Lessons In Leadership Pt2

Path of Light Ministries Principals of Leadership

What does the Bible say foremost about the qualifications of leaders for the church?

1 Timothy 3

3 It is a true saying that if someone wants to be an elder, he desires an honorable responsibility. 2 For an elder must be a man whose life cannot be spoken against. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exhibit self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home and must be able to teach. 3 He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, peace loving, and not one who loves money. 4 He must manage his own family well, with children who respect and obey him. 5 For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church?

6 An elder must not be a new Christian, because he might be proud of being chosen so soon, and the Devil will use that pride to make him fall. 7 Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not fall into the Devil’s trap and be disgraced.

8 In the same way, deacons must be people who are respected and have integrity. They must not be heavy drinkers and must not be greedy for money. 9 They must be committed to the revealed truths of the Christian faith and must live with a clear conscience. 10 Before they are appointed as deacons, they should be given other responsibilities in the church as a test of their character and ability. If they do well, then they may serve as deacons.

11 In the same way, their wives must be respected and must not speak evil of others. They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do.

12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife, and he must manage his children and household well. 13 Those who do well as deacons will be rewarded with respect from others and will have increased confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.(NLT)

What is “Leadership”

Some say that leadership is “influence”. Leaders must make a difference in someones life, not just influence them. Instead of being true leaders some people try to become experts and judges. They must only exert their influence according to Gods will for those they are leading. Spiritual leaders depend upon the Holy Spirit to lead people to change and move too Gods purpose. A true leader is measured by results. You will be held accountable to God if you are a leader. You will be judged more sternly than others.

Leaders must believe and be committed to the vision of the church.

Vision is what leads the church.

Everything must rise to the next level of excellence to further the vision

(Praise, Worship, Evangelism, Values). Leaders are instrumental in expressing and helping the vision move forward. You must lead by example.

Vision is what fuels and drives the Church

There should be no difference between who and what you are at church and who and what you are at your home. A leader not only sets and shows and example in the church but also in the community and his home.

Vision is what grows the Church.

The larger a church is, the stronger the leadership has to be. The success of any church is dependent on its leadership to grow and improve the Church.

(Mega Churches)

What do good Spiritual Leaders do?

Good Spiritual Leaders take people and lead them to Gods purpose for them.

A leader should be able to recognize and encourage people in their talents or spiritual gifts for the benefit of the kingdom. A leader should never be selfish in the use of a persons gifts or talents. Do not encourage someone to be part of your ministry if they can be used more greatly by God in another ministry. This applies to within your own congregation as well as others.

Good leaders can even lead unspiritual people.

It is very easy to lead the willing. Leading the unsaved is a different matter. You yourself were once “unwise” to God, but a person showed you the way and helped lead

you to God. Through their example and influence they were able to show you a better vision of what was available to you through Jesus Christ. With firm Biblical knowledge you can minister to that unsaved person with a soft heart and gentle, inspiring words.

1 Cor1:26

26 Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes, or powerful, or wealthy when God called you.

People will follow leaders who offer a chance for change and for hope. This has been seen in history in both good and bad examples