In his Small Catechism, Luther included the Office of the Keys as one of the six Chief Parts. The Office if the Keys is the peculiar Church power to forgive the sins of those who repent, and hold back forgiveness from those who do not repent. The Office of the Keys is carried out through the Means of Grace, God’s Word and the Sacraments and conducted by pastors publicly, and each member of the Church. For all Christians are members of “the royal priesthood of God” (1 Peter 2:5, 9).

Scripture Word study of Servant in the Bible

Deacon/Deaconess – servant, minister; Romans 15:8-9; 1 Timothy 3:8

Hyperetes – Servant, officer, assistant; John 18:36

Oiketes – domestic slave, house slave; Luke 16:13; Rom. 14:4

Pais – servant, child; Matthew 17:18; Luke 8:54

Paidiske – female slave; Gal. 4:30

Architriklinos – head steward; John 2:8

Doulos/doule – female slave; Matthew 10:24; Matthew 18:32; John 8:35

Therapon – attendant, healing; servant; Hebrews 3:5

Strategos – officer of the temple; Acts 16:20

Leitourgos – Servant, minister; Hebrews 1:7; Romans 15:15-16

Misthios – day laborer, hired worker; Luke 15:17

Oiketeia – household; household slave; Matthew 24:45

Prostatis – a patron, protectress; Romans 16:2 (regarding Phoebe)

Syngenes – related; compatriot; relative; John 18:26

Syndoulos – fellow slave; Matthew 18:28-33

Idios – one’s own; Matthew 15:20 (his own clothes)

Ioudaios – Jew, Judean; Acts 18:14 (belonging to Judah)

One example of women stepping out to the call to serve and lead others is Connie Denninger who describes herself as a Christ Follower, Family Life Educator, Co-Founder of Visual Faith Ministry, Digital Missioner, and Storyteller of beauty in the sacred space of home

Click to read Connie Denninger's blogspot

Connie Denninger's Pinterest account posts a listing of women who are servant leaders in the LCMS

Concordia University Nebraska Track and Field Head Coach Matt Beisel talks about being a servant leader on and off the track. Athletics are important, but it’s even more important to keep Christ first and build relationships that will last a lifetime. Click to listen to this inspiring podcast.

[Jesus said]"But it is not this way with you, but the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant." —Luke 22:16

  

4. Helps people with life issues (not just work issues).

For more insight on Servant Leadership visit: Leading With Others in Mind         

[Jesus said] "Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 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 10:43-45

We cannot transform ourselves into Christlike servant leaders any more than a mud turtle can sprout wings and teach itself to fly. Our Lord teaches that He must work the metamorphosis we need. The Spirit continues to work that new identity in our hearts as He integrates our thoughts and desires, shaping us daily into the image of Christ Himself. As we meditate on Jesus’ great love and sacrifice for us on Calvary, we ourselves become more intent on serving others. Read more about one’s identity, which then shapes attitudes, values, and behaviors. 

"Jesus called them (His disciples) together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 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 10:42-45

[Jesus'] cross levels us all. There is no arguing at the cross over who is greatest in the kingdom. We are all leveled there in being loved and served by the true Leader of us all. He leads by getting humble enough and obedient enough to lay down His life for His friends. To lead in the church is to follow Him and His style of servant leadership.  Read full article

"Sitting down, He called the twelve and said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.”"—Mark 9:35

Rev. Dr. Rob Kasper explains what servant leadership is and why it’s so important in the church. He also explains what happens when leaders fail and gives some resources that could be of great value on this topic. Click to listen!

In All Things, the 2022 LCMS Youth Gathering will bring over 1000 loving, energetic, flexible, and faithful volunteers to Houston, TX. Volunteers are a highly valued and deeply needed element of the Gathering experience and its overall success and we would love for YOU to serve a few hours or the entirety of the Gathering as a Young Adult Volunteer (ages 19-25) or an Adult Volunteer (25 and older).

Click to learn more about this volunteer opportunity and see TLO Preschool Teacher, Heather Bielec, as part of the 2019 Gathering Volunteers.

Almost fifty years ago, Zig Ziglar said “If you help people get what they want, they will help you get what you want" meaning—The degree to which you serve as a leader will determine how effective you are as a leader.

In The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, John Maxwell teaches servant leadership inside his Law of Addition: “The best place for a leader isn’t always the top position. It isn’t the most prominent or powerful place. It’s the place where he or she can serve the best and add the most value to other people.”

John Maxwell says, “You’ve got to love your people more than your position.” That’s what servanthood is all about—putting the needs of your people before your own aspirations. I know, easier said than done. Here are a few practical applications that will help you:

Click to read the full article and develop more ways to lead effectively.