An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. … he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. …hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it (6-9).
Church leadership is equal parts, solid mature faith and exemplary living. With church leadership, integrity in all areas matters.
In governmental politics, one’s personal, sexual ethic and interpersonal demeanor are not as important as political savvy. History is full with good leaders who are personal philanderers.
But in the church, this should not be. How a person lives is an indicator of her/his heart… is it surrendered to the Lord or not? So lifestyle and demeanor are important with church leadership.
Paul, however, is clear that what one believes is of equal importance.
Church leaders, though imperfect like everyone else, are to exemplify both the teachings and the ethics of Jesus. Like the faith itself, church leaders are to be people of both heart and head, surrendered to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
O, God, this morning I pray for church leaders everywhere… I pray for leaders of integrity, of belief and life. Men and women who embody the faith and who exemplify a life radically devoted to Jesus. In His name, I pray. Amen.
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