I recently saw something on a social media site that troubled me quite a bit. I know, what is not troubling on social media? Someone posted seeking wisdom on how to handle a situation at her church. From what she described, an unbeliever, who is not a member of the church, was elected to her church’s board. Apparently, the church’s membership requirements are not that much more strict: attend four services a month for six months.  To be fair, I only saw one side of the story, and I don’t want to be negative about a church, but do you see why this troubled me? This is a church, from what it sounds like, that desperately needs to develop a better ecclesiology. Church membership matters. By definition, the church is made up of the redeemed people of God. That is the true church. Church leadership matters as well. God has appointed leaders over a church to guide and direct it to seek His will, to determine how that church is to bring God glory in its context. It should go without saying, but I will say it anyway, that church leaders are to be not only believers, but mature believers. Not perfect—none of us are—but they are held to a higher standard (see 1 Tim 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9).

The Character of a Godly Leader

I have been involved in my fair share of hiring and recruiting leaders in the local church. And most often, these searches focus on the same thing: talent and ability. Now talent and ability are not unimportant, but when you look through the biblical qualifications of a leader, you will notice that it is barely mentioned. What is mentioned, though, and what should clearly be the hallmark of a leader, is two things—two non-negotiables that should be equally present: godly character and a godly family. Look at the characteristics of an elder that Paul shares with Timothy: “above reproach, self-controlled, sensible, respectable, hospitable, not an excessive drinker, not a bully but gentle, not quarrelsome, not greedy.” Oh, and “able to teach.” Those are all the fruit of the gospel in a person’s life. Paul is basically saying that a leader must be someone who has been impacted by the gospel—again, not perfect, but growing. And then after this, Paul states that a leader needs to be a devoted family man. (There is great debate about what Paul meant in 1 Tim 3:2 by “husband of one wife.” But we don’t need to wade into those waters. Rather, what is evident from that and verse 4 is that a leader should be discipling his family well.) It is fascinating that the Bible has more to say about the family of a leader rather than his talents and abilities. But God knows that leaders who are not being changed by the gospel and leading in the home cannot be leaders in the church. It’s not a matter of qualifications more than practicality. Such a leader has nothing to offer, at least nothing of lasting value.

The Content of Godly Leadership

So what does a leader have to offer? It is evident from the list of qualifications that it is not talent and ability. And that is precisely the mistake we see so many churches and ministries make. They seek human talents and abilities, that can be quite impressive at first glance, but  that is not what leadership is about. And this is why we see so many leaders fail, and hurt and even destroy churches and ministries as they fall. The content of godly leadership is, rather, the gospel. It is presenting the Bible—and its message of God’s plan to redeem people to Himself through Jesus—in a beautiful and powerful way. That is what godly leadership is all about. Give me one ineloquent, unattractive person with the gospel over one hundred attractive poets without it any day of the week. As you share with your kids about Moses’ farewell, don’t miss this opportunity to encourage them about the gift that God has given to us in our godly leaders. Encourage your kids to pray for your leaders and to love them well. And you likely won’t share this, but don’t miss this important truth: that includes you. You are a gift to your kids, to your church, and by extension, to the nations. Lead well!

The amazing thing is that everyone who reads the Bible has the same joyful thing to say about it. In every land, in every language, it is the same tale: Where that Book is read, not with the eyes only, but with the mind and heart, the life is changed.” – Amy Carmichael (1867-1951) [1]

Preschool Tip: Try to protect time this week to pray for the leaders of your church and to have your preschoolers color pictures for them. Including those pictures with a brief note from you would surely be a blessing to the godly leaders God has given you. Kids Tip: You have a great opportunity this week to encourage and challenge your kids, especially the older ones, to consider how they are leaders. Every kid can, and should, be a leader in his or he own way—whether that is as part of your ministry, encouraging the younger kids and preschoolers, on a sports team, or at school. Help your kids not only to be thankful for their leaders but to grow in their leadership as well. [1] Amy Carmichael, Thou Givest … They Gather (Fort Washington, PA: CLC Publications, 1958) [eBook]. https://vimeo.com/album/5635208/video/307183844