Take a look at Timothy’s resume!

What should we be looking for when we hire that next ministry staff member? What should we be looking for when we elect that next Elder, Deacon or Board Member?

Thankfully, Paul gives us some ideas what to look forward. In a very personal letter to his pastoral apprentice Timothy, Paul writes,

“You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me.” (2 Tim. 3:10-11)

In these 2 verse, Paul outlines a number of specific qualities, that made Timothy a great church leader. I believe these qualities can be classed into 4 key components that make up a great church leader.

1. Look For Knowledge

Knowledge of the head and the heart. Paul said that Timothy followed “…my teaching, my conduct…”

It’s one thing to know all the answers. And yet, once the head knowledge, the application of teaching, is witnessed in our conduct (how we act and speak). This proves that our knowledge has affected our heart.

2. Look For Purpose

Next Paul states that Timothy has followed “…my aim in life, my faith…”

As Christians, we should all have the Gospel as our purpose. For church leadership, it’s a necessity.

A church leader’s aim in life should be the advancement of the Gospel. And they should have the faith that God will use them to achieve that aim. This proves their purpose.

3. Look For Endurance

Paul references, “…my patience, my love, my steadfastness…”, all of which Timothy has proven.

Working within a local church means working closely with people. There will be some incredible moments of joy and celebration. But there will also be man moments of anger, frustration, sorrow and pain.

A church leader must endure hard times with the same patience and love that is witnessed in good times. This proves their endurance.

4. Look For Experience

This is the last item Paul mentions, but vital to church leadership: “…my persecutions and sufferings…”

This is where the knowledge, the purpose and the endurance are tested. There’s something to be said for experiencing difficulties in ministry.

Have they experienced some complex difficulties within the look church, and risen to the challenges of addressing the problem, rebuking the sinful party or some other difficult outcome? These situations prove their experience.

Join the Conversation, Leave Your Thoughts

Are you looking for a new staff or Board member at your local church? If so, what qualities are you looking for?