Key Idea: Qualified persons from within the church may be recognized and set aside to serve and guide the entire church. Character and behavior provide evidence of mature discipleship and qualify for consideration; externals of expertise and skill or matters of happenstance like age or gender do not.
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Persons who serve and guide the whole church arise from within the church. They are qualified persons who offer themselves for service to the community to point the community to God. They are servants, not commanders.
Those qualified to be leaders have a capacity, readiness, and character that align with God. Leaders know what they know and what they need to learn. They hone their knowledge and skills so they are increasingly ready for the dailies and the surprises. Their character aligns with God’s character and is made plain in their words, actions, and attitudes. Their qualifications flow from hearts after God and into daily life among God’s people. Leaders serve and love the whole body.
The church recognizes the qualified by setting them aside to serve and guide the whole church. Leaders lead best as a team centered on Jesus, filled with persons serving together as brothers and sisters. They serve the body of Jesus’ disciples by being disciples of Jesus and moving out front.
The criteria for leadership are not met by mere externals or matters of happenstance like age or gender. No. The requirements for leadership are love for God and his people, made evident in character and behavior. Thus, any with a deep affection for God and the whole church who meet the qualifications for Overseers may be recognized to lead and guide. Likewise, men and women meeting the criteria for Deacons may be recognized as ministry leaders who care for the entire church and lead teams of members in ministry.
Leaders are ministers who serve God by working to mature the church. Some do so using their capacities to feed, lead, and protect. Others care for and guide their fellow believers in ministry. Leaders care more about action than position. They put forth effort toward God’s mission and focus on living out their salvation and helping others to do so.
Launching Pad: 1 Timothy 3:1-13
