Selecting Leaders

During the last couple of weeks in worship, we’ve been looking at 1 Timothy 3 and Paul’s description of the qualifications for elders and deacons (overseers and administrative leaders) in a local church. If you’ve missed either of these messages, I suggest you listen to them via our website. I have to admit, I had no idea the effect these words from 1 Timothy would have on our congregation. I’ve noticed three things:

First, a number of our leaders have experienced a real boost in confidence. After all, once I explained how diligent we are in testing the character of our potential leadership core, the men and women on those leadership teams have been blessed to know that their fellow brothers and sisters in the church think of them as respectable, authentic, self-controlled, financially responsible and spiritually sound. I’ve had a number of leaders speak to me privately and admit that they were blown away to have been initially asked to lead, now that they understood the process. Of course, it makes sense. Paul wrote: Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus. 1 Tim. 3:13 (NIV) The word I’ve heard over and over these past two weeks is “humbled” to serve.

Second, a number of people have felt convicted. Paul doesn’t mess around with his words in stating that leadership is based on character. One woman asked me after the message the first week, “What if I held my palms out during your whole prayer at the end of the service telling the Lord I needed help in every area you mentioned?” I told her it meant that she was honest! A chapter that starts by saying a leader must be “above reproach” is intimidating. None of us are there, but we do want “above reproach” to be our goal.

Third, I’ve had people share names with me of Covenant members that they think would make excellent leaders in our church. One of the numerous criteria I mentioned was that a particular person has gained your respect, and you would trust that person with your own affairs. Thus, you would be honored to have him/her manage the resources and ministries of the church.

That last one got me thinking.

I wonder if you know people you might suggest as potential leaders here at Covenant. You’ve watched them. They exemplify what it means to be a Christian leader in their walk with Jesus Christ, their home and professional life and their habits and personal life. It’s a big church…it would be easy to overlook some great people. I welcome you to send me those names. Our Lay Leadership Team (nominating team) is always looking for great people to lead us. Just email me at bransons@connect2covenant.com.

See you this weekend,

Branson