How We Identify Local Spiritual Leaders
"The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you." (Titus 1:5)
A key to God’s plan for discipleship involves selecting men of character who can be entrusted with the task of bringing the Kingdom of God to their community in every facet. The name the Bible most uses for these appointed leaders is Elders - today, most churches call them Pastors. The process of bringing the Kingdom begins with the good news of the Gospel, and then spreads to every area of life through the teaching and example of these godly leaders. Without this key element, the transition from evangelism to Kingdom transformation will rarely take place.
How this is done:
Selection and discernment – "Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task." (1 Timothy 3:1)
Choosing the right person for leadership is the cornerstone of lasting work in this area. We have found that if extra time is taken in the discernment process, the success rate of leadership candidates improves exponentially. When we discover a person called by God, we find that it is possible to invest heavily in their development – believing that God will keep them strong. If the wrong person is chosen, no amount of teaching or training will overcome the lack of true calling.
Timing – “He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.” (1 Tim 3:6)
Many ministries (ours included) have made mistakes by violating this principle – and often ruin potential leaders as a result. Even though a man may be zealous, hungry for the word, easily teachable, etc. – these are no match for the temptations that are brought on by leadership. Our goal is to wait until a candidate is “tested” and ready for the spiritual battlefield of the missionary.
A key to God’s plan for discipleship involves selecting men of character who can be entrusted with the task of bringing the Kingdom of God to their community in every facet. The name the Bible most uses for these appointed leaders is Elders - today, most churches call them Pastors. The process of bringing the Kingdom begins with the good news of the Gospel, and then spreads to every area of life through the teaching and example of these godly leaders. Without this key element, the transition from evangelism to Kingdom transformation will rarely take place.
How this is done:
Selection and discernment – "Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task." (1 Timothy 3:1)
Choosing the right person for leadership is the cornerstone of lasting work in this area. We have found that if extra time is taken in the discernment process, the success rate of leadership candidates improves exponentially. When we discover a person called by God, we find that it is possible to invest heavily in their development – believing that God will keep them strong. If the wrong person is chosen, no amount of teaching or training will overcome the lack of true calling.
Timing – “He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.” (1 Tim 3:6)
Many ministries (ours included) have made mistakes by violating this principle – and often ruin potential leaders as a result. Even though a man may be zealous, hungry for the word, easily teachable, etc. – these are no match for the temptations that are brought on by leadership. Our goal is to wait until a candidate is “tested” and ready for the spiritual battlefield of the missionary.