Do you want to be a good example of representing Christ? Here are a few examples of a respected leader. A church leader must be married to one wife. This isn’t saying that you have to be married, just if you choose to be married, have one spouse, no others. Married people need to be faithful to one another. Church leaders should be of showing the appearance of faithfulness – in following Christ.
A church leader should be gentle. When a leader has to correct someone who falls into error, the church leader needs to be gentle and kind in the correction. Harsh leaders can cause when using their authority to lash those who fall to sin. When a leader is harsh, it can damage his reputation. A leader must be considerate and gentle.
Another example is a church leader be temperate, self-controlled, and disciplined. Church leaders must be sober, self-controlled, and respectable. This includes what is eaten and what they drink, along with how they behave. Leaders must submit mind and body to the control of the Holy Spirit.
A church leader must be hospitable. Hospitable means loving strangers. It doesn’t mean having people over all the time. When we invite people into our home and love on them, down the road, doors can be open to more ministry opportunities.
A church leader must love what is good. They must live upright and holy. Paul warned of false teachers who ruin families for the love of money. When we love what is good, this enables them to live upright and holy lives. They treat others and God with respect. Their friends and neighbors know these leaders are honest and fair in their dealings with others. They pay their debts.
A church leader must be able to teach, holding firmly to sound doctrine. Of all the 12 qualifications for overseers and deacons, only one requires ability or talent. The others are about character, godly values, and a blameless reputation. A church leader needs to know the truth – God’s word.
A church leader must be a good manager of his own family. 1 Timothy 3:4 says that a leader must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him properly. A Christian leader needs to know that their family comes. First, it begins in the home.
Dear Heavenly Father
I pray that we will lean into you for our character, godly values, and a blameless reputation. As we grow in you, help us be more like you – full of love and gentleness.
In Jesus Name
Amen
