Qualifications for Leadership
Memory Verses
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Background Scripture: 1 Timothy 3
Lesson Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:1-16
Introduction
Jesus came to earth to make a way for humanity to come back to God. He came "that the world through him might be saved" (John 3:17). He is our Savior, our divine Leader, and perfect example. He chose twelve apostles and taught them how to work together in harmony and to humbly take responsibility to shepherd the flock.
Today we are studying the qualifications for men who will be called to a leadership responsibility. They must be men who have truly been born again and converted. They must be men who love God with all their heart, men who are not promoting their personal ambitions. Rather, they are willing to sacrifice everything of this world for the honor of their heavenly Father and the promotion of His kingdom.
Key Verse
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men (Phil. 2:7).
Lesson Scripture
1 TIMOTHY 3:1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
14 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:
15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
Studying the Lesson
The qualifications for a minister and deacon that Paul gives in our lesson scripture are a good standard for all mature brethren. Out of these God chooses the leaders. Those who are chosen are brethren who have a humble desire to be faithful in service to God. This desire must not come from self-promotion, seeking honor, or wishing to exercise authority. Love for God and the souls of men must be the motivation of those who lead. Though our lesson focuses on church leaders, leaders of less responsibility are not exempt.
In the call to leadership, emphasis should be placed on the call to service. One young brother was asked why he felt to become a missionary. He answered, "God has done so much for me, and I would like to do a little in appreciation for Him?' As we show our love to God in humble obedience, He will open avenues of service to us. Seeking to attain an office likely comes from the carnal flesh, and such a desire should be rejected.
The call to leadership may not come to the ones who are the most gifted but to those who are available to humbly give themselves to the need at hand. Those who are called should be able to draw out others and be a good listener. The need is to appreciate how others relate to God, empathize with them in their personal struggles, and encourage them in their spiritual hopes and desires.
It is not advisable for someone who is newly converted or who lacks maturity to be given the charge of the ministry. Time is needed for sanctification and working together with brethren in various functions in the congregation. This experience teaches one to work harmoniously with others and will help him understand his weaknesses. There is much to be learned about dealing with one's depravity and understanding the voice of the Holy Spirit. It is possible for someone who has led a carnal life to be called to leadership in the church after he has reconsecrated his life to God; nevertheless, the above virtues need to be evident.
A deacon's qualifications are much the same as a minister's. When a deacon shares his advice in the fear of God, he will not tell a person one thing to his face and represent it differently in another setting. Since he will be responsible for the church treasury, there should be complete confidence that he will not use the offerings for personal advantage. Any inordinate desire for financial gain hinders the work of a deacon.
Practical Truths for Today
A spiritual leader must first be a follower of Christ. New birth and conversion is the beginning of that discipleship. As he matures he will pass through times of sanctification that will mold his character and teach him virtue. Sanctification brings an inner peace and joy that causes others to see the rewards of serving God. A leader must be an example of humility.
A leader's reputation as an honest, fair person in the community will make his witness effective and earn him the respect of others. He will be known for generosity, and he will shun the accumulation of wealth. An effective spiritual leader is interested in the Scriptures. As God feeds his soul, he shares some inspirations with his family. He will also enjoy sharing his convictions in Sunday school and will listen to others, especially those who have travelled the spiritual road for numerous years. The brevity of life and the desire to have God's blessings cause a man to be sober about his own life as well as the life of others. His motive to encourage and reprove his fellowman is to help prevent Satan from taking advantage of them so that they can be saved.
To come to quick conclusions and make snap judgments is not advisable for those who are accountable for others. Dependable direction in a matter is the result of humble prayer for the Spirit's impression as to God's will. Kindness and gentleness, fruit of the Holy Spirit, should always be exercised, even when accompanied with firmness. If those who need help become angry, the counselors must control their own spirit. Granting forgiveness to another when misused by him will help lessen the tension. Leaders who understand that they are only shepherds under Christ will not react negatively when challenged and will patiently abide the reactions of others.
A leader is of like passions as others, so Satan tests and tempts him. His human weaknesses will be evident, but in Christ Jesus he finds the power to overcome his depraved flesh. When he fails he humbly acknowledges his failings and asks for forgiveness.
Consecrated young men are careful to follow God's direction in choosing a life's companion. Though the Bible teaches that the man is responsible for leadership, his wife has a very special place in supporting her husband. By her chaste and consistent way of living she helps maintain confidence in her husband. She will help him by privately sharing with him when his human weakness causes him to stray from the humble ways of Christ. She will be careful and confidential with any personal matters that are shared with her.
The leader and his wife will be concerned for their children's welfare. Together they will seek God's will in rearing them and will work in one accord to lead them to the faith, teaching them to trust God. They will be hospitable, sharing the material blessings God has given them.
The diversity of gifts and temperaments among the leaders makes it favorable for all members to be provided for and feel cared about. When all staff members rejoice in each other's gifts, the variations in their gifts will produce a godly balance in the congregation. When leaders respect each other as well as the brotherhood, their congregation will respect them. This mutual respect of the congregation and leaders will encourage everyone to give themselves in service to the best of their ability. Leaders with a vision that God is the Father of each believer and that they are helpers to enhance that relationship with God will engender confidence and appreciation.
Questions
- Are all brethren called to some form of leadership, including our young brethren?
- How important is it for leaders to be knowledgeable of church doctrine?
- Discuss: "For they watch for your souls, as they that must give account" (Heb. 13:17). Does this apply to leaders on every level?
- Can any person completely fulfill all of the qualifications given in our lesson scripture?
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Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).