Lessons from the Toolbox: Collaboration and Co-Responsibility: Leading Like Jesus
From our May 2026 First Fridays Newsletter
A Lesson from “A Seminarian’s Toolbox” Chapter 3
During the recent Holy Thursday liturgy, Catholics around the world heard the Gospel reading of Jesus washing his apostles’ feet at the Last Supper. This is perhaps the greatest and most convincing example of Christ’s servant leadership. Christ, God in the flesh, kneels down and washes the dusty, unclean feet of his imperfect followers. The scene is uncomfortable, but Jesus uses the moment to teach his apostles and all of us a lesson: “If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do” (John 13:14-15).
Christ provides a perfect model of servant leadership for all Church leaders, both lay and clergy alike. In Chapter 3 of A Seminarian’s Toolbox, Jeffry Odell Korgen and Cesar Izqierdo outline seven key qualities that Catholic servant leaders must have:
Utilize Relational Approaches to Invitation: An effective leader must “smell like his sheep” and know them on a personal level.
Cultivate Spirituality: It is essential for Catholic leaders to ground themselves and their teams in faith and regular prayer.
Show Concern for Ministry Team Members: Effective servant leaders prioritize their employees’ mental and physical health and recognize and address burnout.
Practice Empowerment: Servant leaders must embrace co-responsible leadership practices by letting go of the reins sometimes and trusting in their employees to do effective work.
Demonstrate Humility: Servant leaders must be willing to accept criticism, listen openly, and relinquish their ego when faced with challenging parishioners or employees.
Model Visionary Discipleship: Pastors and parish leaders must stay focused on their mission and purpose and draw parishioners into this vision.
Embrace the Preferential Option for the Poor: In addition to social ministries that most parishes maintain, servant leaders must also intentionally engage the “poor in spirit” in their communities, such as the marginalized, elderly, quiet, disabled, or simply overlooked.
Most Catholic leaders, pastors, and volunteers come to the Church with a desire to serve as Christ serves, but it is critical to keep these seven key qualities in mind and to self-evaluate areas of improvement continuously in our service.