I am fascinated by the topic of leadership. Obviously, I am not alone because the quantity of books, conferences, and other resources on leadership is abundant. There are times, though, that I need to simplify some of the material into a few reminders. In this context, I have framed them as questions.
What then are some of the most important questions leaders can ask of themselves? Allow me to suggest twelve.
1. Am I spending sufficient time in prayer to be the kind of leader God wants to be?
2. Am I spending sufficient time in the Bible so that God’s Word frames all that I do?
3. Am I a leader first in my family?
4. Do I seek to walk with humility in my daily leadership?
5. Do I seek the best for others and give credit to others?
6. Am I continual learner?
7. Do I seek wisdom from others?
8. Am I a better leader than I was one year ago? Five years ago?
9. If I am not the right leader for where I am now, am I willing to step aside?
10. Am I willing to admit my mistakes?
11. Do I attempt to learn the world and culture better in which I lead?
12. Am I willing to make tough and courageous decisions?
These are some of the questions I ask myself regularly. The list is far from exhaustive, but they are critical to my leadership. I wish I could say that I always have good answers for each question. Unfortunately, I fall short too many times.
What questions are important to you as a leader? Let me know.
Posted on October 12, 2011
With nearly 40 years of ministry experience, Thom Rainer has spent a lifetime committed to the growth and health of local churches across North America.
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11 Comments
Thom
Here are two more qualifications from Titus for “elder/overseer” that many –
who desire to be an “elder/overseer”- *seem to ignore.* Just and Holy.
Titus 1:6-8 KJV
6 If any be *blameless,* the husband of one wife,
having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.
7 For a bishop must be *blameless,* as the steward of God; not selfwilled,
not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, *just,* *holy,* temperate;
Just
Strongs #1342 – dikaios {dik’-ah-yos} – innocent – righteous.
Thayers – righteous, observing divine laws – keeping the commands of God –
innocent, faultless, guiltless – used of him whose way of thinking, feeling, and
acting is wholly conformed to the will of God…
Holy
Strongs #3741 – hosios {hos’-ee-os}
Thayers – undefiled by sin, free from wickedness,
religiously observing every moral obligation, pure holy, pious.
Now that’s three tough qualifications for “elder/overseers” – Yes?
1 – Blameless – Without falt, Above reproach…
2 – Just – Keeping the commands of God, Faultless, Guiltless…
3 – Holy – Undefiled by sin, Free from wickedness…
Makes an interesting study – checking out ALL these tough qualifications for
“Pastor/Leaders,”“elder/overseers,” then checking out those who say they are
Pastro/Leaders,” “elder/overseers,” compared to the qualifications. 🙂
Thom
I’m encouraged to hear you’re agreed – it’s a mistake for anyone to take the
“Position” of Pastor/Leader, or any leadership position if – they do NOT qualify.
Coming from a “Spiritually Abusive” background I learned to be a Berean and
“…to know them which labour among you, and are over you…” 1 Thes 5:12.
Abusive leaders talk alot about “Obey your leaders.” But, ignor the qualifications.
Seems the first qualification for “elder/overseer” is tough – **must be Blameless**
1 – A bishop (overseer) then *must be* **blameless**… 1 Tim 3:2 KJV
2 – For a bishop (overseer) *must be* **blameless**… Titus 1:7 KJV
And *must be* is the same Greek word as: …You *must be* born again. John 3:7.
*Must Be* is Strongs #1163, die. – It is necessary (as binding).
Thayer’s – necessity established by the counsel and decree of God.
Seems to be a small word – but very important. Yes?
**Hmmm? **Blameless**… How important is this word?
Strongs #423 – anepileptos – inculpable, blameless, unrebukeable.
Thayer’s – that cannot be reprehended, (cannot be, rebukable, reprovable,
…. cannot find fault) not open to censure, irreproachable.
Dictionary – Without fault; innocent; guiltless; not meriting censure.
Synonyms – faultless, guiltless, innocent, irreproachable, spotless, unblemished.
1 Tim 3:2 ASV – The bishop therefore must be without reproach…
1 Tim 3:2 NIV – Now the overseer must be above reproach…
1 Tim 3:2 NLT – For an elder must be a man whose life cannot be spoken against.
In my experience – NOT many “elder/overseers,” when they examine themselves,
seriously considering this one **qualification,** (*Must Be* **Blameless,**)
can see themselves as **Blameless,** without fault, above reproach,
and thus qualify to be an “elder/overseer.”
The Bible talks about “elder/overseers.” ( If a man desire the office of a bishop,)
And **qualifications** for “elder/overseers.” (*Must Be* **Blameless,**)
You really can NOT have one without the other? Can you?
This is only one of many tough qualifications. Yes? 😉
And there are tough **qualifications** for the children also.
And if an “elder/overseer” realises, they do NOT meet ALL the qualifications…
What are they supposed to do – now? What is the body of Christ supposed to do?
And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold:
them also I must bring, and they shall “hear My voice; “
and there shall be “ONE” fold, and “ONE” shepherd.
John 10:16
One Fold – One Shepherd – One Voice
{{{{{{ Jesus }}}}}}
A. Amos –
Agreed. Not only for pastor but any leadership position.
Thom
In my experience… These two questions…
seem to be overlooked often in “the Abusive Religious Systems” I have survived.
9. If I am not the right leader for where I am now, am I willing to step aside?
10. Am I willing to admit my mistakes?
I haven’t met many Pastor/Elder/Overseers willing to admit their mistakes when
they do NOT meet ALL of the many tough qualifications in Titus and 1 Tim 3
and thus wind up NOT being a “Leader” at all like they were told.
Or – willing to step aside when they realise they do NOT qualify?
Seems NOT many take Paul’s/God’s qualifications seriously today.
Isn’t it a mistake to take the “Position” Pastor/Leader when you don’t qualify?
Darryl –
Excellent!
Only one I would add is have I prepared my future successor to replace me, or have I created an environment where my replacement can achieve success?
Good question Jeremiah. I would like to hear some responses to that question from readers.
Great questions! What are some practical but meaningful ways you use to evaluate the growth of your leadership compared to years past?
Great questions Thom. Unfortunately, some of them really hit home with me and my morning is really messed up 🙂