​​Some people think of Jesus as just a good guy, others as a prophet, some as a sage, and yet others as the Messiah, God, and Savior. At one level or another, Jesus is almost universally admired. Yet, few people consider him as a relevant leadership model for their lives. 

Jesus gives us the ultimate example of what it means to be a servant leader, most explicitly when he washes the disciples’s feet:

“If I, therefore, 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)

Among the saints, there are the rare kings and queens who strove to follow Jesus’ example of servant leadership. One of them was Saint Stephen of Hungary.

Stephen ascended to the throne in 1000 AD as the first King of Hungary. Most of the country was still pagan, and Stephen saw it as his duty to evangelize them. He did not do so as a ruler imposing a new religion, but as a true servant leader.

Stephen built countless churches, founded dioceses, and invited caring missionaries to come minister to the pagan population. But his work went beyond these grand gestures. Stephen was known for his personal piety and care for the poor, the sick, and the marginalized. He established laws that protected the weak and promoted justice, reflecting his commitment to the well-being of all his subjects.

Saint Stephen of Hungary led not with an iron fist, but with a compassionate heart, always putting the needs of his people first. His legacy is an inspiration to all leaders seeking to follow Jesus. 

Jesus gave birth to the method of leadership that Saint Stephen and many other leaders have followed. Throughout history, most kings, queens, and emperors have measured their strength, power, and greatness by their wealth and the number of servants they ruled over. But the greatest leader of all time did not come to be served. Jesus came to serve.

At different times, we are called upon as leaders. Some as mothers and fathers, others as CEOs and presidents. Whatever form of leadership we are called to, let us exercise it with one thing in mind: we are here to serve and lead others in powerful service.

How are you called to be a servant leader at this time in your life?



Feast Day: August 16

Feast Day Shared By: Saint Roch

Patron Saint of: Hungary

Symbols: A Crown

Canonized: 1083 

Canonized By: Pope Gregory VII