SATURDAY February 11, 2023
Leadership Qualities
Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
Acts 6:2-4
God called Peter, James, and John, and the rest of the Apostles to lead the Church. When a problem arose, it was not that they did not want to be servants––serving tables. They were already serving the body of Christ in the capacity in which they were called to serve––teaching the Word of God. This was the right priority. Prayer and the study of God’s Word required a fulltime commitment.
As the church grew, the Apostles saw the need for men who had the right leadership qualities to help serve the body of Christ. The word serve is the word for “deacon” in the church. A deacon is a person who helps to enhance the ministry by serving others in the body of Christ.
Notice the qualities for a man serving in a leadership position. They needed to have a good reputation and be full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. Church leaders should not choose carnal people, but spiritual people. It was necessary for them to be mature in Christ––believers who had proved themselves in the body of Jesus Christ. They loved the Lord, loved the people, and diligently ministered to their needs.
With good leadership in place, the senior pastor can accomplish his role. He can give himself continually to prayer and the ministry of the Word. The people will be spiritually fed.
The church will grow when the pastor and leaders are all united together with one purpose. Together, the work of the ministry will be accomplished so much better.
Leaders have power, but power is safe only in the hands of those who humble themselves to serve.
~John Stott~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
