Selecting Leaders
What is a Leader? It has been defined by some as “a person who has followers.” Though an accurate definition from a practical point of view, the Bible tells us there is much more involved in Christian leadership than simply having a following.
We believe there are four main criteria through which potential leaders are identified:
- Character
- Spiritual Maturity
- Spiritual Giftedness
- Team Fit
Character
Most important in the selection of spiritual leaders is character. Society places a greater emphasis upon style than substance. In contrast, the Bible emphasizes first and foremost a person’s character as foundational in the selection of leaders. Why? Because most spiritual battles are fought on the battlefield of our character.
There are hundreds of verses which refer to character. However, two passages are particularly helpful for this discussion. While their immediate context is to pastors, elders and deacons, most of the qualifications listed can be applied on a broader level to anyone in leadership in the church. Paul, the writer of much of the New Testament, lists numerous traits for those in leadership. He must be “blameless, temperate, soberminded (serious), of good behaviour, hospitable, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous… not a novice (new convert). He must have a good reputation among outsiders…” (1 Timothy 3:1-7). Paul repeats many of these traits in Titus 1:6-9, adding that one should “hold fast to the faithful word as he Has been taught.”
Spiritual Maturity
Spiritual maturity takes time. Therefore, the Bible teaches that spiritual leaders cannot be “new converts” (1 Timothy 3:6). However, the length of time someone has been a Christian does not necessarily equate spiritual maturity. To be spiritually mature means that one has become seasoned and tempered by yielding, trusting and surrendering to God. Confirmation of this maturity is most clearly indicated by one’s capacity to love and serve others (John 13:34-35; Matthew 20:25-28). Unfortunately, there are many who have been Christians for many years but have never matured. A person who is spiritually mature has developed many of the disciplines which lead to the kind of character development previously listed. Although we expect all believers to regularly pray, read the Bible, tithe, share their faith and attend church, there are additional commitments we require of our leaders. They must also:
- Have attended Calvary Chapel for at least one year,
- Attend services regularly,
- Participate in a home fellowship and/or prayer group on a regular basis,
- Tithe
- Serve in some aspect of ministry at Calvary Fellowshp, and
- Be committed to the purpose and philosophy of Calvary Fellowship.
Spiritual Giftedness
Wanting to be in leadership does not automatically mean someone is gifted to lead, nor does having an attractive personality or special skills. A person must display leadership gifts which are recognizable to others already in leadership (1 Timothy 3:10).
The Bible teaches that our power and ability to serve effectively in the church is based upon the spiritual gifts (enablements) which God has given to us all (1 Corinthians 12). At the same time, we are told that not all Christians have leadership gifts (Romans 12:4-8).
Team Fit
It is possible for a person to be gifted and called as a leader, yet not fit into a particular ministry. Differences of opinion over how the ministry should function are often the result of a leader serving in the wrong ministry (Acts 15:36-41).
This doesn’t always mean that one way is right and the other wrong. Rather, various parts of Christ’s Body are called to function differently as pleases the Lord (1Corinthians 12:4-7). At the same time, people cannot work together unless there is an agreement as to how that w# is to be done (Amos 3:3).
We believe that every Christian is called to serve on a ministry team somewhere in the world. You will find the best “team fit”, realize the most fulfillment, and achieve the greatest effectiveness in a team which shares your primary concerns in ministry.
