Insights on Leadership from Paul, Chapter 6

1 Timothy 3:2-7

Social Qualifications - Example is much more potent than precept.

Moral Qualifications - A leader cannot allow a secret indulgence that would undermine public witness

Mental Qualifications - A leader must be prudent, a person with sound judgment...coming from daily self-discipline

Personality Qualifications - If you would rather pick a fight than solve a problem, do not consider leading the church. It can't be about money or position. Hospitality to all is common among shepherds

Domestic Qualifications - While a leader is caring for church and mission, he must not neglect the family, which is his primary and personal responsibility. The discharge of one duty in God's kingdom does not excuse us from another. There is time for every legitimate duty. Paul implies that a person's ability to lead at home is a strong indicator of his readiness to lead in ministry.

qualified...

we do what we do because God has seen the potential in us to do more. in the areas where we are strong and in the areas of untapped resource, God sees that and moves despite our fallibility.

in colossians 1, scripture teaches that we are where we are, not because of our own inherent abilities or choices. rather, we are qualified to do so, by God Himself.

¹²giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.

it's not education, although it helps. it's not resources, although it helps. it's not physical appearance, although it helps. it's not the people that i know, although it helps.

ultimately, it is the work of God thru the Holy Spirit that "qualifies" us to share in the ultimate inheritance.

in light of what's to come and what we will be sharing in for all eternity, how does this shape our current temporary lives?

if God is the One that has qualified us to serve, should we not serve more diligently and faithfully?

If God is the One that has qualified us to teach, should we not teach more passionately and with greater conviction?

if God is the One that has qualified us to lead, should we not lead better, further, and faster?

qualified to do what we do. if we could see what God sees (what we are capable of doing in/thru HIM), maybe we would be more inclined to do more of what God wants.