A lot of confusion exists today concerning the qualifications of a good spiritual leader. Oh course the only true spiritual leaders are those that function within a Biblical realm; all other supposed “spiritual” leaders actually should be labeled false spiritual leaders. But even within Christian churches people commonly have a worldly mindset when it comes to recognizing those who would lead them. Frequently, worldly success, showmanship, dressing the right way, being a good organizer, or even certain advanced educational degrees become determining factors as to whether someone is a good spiritual leader. However, think about the life of Christ for just a few minutes and you will realize that He would not have met any of these qualifications. Actually, the Bible clearly tells us what qualifications we should look for in spiritual leaders; it all boils down to character. 1 Timothy 3 “2 Therefore an overseer (pastor) must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.”
Our final Bible Study for this spring will be this Thursday morning at 9:30 at Harborview Fellowship. Let’s have a good discussion concerning true Biblical leaders—there is actual application for all of us. Beginning next week we will pour our energies into helping to get our new building ready to move into.
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