Stewardship of People: Servant Leadership and Workplace Culture

In our previous post in this series, we moved from the foundational principle of God's ownership to the practical application of Ethical Finance and Resource Management. We examined how the biblical mandate for stewardship compels us to manage our assets with integrity, justice, and long-term vision, recognizing that the money and materials on our balance sheets are ultimately God's treasure.

Now, we turn our attention from the tangible resources to the most valuable and delicate asset entrusted to any leader: people.

While capital and materials are important, they are simply tools. The workforce, our employees, partners, and customers are image-bearers of God (Genesis 1:27). Therefore, our approach to managing and leading them carries a profound spiritual weight. 

This third post, Stewardship of People: Servant Leadership and Workplace Culture, explores the divine calling to treat every person in our orbit with dignity, fairness, and grace. We will shift focus from maximizing profit through financial prudence to cultivating human flourishing through service. How do we faithfully shepherd the lives, talents, and well-being of the people God has placed in our charge? Let's explore the principles of justice, humility, and empowerment that define true biblical stewardship in the modern workplace.

In the realm of corporate stewardship, the most valuable asset is not capital or resources, but people. Employees, customers, suppliers, and partners deserve to be regarded as image-bearers of God. By adhering to the principles of biblical stewardship, we can transform our workplaces into environments that foster service, justice, and human flourishing.

The Dignity of Work and the Value of the Employee

The foundational truth in Scripture establishes work as dignified and integral to God's creation. In Genesis 2:15, God places Adam in the Garden of Eden "to work it and take care of it," highlighting that work is fundamentally good and part of God’s design.

As stewards of this divine principle, we have the responsibility to honor the dignity of our workforce:

View People as Individuals, Not Instruments

Employees should never be seen merely as "human resources" to maximize profit. Instead, they are unique individuals with inherent worth, reflecting the truth that all people are created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). Stewardship mandates that our decisions prioritize their well-being, growth, and opportunities for development.

The Apostle Paul's relationship with Onesimus, a runaway slave, demonstrates this principle. Paul didn't see Onesimus merely as property but as a "dear brother" (Philemon 1:16), urging his master, Philemon, to receive him back "no longer as a slave, but better than a slave—as a dear brother." 

Practice Justice in Compensation

A fundamental biblical tenet is the call for just wages and fair treatment of workers. Neglecting fair compensation, including withholding wages, is portrayed as a serious moral failing (Deuteronomy 24:14-15; James 5:4).

"Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty" (James 5:4).

As stewards, we must ensure that salaries, benefits, and working conditions are fair and generous, emphasizing equity beyond mere legal compliance. 

The Sabbath Principle

Incorporating the Sabbath principle into our workplace culture acknowledges the need for rest. Promoting a work environment that honors time off and discourages burnout aligns with the biblical call to value family life and restorative practices.

"Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy" (Exodus 20:8).

This commitment reflects our understanding of human limits and the importance of balance in life, recognizing that people are not machines and cannot be productive without rest. 

Servant Leadership: Serving and Putting Others First

Corporate norms often equate leadership with power and privilege. However, biblical stewardship presents a radical alternative through Servant Leadership—a model strongly exemplified by Jesus.

Lead with Humility

Servant leaders reject the pursuit of personal gain or glory. They leverage their authority to uplift and empower others. As Paul articulates in Philippians 2:3, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves."

Abraham Lincoln is often cited as a servant leader who demonstrated profound humility. He often shared the burden of responsibility and was known for meeting with ordinary citizens and soldiers, prioritizing their needs and the unity of the nation above his personal comfort or prestige.

Empowerment and Mentorship

Investing in the talents and capabilities of our team members is a key aspect of stewardship. Parallels can be drawn from the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), which reflects the importance of nurturing both spiritual and professional gifts. The master praises and rewards the servants who wisely invested and grew their talents.

By actively mentoring and supporting team members, we prepare them for future success, even if it means they leave for greater opportunities.

Service Over Status

Servant leaders recognize that their status exists to serve the mission and the people, not the other way around. This approach requires a willingness to take on challenging or mundane tasks, showing empathy, and actively removing barriers for their team. Jesus’ act of washing the disciples’ feet (John 13:1-17) is the definitive demonstration of servant leadership. He, the Master, took on the task of a low-level servant, declaring, "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet" (John 13:14). 

A Culture of Accountability and Grace

An effective steward cultivates a workplace culture that harmonizes accountability with compassion.

Accountability for the Mission

Just as a master anticipates a return on investment, leaders should expect excellence and diligence from their teams. Establishing clear standards and consequences for negligence reflects good stewardship, ensuring that expectations are upheld. "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters" (Colossians 3:23).

Grace for the Human

Recognizing that mistakes are part of the human experience is crucial. A culture of stewardship responds with grace, wisdom, and corrective measures rather than purely punitive measures. The objective is to restore individuals and improve processes, mirroring God's patient and restorative relationship with humanity.

Nelson Mandela, after his release and ascent to the presidency of South Africa, fostered a culture of both accountability for past injustices (via the Truth and Reconciliation Commission) and grace for those willing to engage honestly. His commitment was to restoration and reconciliation for the nation, setting a profound example of leadership that balances justice and mercy.

Concluding Thoughts and Call to Action

The transition from viewing people as mere "human resources" to recognizing them as image-bearers of God is the ultimate expression of corporate stewardship. When we practice justice in compensation, honor the need for rest, and commit to servant leadership, we are not just running a better business; we are aligning our organization with the divine mandate for human dignity and flourishing.

Ultimately, the most important legacy of any business is not its profit margin, but the health and well-being of the people it touches. Our stewardship of employees is a direct reflection of our faith, a demonstration of the love, grace, and justice we find in Scripture.

Your Call to Action: Start with One Person

This week, move beyond policy and focus on one person on your team.

• Lead with Humility: Ask one of your team members what barrier you can actively remove for them to make their work more meaningful or easier.

• Practice Grace: Identify an area where a team member is struggling, and instead of focusing solely on the mistake, commit to mentoring or empowering them toward restoration and growth.

• Ensure Justice: Review one area of compensation or work-life balance within your organization and ask, Is this generous and just, or does it merely comply with the bare minimum?

By making these small but intentional choices to prioritize people, you transform your company's culture and fulfill your calling as a faithful steward of God’s most precious asset.

Next in the Series: In our next post, we will explore the Stewardship of Time and Influence, and Prioritizing for the eternal, examining how we manage the non-renewable resources of time and corporate influence to advance a purpose greater than ourselves.

Exploring life, one thought at a time.

Yours dearly, Rumishael