Leadership Lesson #4

"The same goes for those who want to be servants in the church: serious, not deceitful, not too free with the bottle, not in it for what they can get out of it. They must be reverent before the mystery of the faith, not using their position to try to run things. Let them prove themselves first. If they show they can do it, take them on. No exceptions are to be made for women—same qualifications: serious, dependable, not sharp-tongued, not overfond of wine. Servants in the church are to be committed to their spouses, attentive to their own children, and diligent in looking after their own affairs. Those who do this servant work will come to be highly respected, a real credit to this Jesus-faith.

I hope to visit you soon, but just in case I’m delayed, I’m writing this letter so you’ll know how things ought to go in God’s household, this God-alive church, bastion of truth. This Christian life is a great mystery, far exceeding our understanding, but some things are clear enough:

He appeared in a human body,
    was proved right by the invisible Spirit,
        was seen by angels.
He was proclaimed among all kinds of peoples,
    believed in all over the world,
        taken up into heavenly glory." 1 Timothy 3:8-14 MSG

I decided to cut the lesson from Chapter 3 into two sections. This is the second part and will cover the requirements of being church servant leaders.

Although most of this letter is self-explanatory, let us highlight at least 10 points that Paul was charging Timothy, in regards to those who want to serve in the different capacities, in the different ministries within the church must also posses these characteristics:

1) Like the Leaders which we tackled in Lesson #3, Servants appointed should have a good reputation and respected within the church and the community.

2) They should also not be deceitful or two-faced.

3) They should not be addicted to alcohol.

4) They must be eager to serve, rather than eager to be served.

5) They should not take for granted their salvation, which is free but not cheap.

6) They must be tested first and have proven themselves worthy.

7) Their spouse should possess the same characteristics.

8) They should not engage in gossip and should be careful with their conversations.

9) They should take care of their chilldren, their family and their affairs.

10) And they should be faithful to their spouse.

Meaning, pastors, leaders and servants all basically share the same qualifications.