Servant Leadership
Richlands United Methodist Church
I was raised in the Richlands United Methodist Church. It is my understanding that a Mills (Mama’s family) has been a member of that church since its earliest beginnings, even donating land for its benefit in the 1800′s. My mother and father are still members in good standing. My children are aware of and very proud of that part of their Richlands heritage.
My children and I attend Trinity United Methodist, where their mom was a member. I am very fond of Trinity for many reasons, to include Pastor Chris Aydlett’s leadership. Attending Trinity has formed a bond between my children and me that would have otherwise left a tremendous void. The church has helped me raise them with its inherent “unspoken rules.” I love the fact that people at Trinity still wear their “Sunday best” to honor God. I love the formality and dignity with which they conduct the services. The music is compatible with the traditional tenor of worship. I think it suits my children to accompany their spiritual growth with a sense of decorum and familiarity. This method of worship shall serve as a solid base from which they can explore their spirituality.
One of the tenets of being Methodist and some other Christian Denominations, in my opinion, is the promotion and acceptance of “new ideas.” Another is to practice this attitude with an open mind, a good principle for teaching young people life lessons.
Learning to be a “servant leader”, as Rev. Aydlett calls it, is one of the most important lessons I can relay as a dad to my children. What is a “servant leader.” It is a person that goes about their job with quiet dignity and diligence that exhibits leadership by example. Servant leaders are the people that make organizations successful. When a “grandiose” person is placed in a leadership role in any organization, it will eventually cause terrific chasms within. Servant leadership shows a respect for hierarchy and shuns a “look at me” mentality. When the “chain of command” is usurped, chaos prevails. The lessons of “servant leadership” can most certainly benefit me and my children in school, sports, at home, church and the office, generally all facets of life. Talk with you soon.
