By Nicky Smith
March 16, 2025
Today’s sermon at Christ United Methodist Church provided powerful insight into the meaning of true leadership, drawing wisdom from the disciples James and John in the Gospel of Mark (10:35-45). Senior Pastor Morris Brown reminded us that while James and John initially sought positions of honor and power, Jesus used their request to teach a profound lesson: real leadership is about serving others with humility, empathy, accountability, and sacrifice.
Pastor Brown emphasized that true greatness is measured not by one’s authority but by the extent to which one willingly serves others and makes personal sacrifices for the greater good.
As a candidate for Greensboro City Council, I believe our community profoundly benefits from leaders who embrace the servant-leader model exemplified by Jesus. Morris Brown highlighted seven key traits of servant leadership—traits I pledge to uphold as your representative:
Collegiality: I will lead alongside our residents, seeing each person as a valued partner in shaping Greensboro’s future.
Empathy: I will listen carefully and compassionately, address your needs and create a supportive community environment.
Accountability: I will hold myself accountable to you, maintaining transparency and setting high standards for my service.
Commonality: I will work diligently to find common ground and resolve conflicts constructively to keep our community moving forward together.
Humility: I recognize leadership as service, not self-promotion. I will prioritize your well-being above my own personal recognition.
Good Humor: I will approach challenges positively, ensuring our community remains united, resilient, and joyful.
Sacrifice: Like Jesus, true leaders willingly make personal sacrifices to support their community. I am committed to putting our community’s interests ahead of personal gain.
Our current city leadership can significantly benefit from embracing these servant-leadership traits. Too often, decisions at city hall can feel disconnected from our residents’ daily realities and experiences. When leaders prioritize empathy, accountability, and humility, they actively involve citizens in decision-making, leading to policies and initiatives that genuinely reflect community needs and aspirations.
Greensboro is a vibrant city facing complex challenges and significant opportunities. To effectively meet these, our leaders must shift from power-centered leadership to servant-based leadership. Decisions that affect housing, economic development, public safety, education, and community well-being must be made through active collaboration, genuine dialogue, and transparent accountability.
By embracing servant leadership, we can build a Greensboro where every voice is heard, valued, and respected. I commit to listening attentively to your concerns, involving you directly in decisions that affect your daily lives, and leading with compassion, humility, and integrity. Through servant leadership, we can foster a thriving, compassionate, and inclusive Greensboro.
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve you.
Join me in making Greensboro an even better place to live, work, and do business! Together, we can create a city that fosters innovation, supports job growth, and ensures a thriving future for future generations. Your support, vote, and voice will help drive this progress forward. Let’s build a brighter Greensboro—together!
– Nicky Smith
Candidate for Greensboro City Council, District 4
