Jesus Style Leadership 2 - Love & HeartSample

Requirements for Church Leaders

Leadership Lesson

Church elders need to be mature Christians with good character.

Read 1 Timothy 3:1–7.

Comment

Okay, you’re probably not a church elder at the moment, so what is the relevance of this Scripture? I want to reinforce the importance of building character for long-term, Jesus-style leadership. Maybe someday you will spiritually lead a church. Paul agrees that aspiring to be a church elder is a good thing if you understand God’s requirements, but it isn’t a role suitable for everyone. So what kind of Christians are good candidates for the role? God’s requirements for church leaders are quite surprising. I would have thought Paul would emphasize biblical knowledge, leadership ability, and communication skills. He does mention teaching ability, but apart from that, God’s requirements for church leadership are all about character. Check them out and see if you agree. For example, what you’re like with your family and with non-church people are both very important to God. In fact, your true character is most obvious when you’re not in the spotlight. Spiritual growth is mainly about growing our character so that we look more and more like Jesus.

Prayer

I’m not ready to be a church elder yet, but I want so much to develop the character that Paul describes in this passage. Please keep working in me. Mature and grow my heart for You. Keep developing me into a leader of integrity that others can trust, respect, and follow with confidence.

Personal Reflection

Think about a Christian leader that you really respect. Why do you respect them? Does it have more to do with their abilities or their character? Thank God for them and their influence.