NSA’s ESO: Servant Leadership — NorthStar Navigator

By Avery P.

Volunteers serving food at community kitchen by Jose Luis Pelaez Inc from Getty Images Created in Canva

Here at NSA, Christian values are respected, upheld, and taught through ESOs or expected student outcomes. These help students become globally minded and university and life ready. They train and prepare students for the real world. One of NSA’s ESOs is Servant Leadership; which NSA defines servant leadership as “a discerning role model who is courageous and compassionate, serving others” (“ESOs”). This is an important job in the Christian world. Believers are called to serve; even Jesus came to serve and not to be served. Being a servant leader helps one grow in their relationship with the Lord and with the people around them.

As Christians, the Lord has gifted us with unique gifts and has called us to use those unique gifts for His glory. 1 Peter 4:10-11 perfectly highlights this:“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen” (English Standard Version Bible). Thus, Peter tells us that our gifts are to be used for Christ and the church. Accordingly, NSA equips students to take the word to different nations, and they do this through Bible classes, online Bible studies, and sharing prayer requests with others. All of these things help students to be servant leaders.

When serving the Lord, believers have to look at their heart posture and why they are serving the Lord. Colossians say to work for the Lord and not for men. Christians should aim to glorify God through service. Service should not be for personal gain. Psalms also tells us that we should be joyful and “let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight” (Psalm 19:14, English Standard Version Bible). Our hearts should be joyful when serving because we are helping others. We should openly serve Christ with a good attitude.

As believers, it is our job to represent Christ through joyful service, seeking His glory through caring for others. This is what the Bible commanded of believers. NSA beautifully trains and uplifts students to fulfill this command.

Columns: 🔎Informational, ✝️Spiritual Life

Avery P. lives in Tennessee with her family. She is a senior and a fourth year NorthStar student, as well as a third year journalist at the Navigator. After graduation, she will be attending community college to pursue a degree in marketing and communications. After college, she hopes to pursue a career in ministry. In her free time, she loves to drink coffee, serve at church, and babysit.