Shepherds

Leadership is developing people and helping others reach their full potential, according to one online dictionary. Sadly, it’s a beautiful concept that is often overlooked in our world today. 

Scott Mann is a retired Green Beret, who teaches leadership to organizations. During his 18 years of service in war-torn places, Scott began to realize how important building trust among the community is in order to overcome some of the biggest hurdles in organizational leadership. “Rooftop leadership is having a crystal-clear vision of a better world that doesn't yet exist, and the dynamic ability to inspire others to help you build it.” - Scott Mann 

How does that translate for a church? The truth is leadership has a powerful impact on the health and direction of a congregation. But how and who are the questions that people want to know when seeking new leadership. Thankfully, we have a lot of material to refer to in order to see what God had in mind when it comes to leadership. 

Typically, preachers and teachers focus on 1 Timothy 3 or Titus 1 as the primary source that details the qualities of good leaders. While that is very concise and helpful, the entire story of God’s redemptive plan adds even greater detail to the kinds of leaders that serve the way God wants them to. 

Throughout the Bible, especially the “history” portion of scripture, judges and kings are recognized for doing good (rarely) in the eyes of the Lord, or for doing evil in the eyes of the Lord. In fact, the phrase, “___ did evil in the eyes of the Lord” is used 40 times in the Old Testament (NIV). The fact that so many didn’t hit the mark should serve as good examples for us of what NOT to do in Godly leadership. As Paul said in Romans 15:4, “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” 

As the qualities Paul highlights in 1 Timothy 3:1-7, a shepherd ought to be “well-thought of, committed to his wife, cool and collected, accessible, and hospitable. He must know what he’s talking about, not be overfond of wine, not pushy but gentle, not thin-skinned, not money hungry. He must handle his own affairs well, be attentive to his own children and having their respect. For if someone is unable to handle his own affairs, how can he take care of God’s church? He must not be a new believer, lest the position go to his head and the Devil trip him up. Outsiders must think well of him, or else the Devil will figure out a way to lure him into his trap” (taken from the Message Bible). 

The fact that the Bible is full of detailed examples of leadership should help us to see why it is so important that qualities like these be found in those who are helping a group of believers reach their full potential in the work of the Lord. These qualities complement the mission of the church, “...go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…” (Matthew 28:19-20)