Introducing the Stemoh Model of Leadership

This essay is dedicated to my late grandfather, Dr. Stephen Mohammed (1938-2018), who served as my pastor and mentor for over 30 years.

The Stemoh model of leadership was developed by Dana-Marie Ramjit and is based on studying the unique leadership style practiced by the Caribbean leader and minister Stephen Mohammed. This discussion presents an analysis of over 25 years of observation of the leadership strategy of Stephen Mohammed, whose contribution to the world remains priceless. The term “Stemoh” reflects a combination of the names Stephen and Mohammed.

Who is Stephen Mohammed?

Stephen Mohammed was a Caribbean leader and minister who worked with the New Testament Church of God since 1956 under several portfolios, the most prestigious being Administrative Bishop. Throughout his career, Stephen acquired a Bachelor of Arts in Religion, a Master of Arts in Religion, a Master of Theology, a Doctorate in Ministry and Divinity, a Ph.D. in Biblical Counselling, and a Ph.D. in Theology. Stephen Mohammed was a theologian and author whose research focused on spiritual gifts and thankfulness. Stephen wore several hats which distinguished him as highly influential and accomplished.

Stephen was a senior member of the Caribbean Council of Churches and sat on several local and international advisory boards, guiding policymakers on social and political issues. In Trinidad and Tobago, Stephen served as Chairman of the board of directors of Family Broadcasting Network (FBN), Chairman of the Full Gospel Association (FGA), and Chairman of the Board of Directors at Living Word Christian Center. He was affiliated with the Trinidad and Tobago Council of Evangelical Churches, Advance Community Television Station (ACTS25), Wycliffe Bible Translators, and the Board of Trustees of Ed Cole Ministries. Stephen Mohammed also served under the titles of principal, dean of discipline, and senior master of the Open Bible High School. He pastored the Balmain Worship Center, located in central Trinidad, from 1973 until his passing in 2018.

During his lifetime, Stephen Mohammed planted and managed hundreds of churches, built a successful radio and television ministry, wrote extensively on social and religious topics, and facilitated many outreach programs contributing to the Caribbean’s moral and spiritual development. Stephen Mohammed impacted many as a man of godly character, profound wisdom, and knowledge. He is celebrated for his visionary leadership and contribution to the world.

What is Stemoh Leadership?

The Stemoh model of leadership is a strand of servant leadership that combines service with humility. Servant leadership positions the leader first as a servant. This model purports that leadership begins with a desire to help make people better by first serving them and contrasts with leadership that aspires to lead first, which is usually connected to a desire for tangible success. The Stemoh model of leadership does not promote personal gratification but places people’s needs at the highest priority to improve lives and communities.

Stephen Mohammed was a simple man with a simple lifestyle who did extraordinary things. He was not admired or honored for what he achieved, but instead for his investment in people’s lives. Stemoh leadership presents a Biblical perspective of leadership with the Rabbi, Jesus Christ, as the leader’s chief model. The Bibles describes Christ this way:

“Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (Philippians, 2:6-8).

People followed Jesus, not because He was rich or famous. Jesus was born into a low-income family; his mother was a poor virgin from Nazareth, and his father, a carpenter. They followed Him because of what He did for them: He healed their sickness, taught them, and performed miracles among them. The core elements of Stemoh leadership, as highlighted in the description of Christ, are service and humility.

This perspective of leadership is relevant in a corrupt and unethical modern society, which demonstrates that traditional styles of leadership have become outmoded, unproductive, and unappealing. Contemporary society searches for developers, enablers, and promoters who can engage and invest in their lives, instead of order and dictate their contributions.

Leading by serving

Stemoh leadership contrasts with these usual models of leadership by changing the order of things: commanding is replaced with serving and authority with humility. Rank is no longer at the top; people are at the top. There is an emphasis on becoming a people person (socializer), influencing others through effective communication and empathy. The Stemoh leader is committed to developing people by instilling a sense of purpose and presenting a vision and a path to achieve this vision, which allows them to unlock their potential and achieve excellence. The Stemoh leader goes beyond the call and serves with a higher purpose. A combination of these attributes makes Stemoh leadership practical and appealing.

The Socializer

Leadership requires compatibility and the Stemoh leader is a person for all seasons. Stephen Mohammed had many connections in high and low circles. He was a peer among his colleagues, but he was also a mentor to young people. A competent leader can connect with different crowds and has a passion for all relationships that build his/her life. To be a socializer means that you value people’s contributions to your life, your contribution to theirs, and you enjoy being among others despite differences and disagreements. The socializer nurtures and invests their time and resources in relationships.

Christian leaders serve a God of relationships. God sent His son, Jesus Christ, to die for the world to have a relationship with Him. A relationship with Christ models relationships with people. The opposite of a socializer is an introvert, one who is not interested in conversations and friendships outside of his/her immediate circle. This can be disastrous because leaders cannot touch the lives of their followers unless they first reach out to connect with them. Here’s what the Bible says about relationships:

• Therefore encourage one another and build one another up (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
• A friend loves at all times (Proverbs 17:17)
• Whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them (Matthew 7:12).

Love drives relationships. God’s presentation of His Son, Jesus, to the world was born out of love. Man’s relationship with God is a love relationship (John 3:16). The socializer can connect well because of genuine love for people. Stemoh leaders are guided by the Biblical definition of love:

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).

Stemoh leaders build relationships with love in obedience to the scripture, “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). Constructive interactions are the outcome of relationships based on Biblical love. This position reflects the idea that people are imperfect and always require mercy. When love is the foundation, forgiveness is inferred, and bonds are strengthened.

Effective Communication

Every leader must effectively communicate his/her vision and goals to facilitate clear expectations and efficiency. The Stemoh leader successfully communicates his/her passion to f motivate and inspire commitment among followers. One defining trait of Stephen Mohammed’s leadership was that he could stir “willingness” in people by the way he communicated. When communication stems from an intent to support others without material reward, people are motivated.

Communication for many leaders is fuelled by personal gains, which prevents growth and promotes a misleading sense of security. Stemoh communication is inspired by “doing good for good’s sake” as the scripture encourages its readers to “Trust in the Lord, and do good” (Psalm 37:3). Goodness is modeled after God Himself, Who is kind, gracious, and good to all (Luke 6:35). One of the most challenging yet straightforward tasks for humankind is “good” communication.

Communication is “good” when it is thoughtful, polite, open, honest, and conveys pure intentions.

Some essential communication skills associated with the Stemoh leader are:

1. Adapting your style

Communication must be tailored to the receiver if it should meet objectives and influence others. Leaders encounter people of various beliefs, backgrounds, and statuses and influential leaders must connect with all people, regardless of who they are. The Christian leader is called to all people, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:18). This begins with successful intercultural communication. An indispensable ability of the Stemoh leader is being able to connect, which involves alterations of tone, pace, pitch, language, and attitude. To adapt your style, you must:

• Know and understand different personalities.
• Research what you do not understand; ask questions, encourage open-ended conversations.
• Be open without compromising your beliefs; learn about cultural differences.
• Observe people and situations.

2. Being respectful

Successful communication involves courtesy to all people, irrespective of who they are. The Bible encourages people to be gracious with their speech, allowing words to be seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6). Salt is a preservative that prevents decay. The Bible advises, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths” (Ephesians 4:29). “Corrupting talk” can be disrespectful, distasteful, and disheartening. Stemoh leaders are motivated to monitor their conversations because it is a part of their calling to do good, knowing that sound speech cannot be condemned (Titus 2:8). Respectful communication allows you to:

• Share your views and solicit feedback.
• Listen to the opinions of others.
• Value opinions.
• Be polite.
• Pay attention to non-verbal cues.
• Always speak the truth.

Empathy

To empathize reflects the ability to understand and “feel” with others. Stemoh leaders can step inside different scenarios not because of similar experiences but because of their duty to be kind. The Bible encourages Christian leaders to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who mourn, to bear one another’s burdens (Romans 12:15; Galatians 6:2). Following this instruction, leaders can fulfill their duty to support and comfort their followers. The Biblical account of Lazarus’ death highlights his sisters’ sorrow, looking to Jesus for solace. When Jesus arrived, the Bible tells us that He, too, was moved to tears (John 11:35). As their leader, He empathized with them. Following Jesus’ model, leaders must “feel” with others to flow with them. You can empathize by:

• Being sensitive to others.
• Having compassion.
• A willingness to help, comfort.
• Counting others as more significant than yourself.
• Genuine love for all people.

Leading with a higher purpose

The Stemoh leader is motivated to serve with humility, not because of material success but eternal pleasure. A challenge for many leaders is to be of humble service to people. Those who have acquired significant experience, education, and income find it difficult to humble themselves in the presence of people under their rank. As accomplished as Stephen Mohammed was, he was always conscious of his higher objective. When leaders see their purpose instead of their status, they can aim for a prime target. Stemoh leadership is distinct in its intent to abandon the glitter to accomplish the goal. The Stemoh leader focuses on building treasures that will result in eternal contentment, not temporary satisfaction.

Conventional leaders regard service as temporary and hence, become easily frustrated by people’s flaws. By contrast, Stemoh leaders do not look to people for approval or commendations but view service as a Divine duty. Stemoh leaders are not broken by world’s disappointments but are rewarded by God, Who motivates them to press on to achieve their desired prize even amid challenges.

A likely challenge facing the Stemoh leader is an unbalanced concentration on the eternal, which makes him/her unconnected to their temporal obligations. 1 Corinthians 1-3 brings some perspective to this challenge:

“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.”

The Stemoh leader is reminded that love compels their service. Duties to God must be fulfilled here on earth with the people around us. The Stemoh leader is poised to recognize that heaven begins on earth. Leading with a higher purpose involves:

• A heartfelt dedication to one’s purpose.
• Being sober-minded – rationale, sensible.
• Teaching.
• Reproving, rebuking, and exhorting with patience.
• Renewal of the mind – guarding thoughts, examining intentions, remembering objectives.
• Enduring suffering.
• Not dominating those under your charge.
• Paying attention to yourself and your followers.

What is the result of Stemoh leadership? Impact. People are encouraged to consider the leader’s life and imitate his/her practice. They become empowered, enlightened, and driven to become future leaders.

Five Stemoh Behaviors

The five behaviors associated with Stemoh leadership are:

1. Integrity – “Whoever walks in integrity, walks securely” (Proverbs 10:9).

A person of integrity is righteous and when faced with several options, that person chooses what is right based on faith and conviction. Integrity guides people, but dishonesty destroys (Proverbs 11:3). The Bible calls people of integrity blessed (Proverbs 20:7). The idea is that even when no physical man is looking on at human behavior, God sees, and He knows all things. Stemoh leaders are urged to honesty because of their consciousness of God. Integrity is about honest motives. When leaders are genuine, they are successful, “Ponder the path of your feet, then all your ways will be sure” (Proverbs 4:25).

2. Insight – “your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight” (Philippians 1:9).

To have insight means to lead with understanding, prudence, and skill. Stemoh leadership posits that the source of insight is God Himself, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all…” (James 1:5). Stemoh leaders seek God first, Who guides them to truthful and righteous actions. From the Highest form of Wisdom comes the tact and intuition needed for the daily routines of life. The Stemoh leader can boast of both intellectual capacity and spiritual understanding.

3. Agility – “He gives me the agility of a deer; he enables me to negotiate the rugged terrain” (2 Samuel 22:34)

Agility refers to the ability to think, understand, and act quickly, a necessity for every leader. Agile leadership is essential in a dynamic world and requires the leader to be swift and coordinated: attributes applicable for war. Agility is beneficial because leaders face countless challenges throughout their careers. Agility for the Stemoh leader comes from God, Who, through His mercy, delivers His children in troublesome times.

4. Flexibility – “I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need” (Philippians 4:12)

Flexibility means openness to change and compromise; moldability. Stemoh leadership is practical because it does not present the leader as flawless but pursuing excellence. Stemoh leaders can bend without breaking, are tormented in every way but not crushed, confused but not despaired, offended but not forsaken, knocked down, but not destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:8-9). This flexibility allows the leader to develop as he/she leads.

The Stemoh leader views challenges as an opportunity to build, not break. Stemoh leaders see momentary light problems as preparation for eternal glory beyond comparison. The Stemoh leader succeeds not because of a focus on the visible problem but the invisible solution. Flexibility allows the Stemoh leader to deal productively with crises, diversity, and uncertainty

5. Resilience – “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

Resilience is a crucial behavior of all leaders, but for the Stemoh leader, resilience is not self-generated but God-produced. Stemoh leaders rebound in God’s strength and rely on Him for stability. The Bible coerces leaders to be strong, not because they can, but because God is with them ((Philippians 4:13; Deuteronomy 31:6; Isaiah 41:10; Exodus 15:2; Ephesians 6:10; Psalm 31:24). This is persuasive and realistic because man by nature is imperfect, incapable, and inadequate. The Stemoh leader recognizes his/her insufficiency and God’s sufficiency. Their confidence soars because of God’s promise to give power and strength to the unstable and weak (Isaiah 40:29).

Resilient leaders are equipoised, can bounce back, look for opportunities in crises, and always find a way out. The resilient Stemoh leader leads with optimism and a focus on God’s goodness and grace because they are assured by God, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:3The most decisive element of Stemoh leadership is that one’s life becomes an example. Stemoh leadership behaviors are not simply a part of the leadership experience but characteristic of the leader’s lifestyle.3).

Unraveling the power of humility

A central trait of Stemoh leadership is the humility of Jesus Christ. Here are some other striking examples of Christ’s humility:

Jesus washed His disciples’ feet

“Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” (John 13:3-5).

In John 13:12-15, Jesus explains His actions, “Do you understand what I have done for you?” You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”

The custom at the time of the Bible was for lowly servants to wash travelers’ feet before entering the house. What is striking in this example is that Christ washes Peter’s feet, whom He knows will deny Him, and Judas’, whom He knows will betray Him. He then tells His disciples to do as He has done. Jesus takes on a servant’s role to demonstrate the importance of caring for others, even those who mistreat and disappoint you, expecting nothing in return. This is also an example of genuine affection for people; even when we are tempted to act otherwise, we should choose love.

Jesus spoke to His disciples on the essence of greatness. An argument proceeded among Jesus’ disciples about who would be the greatest. Jesus knew their thoughts, and He took a little child and said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.” (Luke 9:48).

The Stemoh leader has a clear perspective of who he/she is and does not communicate their strength through demands, but with Christian love. There is no continuous pushing or reprimanding of people to become better, people are loved and treated with respect regardless of who they are, a service that draws people and instills in them a desire to change and improve. Stemoh leaders do not ostracize people because of their failings but show kindness. The advantage of the Stemoh leadership style is that people are not offered a false sense of morale but become resolved to “want” better and commit to achieving this outcome.

Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey

A donkey is a lowly animal, a symbol of humility. In the Bible, donkeys were synonymous with ordinary people, while horses were associated with kings. This suggests that although Jesus was hailed as a King, He connected with everyday people. (Matthew 21:4-11). Jesus taught that “all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Luke 14:11). This was evident in His practice.

Jesus submitted to His Father

One of the most profound examples of humility displayed by Jesus Christ was in the garden of Gethsemane when Jesus, who knew He was about to be killed, humbled himself to the point of death on a cross, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39). “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:8).

While on earth, the life of Jesus Christ was a prime example of humble leadership. Christ was submissive to His Father in the most challenging situation, and He was concerned about those around Him, as evidenced by the time He took to teach and heal. What is most interesting is the result of Christian humility. Jesus suffered the agony of death on a cross, but He was raised three days after and took His rightful place at the right hand of God in Heaven, a place of honor and power. This qualifies His teaching that the humble will be exalted just as Jesus received a superior position because of His modesty.

Humility is an essential ingredient of the Christian lifestyle. Here are some Biblical perspectives on humility worth considering:

• Humility comes before honor (Proverbs 15:33).
• In humility, count others more significant than yourselves (Philippians 2:3)
• To the humble, He gives favor (Proverbs 3:34)
• He leads the humble in what is right and teaches the humble his way (Psalm 25:9)
• With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love (Ephesians 4:2)
• By his conduct, let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom (James 3:13)
• One’s pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor (Proverbs 29:39)

Showing humility is a pragmatic ambition because of its distinct gains:

• Your life becomes an example.
• You gain influence and draw others to yourself, the goal of all leaders.
• You encourage people to become better; you perform your “good” for society.
• You are satisfied with yourself, knowing that you have made an invaluable contribution.
• You stand out in the crowd because humility is uncommon and usually striking when present.
• You are respected and remembered for your self-lessness.
• You become dominant because you are admired.
• You display flexibility and adaptability because regardless of your status, you can relate to all people.
• You show strength and resolve because humility is challenging but not unattainable.

Application

The Stemoh model of leadership is unique because it presents service with humility as effective leadership in modern society. Christian leadership is about giving hope to a lonely world. One of the best ways to do this is by first serving and doing it humbly. The Stemoh leader does not seek personal gratification or quantifiable success but aspires to uplift and invest in others to obtain enduring joy. This model is beneficial for all contemporary leaders who desire to lead with impact, greatness, and influence.