BIBLICAL QUALIFICATIONS OF A SPIRITUAL LEADER

God's standards for who will lead His Church are high. To be a chosen leader of God requires that we are living an exemplary life that others might follow. God has chosen to be quite specific as to the qualifications of those to be leaders in the local church. To have an effective church ministry, each leader must manifest all of the following qualities. These qualifications are based on I Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-9.

1. ABOVE REPROACH: I Timothy 3:2

The emphasis here is on a man's reputation. How is he regarded by those who personally know him? A spiritual leader must have a good reputation. There is no ground for accusations of improper Christian behavior. Our positive impact on God's work will demand it.

2. HUSBAND OF ONE WIFE: I Timothy 3:2

The Roman culture of Paul's day was accentuated with moral looseness; much like we have today, many persons therefore practiced polygamy. Paul states that the immorality of the pagan culture had not only entered into the local church, but had demonstrated itself in ways too shameful even for the pagans to comprehend (I Cor. 5:1). Paul concludes that a man must be married to only one woman, thus showing his strict morality, and that he is living with her in loyalty, tranquility, peace, and fulfillment. To accomplish this, there are several guidelines that will bring about this meaningful project.

a.  Good communication skills must be developed. 
b.  Do not set up conflict situations by deliberately exposing yourself to temptation. 
c.  Fortify yourself through regular study of the Word and prayer. 
d.  Avoid unnecessary idleness. 
e.  Seek help from someone you trust if the problem seems beyond your control.

While this scripture spoke of men in particular, certainly the parallel and implication are the same for women. This is confirmed in the Scripture "...let every woman have her own husband" I Cor. 7:2

3. TEMPERATE: I Timothy3:2

The Greek vigilant word behind this qualification conveys the meaning of "free from excess, passion, ruckus, or confusion.., well balanced, self-controlled." A spiritual leader is well oriented mentally, socially, spiritually, and physically. We must not be in bondage to ourselves or the desires of our flesh. The power of God extends to every area of our life. It is God's purpose in Christ, to bring a person into harmony with Himself, with he world in which he lives, and at peace within themselves.

4. PRUDENT (Sober): I Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8

A spiritual leader is to be humble, willing to serve others, accurate in his view of himself, of sound mind, sensible, wise, and balanced in judgment. We must be discreet in all we do. We must never forget that we are what we are only by the grace of God.

5. RESPECTABLE: (Good Behavior) I Timothy 3:2

As prudent refers to the internal mind, respectable refers to external matters. The spiritual leader is to be orderly in his appearance, carriage, and conduct. We are to be careful about our dress, the cleanliness of our office, the knot in our tie, the dress of our children, the paint on our house and the greenness of our lawn. It is of great importance to be living a well-ordered life. The world gets a better view of Christ when they see by the manner in which we live that we really do care.

6. HOSPITABLE: I Timothy3:2; Titus 1:8

This word literally means "a lover of strangers." A spiritual leader is one whose home is open to a stranger. Leviticus 19:33, 34 supports this idea stating, "When a stranger resides with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself..." (NASB) A spiritual leader views hospitality not just as a social grace, but as a way of bringing others into an atmosphere of love and Christian concern. We must be unselfish and willing to share our blessings with others.

7. ABLE TO TEACH: I Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:9

This attribute has more to do with the manner and quality of life than with special gifts of expression. A spiritual leader is to communicate Christ with his entire life. His attitude, industry, integrity, and behavior all speak of his devotion to Christ. A spiritual leader must lead by example. What a man does in this sense, is more powerful than what he says.

8. NOT ADDICTED TO WINE: I Timothy 3:2,3; Titus 1:7

The word "addicted" or "given" means, "not to be inordinately attached to." Although the reference here is not to total abstinence, it is clear from Proverbs 23:19-21, 29-34 what problems can occur through the use of alcoholic beverages. The Apostle Paul says, "It is good not to eat meat or drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother stumbles." (Romans 14:21 NASB.) In a culture such as ours where drinking is prevalent, we would do well to avoid any conduct that could cause reproach to the work of Christ.

9. NOT SELF-WILLED Titus 1:7

A spiritual leader is not one who is determined to have his own way in everything, but who works well with others. If we find an idea that runs counter to our personal desires, but is best for the entire group, we willingly accept it. We put others before ourself and avoid "mind sets." We are to work as part of a team, looking at controversial issues with an open, objective mind. We must be sensitive to others.

10. NOT QUICK TEMPERED: Titus 1:7

The spiritual leader is not to be irritable or equipped with a quick temper (not given to sudden outbursts of anger). Sinful anger has its roots in revenge and bitterness. It feeds on resentment. words are like feathers. They scatter easily, and once scattered, they are impossible to collect. The spiritual leader must practice self-control, learning to rule our spirit and to hold our tongue from expressions of anger and vindictiveness.

11. NOT A STRIKER (PUGNACIOUS): Titus 1:7

The spiritual leader is at no time to allow his anger to lash out at another person, verbally or physically. Anger out of control can cause harm to another person. We are to be sensitive to the positions of others, while keeping a proper perspective on our own.

12. PATIENT (UNCONTENTIOUS)

The spiritual leader is to be peaceable, not troublesome. We must be patient and have a mild disposition, not given to quarreling and selfish argumentation.

13. PATIENT-NOT A BRAWLER (GENTLE) I Timothy 3:2,3

The original word means "yielding, gentle, kind, and forbearing." In whatever situation that arises in the leader's life we should always react in a spirit of gentle-ness and forbearance. Where meekness and patience do not reign, reverence cannot exist, and the love of God cannot dwell.

14. FREE FROM THE LOVE OF MONEY: I Timothy 3:2,3

This is an imperative statement saying, "Don't love money!" Jesus said, "where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." The man of God must place his treasures under the control of Christ, not trying to get money for his own selfish desires. All that we possess must be viewed as a God-given resource, given so it might be given back. We are not to be stingy with our material blessings. The work of God is not to be thwarted by leadership that puts finances and riches above the kingdom of God and its growth.

15. ONE WHO MANAGES HIS OWN HOUSEHOLD WELL: I Timothy 3:2-4

The measure of spiritual leadership is the family. Spiritual leaders have the direction of their own house, not by sternness, severity, or tyranny, but with love. No family can be prosperous that is not managed, and the husband is by nature and by appointment of God responsible for the support, protection, management of his own house, and ultimately the outcome of his children. In conjunction with his wife, he is responsible for training and guidance of his children in such ways as will lead them to faith in God and proper conduct. Individuals who have proven their leadership in the home will likely prove their leadership in the church. The call is for those who are strong at home and therefore will be strong in the church.

16. A GOOD REPUTATION WITH THOSE OUTSIDE: I Timothy 3

The responsibilities of spiritual leaders reach beyond the walls of the church building. We live under the eye of a community at large, and our testimony for Christ must have a clear ring there as well. The question is, can our lifestyle and manner stand the scrutiny of those outside our circle of friends? "Conduct yourself with wisdom..., let your speech always be with grace..., keep your behavior excellent..., behave properly to outsiders...." (Col. 4:5,6: I Peter 2:12; 1 Thes. 4:11,12 NASB).

17. LOVING WHAT IS GOOD: Titus 1:7,8

God selects spiritual leaders who have an eye trained to spot the slightest good, a bit of positive influence, or a ray of light and hope. The mind is to think on things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and of good report. As a man thinks, so is he. The call is for men trained to look at impossibilities and see the possible, at the hopeless and see hope, and at the fallen and see restoration. We must be the kind of person who desires to do the will of God in everything.

18. JUST: Titus 1:7,8

A spiritual leader is one who has the psychological and spiritual balance to make just decisions. The word suggests to spiritual leaders the imperative of a right vertical relationship with God and a right horizontal relationship with men. Fairness and equity are necessities for effective spiritual leadership.