Leadership positions in the Society, at any level, are always to be accepted as service to Christ, the members and the poor. Servant leadership is done in imitation of Jesus who said: “For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and give his life as a ransom for many.”
Rule: Part 3, Statute 11
When we think of the word “leader” what often comes to mind is a great military commander, a world leader, a statesman, or perhaps one of those celebrity CEOs who become cultural icons; people who are larger than life, charismatic and who inspire masses of people to follow them and do as they say. In short, we think of leader as “large and in charge.”
As a result, when our Conference or Council is seeking a new president, other officer, of somebody to chair a committee or head up a special work, it is easy to think, “Whoa – that isn’t me!” and take a step backward.
But our Vincentian model of leadership is very different from that cultural stereotype. It is a model given to us by Jesus, who very memorably knelt down to wash the feet of His disciples, saying, “You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am. If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet.” He added, most importantly, “I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.”
Vincentian Servant Leaders, then, seek not to be large and in charge, but rather, to be small, and for all. Jesus not only showed us the way of servant leadership, he specifically calls us to follow His model. And so it is our calling, each and every member of the Society, to be Servant Leaders.
On this page, you can learn more about servant leadership, and about specific roles to which you may be called.
Serving as Jesus Did
Introduction
Conference Leadership
The Conference President Handbook is available for download or as a printed book.
The Conference Secretary handbook is available for download or in print.
Council Leadership
The Council President Handbook is available for download or as a printed book.
Governance: Council and Board is available for download or as a printed book.
“When God calls us to [leadership], either He sees in us the proper dispositions or has determined to give them to us.” – St. Vincent de Paul
“We must learn to ask not to command and to teach by example rather than precept.” – St. Louise de Marillac
“When I said that you must be unwavering as to the end and gentle as to the means, I am describing to you the soul of good leadership, and one without the other spoils everything.” – St. Vincent de Paul
“God gives sufficient graces to those He calls to [leadership]. Don’t think that responsible positions are always given to the most capable or virtuous.” – St. Vincent de Paul