In the Bible we learn of Jesus tying a towel around himself and washing the dusty feet of his disciples before the last Passover supper. He stressed that he performed this humble gesture of radical hospitality and service as an example, telling the disciples they were to go and do as he had done. At South Church we believe servant leadership is a way of being in the world, a way of following Jesus’s instruction and example. It is a way of following his commandment to love one another. We live out our belief by nurturing servant leadership through social justice mission programs for many ages.

When youth embody servant leadership they gain real and valuable experiences of putting their faith into action. Throughout the year, youth will be stretched to use their own skills and gifts in a variety of ways and share the love we are called to offer the world in the model of Jesus Christ. They will be challenged and enriched as they meet others in life circumstances very different from their own. At times, we will challenge them to stretch themselves beyond their own comfort zones. The programs are designed to help the youth go deeper into their spiritual exploration and development as they experience each program, based on new experiences and personal growth. The model for the mission programs is cyclical rather than linear. The goal, however, is constant: to help them learn to become servant leaders in the model of Jesus Christ. They will work in community, learning more about themselves, others, and the presence of God. Through having experienced making a difference in the world, they grow into young adults who feel empowered to do so throughout their lives.