Yesterday, we discussed the importance of consistency.

Specifically within a first-string ministry team. So, in order to get a good understanding of today’s post, feel free to read my post regarding Consistent First String Volunteers.

Today, the challenge is surrounding the importance of integrity. Consistency may be fairly easy to obtain for our first-string players who are passionate about the ministry. However, what’s the level of consistency within their personal relationships with Christ?

This type of consistency leads to a question of integrity.

One which does not stem from a passion for ministry, but an intimate passion for Jesus and the Word of God. As leaders, it’s a given that we should follow Scripture and daily seek God’s plan for our lives. This example should be evident to the people we lead.

For those serving as our first string, they should be men and women who also stand firm on the Word. Not just while working within some ministry component, but as a standard for their lives.

These are your core-people, who hold a lot of leadership value. They should carry equal amounts of personal responsibility for their words and actions. This standard, outlined by the Bible, should be fairly easy to spot within a team member’s behaviour.

Not sure what this looks like in day-to-day life?

Here are some examples:

• Do you have players who often act in a selfish manner with others?
• Have they been caught in half-truths in order to see their opinions heard or plans fulfilled?
• Does the work of the ministry tend to take precedence over the people within the ministry?
• Do they spend more time talking about what the team needs to do, instead of what God will do within the team?

These are just a few signs that a team member may be struggling. Struggling within their personal walk with Jesus, and therefore struggling within the team. A fairly consistent level of integrity within one’s behaviour, will more times than not, show a team member with a healthy heart.

Obviously, we should not be looking for perfection.

Just like us leaders, our first-string players will also make mistakes and go through times of struggle. We should focus on whether or not our team members have any inconstant, or potentially damaging patterns in their lives.

Keep in mind, that this is all within our context of first-string volunteers. Though Scripture outlines a high standard for all believers, we should not take it upon ourselves to hold every believer or volunteer accountable to that high of a standard.

Within second and third-string volunteers and occasional helpers, building relationships will lead to future opportunities for challenge and accountability. Right now is not the time.

Focus in on those who fit in that first-string context.

Only those within our first string, whom we meet with frequently and hold planning sessions regularly, should be accountable for this high level of integrity. It is our responsibility to carry out a successful ministry.

Therefore, it is absolutely our responsibility to seek out a first string that carries integrity within every aspect of their lives. By obtaining this level of unified integrity, you will experience success and huge wins for the Kingdom.

Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts:

• How do you develop first-string integrity?
• How do you provide accountability for key volunteers?
• How do you encourage team members to keep a short record of wrongs with you and each other?