April 30, 2010

The Position to Lead

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Many pastors feel their day of ministry are long, the to-do list is never ending, and they need 27 hours each day. With so much going on, pastors have the desire to place people in leadership positions to support them and the ministry. The desire for help should not be for warm bodies as oppose to the right people called by the Lord.

There are many churches overfilled with people that are placed prematurely (and inadequately) in positions of leadership and authority. Oftentimes leaders have the intention of having help in support their ministry, but one person ill-prepared for the responsibility can greatly injure the flock of God.

If you look through the scriptures above, you’ll find that the individuals to hold such positions were:

Full of the Spirit
Full of wisdom
Men of tested character
Faithful in all things
Manage his family well
Able to teach
Not a recent convert
Not given to greed

When people are placed in specific positions of authority that do not hold to their respective ‘qualifications,’ the congregation can be built upon principles of the flesh rather than the Spirit. It is our responsibility as pastors and church leaders to place mature believers in these positions to solidify integrity and faithfulness within the church in order to build the body of Christ maturely. It is not enough to see the talent one has while neglecting the character that should undergird it.

Lastly, you must understand that the Lord has placed you to oversee a portion of His harvest. Protect His sheep by placing Spirit-filled and Spirit-led people (according to the specifications above) in positions of trust and authority for the glory of God. Don’t allow the desire to have help interfere with your charge as a pastor and shepherd of God’s people. Hold fast…trust God…He will provide for His church.

References: Acts 6:1-6; 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:4-9.

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