Leadership By "The Book" 101

God has set up His Church so it can operate smoothly in all the individual churches. He has gifted those whom He leads to be the leaders and administrators of the local churches and fellowships. He gives His clear requirements in His Word for these leaders, mostly in Colossians 4, and in I Timothy 3, but also a lot of wisdom is offered in other scriptures, particularly in Proverbs. Let’s begin with general requirements for leaders from Colossians 4:1, which tells the leader that he must deal justly and fairly with those under his responsibility. Micah 6:8 also speaks to what the Lord requires of all of us – “to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” So dealing with those under your responsibility must be with justice, mercy and humility before God. Then in Colossians 4:2 leaders must be “steadfast in prayer, with thanksgiving.” Pray first of all for yourself to be godly and righteous (Prov.16:12); to have wisdom in overseeing and guiding those under your responsibility (Prov.8:12-16; Jas.1:5-8); to be loyally subject to those in authority over you (Rom.13:1); to be honest (Prov.17:7). Then pray for those in authority over you and those under your oversight. Be discriminating with those you ask to help or counsel you (Prov.25:4-5; 29:12. Don’t be hesitant to ask for help or counsel but seek out humble, wise and godly people to help and counsel you. Keep yourself morally pure (Prov.31:3) Flee temptation (I Cor.6:18-19; Gal.6:1). Stay sober (Prov.31:4-5). Be willing to protect those that are weak who are under your oversight (Prov.31:8-9). Remember, God is in control of putting leaders in authority (Isaiah 40:23-24), and bringing about the consequences of their judgments, either good or bad (Prov.29:2), so seek Him earnestly in all your decisions & plans (Jer.29:11-13). Cori Ten Boom said, “There is no panic in heaven, just plans!” Behave yourself prudently, wisely and with discretion in your relationship with the world (Col.4:5). Remember the old adage, “Your actions speak so loudly that I can’t hear what you are saying.” Let your speech at all times be gracious, seasoned (as it were) with salt, so that you may never be at a loss to know how you ought to answer anyone who puts a question to you about the hope you have in Christ Jesus of eternal life (Col.4:6). All of us have someone watching our lives – a child, a parent, a relative, a co-worker, a boss, a neighbor, a friend or enemy – we are all leading someone. Now let’s look at specifics in I Timothy 3: v.1 - Becoming an elder or deacon is an excellent choice, if you are led of the Lord. v.2 - You must be above reproach, husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, well behaved, sensible, lead an orderly life, friend to believers, be a qualified teacher, v.3 - not given to wine, not combative but gentle and peaceable, not a lover of money (to obtain by questionable means), vs.4&5 - rule his own household, v.6 - not a new convert, v.7 - have a good reputation outside the church, v.8 - worthy of respect, sincere in what they say, not shifty, not greedy, v.9 - must be born again, with a clear conscience, v.10 - must be tried, investigated and proven before serving, then, if they turn out to be above reproach, they may serve as an elder or deacon (leader).