges do supervisors face?
• What kind of training do missionaries receive regarding
supervising others?
• What benefits do missionaries receive from having
supervision?
• What kind of training do missionaries receive regarding being
supervised?
Write a summary and reflect on these interviews in your
journal.
Take a conflict management seminar or course. Check Peacemaker

Ministries at www.hispeace.org.
Participate in a Lead Like Jesus study. See information in the Online

Resources for this characteristic.

your progress.
completed.

and assess yourself again in the areas of Supervising and
Accepting Supervision, using a different color to mark
these responses. Review the resources and activities as
necessary and then complete the task below.


Resources for study
Books
q Blackaby, Richard and Henry Blackaby. Spiritual Leadership:Mov-
ing People to God’s Agenda. Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 2001.
Focused on the leader’s relationship with God. Covers major
leadership principles.
q Blanchard, Ken, Phil Hodges, Lee Ross, and Avery Willis. Lead Like
Jesus, Beginning the Journey. Nashville: J. Countryman, 2003. An 8-
week study for groups or individuals from the Center for Faithwalk
Leadership. “What Jesus did to develop His disciples and how He
interacted with them is the definitive lesson in leadership...”
q Bubeck, Craig, James Bell, and Arthur Pell. Christian Family Guide to
Managing People. New York: Alpha Books, 2002. Articles and essays
about managing people in a constantly changing workplace. Practi-
cal advice and suggestions for building successful and effective
teams.
q Rima, Samuel. Leading from the Inside Out. Grand Rapids: Baker
Book House, 2000. Before a person leads others, he/she must master
leading self.
Online Resources
q www.leadlikejesus.com is the website for The Center for Faithwalk
Leadership, started by Ken Blanchard. Explore the site to find helps
and resources at the online store. Look for Lead Like Jesus products
including Scripture-related leadership books and the Lead Like
Jesus study materials.

Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in:
Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with
fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will
no longer be in disgrace.” I also told them about the gracious
hand of my God upon me and what the king had said to me.
They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this

good work.
Nehemiah 2:17-18
A vision remains only a dream until you take

action to fulfill that vision.
Y
our vision of sharing the gospel cross-culturally can be-
come reality by seeking and gaining approval for service
with the IMB.
SL-48 Translating Vision into Action

The activites and resources in this section will
—help you identify the steps to reach appointment as an
IMB missionary.
—lead you to accept what needs to be done to complete the
approval process.
—move you toward completing the approval process.
Translating Vision
into Action
Do what is right and good in the

Lord’s sight, so that it may go well
with you....
Deuteronomy 6:18

Study the IMB website for information about the steps to achieve
approval or appointment. You will find the necessary information
at www.imb.org/going. If you are ready to continue this journey,
do these activities:
• Develop a timeline for completing the application process.
Include all the steps you need to complete in order to be
approved. Give yourself enough time to prayerfully consider
this commitment.
• Be sure to list the following:
—educational requirements
—work experience
—financial requirements, including paying off debts
—physical requirements, including being within weight
guidelines
—family issues
• Discuss the timeline with your mentor.
Contact the IMB and begin the application process. See the website
www.imb.org/going or call the initial contacts center at 888-422-
6461.
Participate in a Fit4 group. See resources at www.lifeway.com/fit4/ .

• Explore all 4 sections of the Fit4 site: heart, soul, mind, and
strength.
• If you cannot locate an established group near you, consider
starting one. Resources are on the website.

your progress.
completed.

tices related to this characteristic, go back to page SL-
7 and assess yourself again in the areas of Translating
Vision into Action, using a different color to mark these
responses. Review the resources and activities as neces-
sary and then complete the task below.


Resources for study
Books
q Barna, George. Turning Vision into Action. Regal Books, 1997. Barna
explains vision for the church and the individual and how to make
it reality.
q Blackaby, Richard and Henry Blackaby. Spiritual Leadership: Moving

People to God’s Agenda. Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 2001. Will
help equip those called to lead with the tools to move God’s people
on to His agenda.
q Hybels, Bill. Courageous Leadership. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan,

2002. Full of wise principles, useful lists and practical leadership
tips.
q Stanley, Andy. The Next Generation Leader: Five Essentials for Those
Who Will Shape the Future. Sisters, OR: Multnomah, 2003. Author
shares material from his leadership training sessions, developed
to address essential leadership qualities such as character, clarity,
courage, and competency.
Other Resources
q www.imb.org/going This website lists the multiple types of
opportunities for overseas service and a brief description of the
requirements.
q IMB Initial Contacts—888-422-6461, Monday-Friday, 8:30-5:00

Eastern Time. An IMB resource person will talk with you about the
possibility of serving with the IMB.

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask
God, who gives generously to all without
finding fault, and it will be given to him.
James 1:5
Y ou have acknowledged and are obeying God’s call to cross-

cultural ministry. How do you get this job done?
The number of people who are lost is overwhelming in hu-

man understanding. God’s plans, however, are plans that will
bring the gospel to all peoples when we are willing to do “what-
ever it takes.”
Doing “whatever it takes” concisely states a basic value, a

characteristic (ethos) of the IMB. Important to understanding and
supporting this IMB ethos is that we choose to live our lives and
conduct our ministries with purpose and order that does “what-
ever it takes” to share the gospel.
A passion for the lost motivates that choice.
He that stays in the valley shall

never get over the hill.
English Proverb
SL-54 Being Purposeful

—introduce you to the IMB ethos.
—encourage you to be purposeful.
—lead you to demonstrate a passion for the lost.
Being Purposeful
Blessed is the man who finds

wisdom, the man who gains
understanding.
Proverbs 3:13

based on the self assessment.
Increase your personal witnessing.

• Intentionally seek out the lost in your workplace, school, or
neighborhood.
• Consider what effort you must make to share God’s love with
them. Are you willing to do whatever it takes? Reflect in your
journal.
• Share Christ with them.
• Record your experiences and insights in your journal.
Share with your Bible study group, Sunday School class, or other
group of Christians information about an unreached people group.
See http://www.imb.org/WE/peoplegroups.asp to find informa-
tion and suggestions.
• Recruit at least 10 people to pray for the salvation of this
people group.
• Make a plan to keep these people updated on the progress
toward reaching this people group.
• Note answers to your specific prayers.
• What else can you do to help reach this people group?

your progress.
completed.

and assess yourself again in the areas of Being Purpose-
ful, using a different color to mark these responses. Re-
view the resources and activities as necessary and then
complete the task below.


Resources for study
Books
q Garrison, David. Something New Under the Sun: New Directions at
the International Mission Board. Richmond, VA: IMB, 1999. This
50-page booklet describes the strategies adopted by the IMB to
“do whatever it takes.” Available from the IMB Contact Center:
www.resources.imb.org
q Rankin, Jerry. Mobilizing for Missions in the New Millenium: A Great

Commission Vision for Southern Baptists in the 21st Century. Richmond,
VA: IMB, 2000 (revised edition). This 44-page booklet outlines how
Southern Baptists in the 21st century can reach the lost for Christ.
Available from the IMB Contact Center.
If there are no horses,

saddle the dogs.
Arabic Proverb

What now?
All along this path we’ve asked you to go back and “reassess
yourself” as you have studied and grown in your areas of need. Now it’s
time to review your progress so you can see how far you’ve come.
At the end of each characteristic you set goals for development. Go

back to those pages and read what you wrote. For each goal, respond to
the following in your journal:
• Is it done?
• If yes, describe your experience and how it has made an
impact on your life.
• If no, what has hindered your progress? What will you do to
move toward completion?
Next, how well do these statements describe you now?
• I base my leadership on Jesus’ example.

• I am self-aware.
• I supervise and am supervised successfully.
• I can articulate my personal vision.
• I understand SBC support and resources for global missions.
• I have learned and am following the procedures for
appointment/approval.
• I influence others by enlisting their support for my
exploration of missionary service.
• I show a passion for the lost.
SL-60 What Now?

If you decide to continue with your study, go back to the Self-As-
sessment booklet and choose another characteristic based on the needs
indicated on page 20. The suggested order is to study Team Player next,
which you should have received as part of the package.
If you have completed all the recommended study, please see page
NA-26 in the Navigational Aids book for some next steps you might take.
If you need further materials, request them from the IMB Contact
Center—www.resources.imb.org . We’re praying for you!
What now?
s
ing !
B les s

SL-62 What Now?

Serv LDR

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International Centre for Excellence in Leadership

International Mission Board, SBC

Servant Leader Dimension—

Servant Leader Dimension SL-1

Susan Atkinson, ICEL Manager of Instructional Technology, created

Scripture taken from the

Welcome to Servant Leader Dimension..........................SL-4

Being Vision Oriented...............................................SL-28

Appreciating & Supporting Organizational Stewardship..SL-34

Supervising and Accepting Supervision.......................SL-42

Translating Vision into Action....................................SL-48

How to Use this Guide

Servant Leader Dimension SL-3

J esus is the model of servant leadership. On the night before

In washing the feet of His disciples, Jesus, the greatest and

Sacrifice is never easy. Our natural tendency is to protect our

In cross-cultural ministry we must be willing to

Personal vision leads an individual to become a servant

For even the Son of Man did not come to be

messenger greater than the one who sent him.

Servant Leaders acknowledge Jesus as their model. With Jesus

Does this describe you?

For reminders on how to work through this material, see page

Appreciating and supporting organizational stewardship

Servant Leader Dimension SL-7

Being self-aware SL-10

Being a servant SL-16

Influencing others SL-22

Being vision-oriented SL-28

Appreciating and supporting

Supervising and accepting

Translating vision into action SL-48

Being purposeful SL-54

Characteristics with more circles are areas where you need

Remember that no characteristic stands alone; each one relates to

Servant Leader Dimension SL-9

God is a god of peace and order. When you are obedient to

By understanding and accepting who you are, you can fur-

The Bible is clear that God equips you and me

Our responsibility is to utilize our gifts, sharpen our skills,

SL-10 Being Self-Aware

Each one should use whatever gift he

Servant Leader Dimension SL-11

 Identify your gifts, skills, strengths, challenges, and limitations by

 Interview 2-3 people who have served 2 years or more in a cross-

SL-12 Being Self-Aware

 Write a question for your mentor here:

Now that you’ve taken some steps to grow in your prac-

Exploring Further for service

will do What? When? How? it’s done when...

Servant Leader Dimension SL-13

q Buckingham, Marcus and Donald O. Clifton. Now, Discover Your

q Francis, David. Spiritual Gifts: A Practical Guide to How God Works

q Voges, Ken and Ron Braund. Understanding How Others Misun-

SL-14 Being Self-Aware

q Spiritual Gifts Analysis at www.teamministry.com. Free on-line

q Explanation of MBTI at www.personalitypathways.com/type_

q Search for other online resources to support your quest.

Servant Leader Dimension SL-15

The Bible is our guide to discovering, defining, and developing

Our challenge is to follow Jesus’ example and be a

SL-16 Being a Servant

Identify your gifts, skills, strengths, challenges, and limitations by

Interview 2-3 people who have served 2 years or more in a cross-

Write a question for your mentor here:

Complete a Bible study focused on servant leadership.

Identify someone in your church or neighborhood with whom you might

Write a question for your mentor here:

Survey at least 7 people regarding leaders and influence. Use the

Write a question for your mentor here:

Read the IMB vision statement and basic principles at

Write your personal vision statement. It should be

Spend some time exploring the IMB website: www.imb.org. Be sure

Write a question for your mentor here:

Explore the IMB website, with particular attention to giving. Go to

Actively promote a special missions offering in your church—Lot-

Write a question for your mentor here: