How can we ensure our church leadership aligns with biblical principles like in Ezra 6:18? Setting the Benchmark: Ezra 6:18 in Context Ezra 6:18: “And they installed the priests in their divisions and the Levites in their orders for the service of God at Jerusalem, according to what is written in the Book of Moses.” • The restored temple community did not invent its own leadership structure; it returned to what was “written in the Book of Moses.” • Their primary concern was fidelity to God’s revealed pattern, not personal preference or cultural convenience. Clarifying God’s Pattern for Leadership • Scripture defines leadership offices and qualifications (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). • The Lord assigns specific roles—overseers/elders, deacons, and gifted servants (Philippians 1:1; Acts 6:3-4). • Authority is derivative, never autonomous (Matthew 28:18-20). Leaders serve under Christ, the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4). Identifying Biblically Qualified Leaders Character • Above reproach, faithful in marriage, temperate, self-controlled, respectable (1 Timothy 3:2). • Not quarrelsome, not a lover of money (1 Timothy 3:3). • Models humility and sacrificial service (Mark 10:42-45). Competence • Able to teach sound doctrine and refute error (Titus 1:9). • Manages household well, demonstrating shepherding skill (1 Timothy 3:4-5). Conviction • Holds firmly to the trustworthy word (Titus 1:9). • Submits to the supremacy of Scripture in every area of ministry (Psalm 19:7-11). Practical Steps for Our Congregation Scripture-Saturated Selection • Establish a written process anchored in the pastoral epistles. • Vet candidates’ doctrine using confessions or statements of faith rooted in Scripture. • Require testimonies of conversion and ongoing sanctification. Congregational Participation • Invite members to observe, interact with, and affirm prospective leaders (Acts 6:5-6). • Encourage private and corporate prayer for wisdom (James 1:5). Training and Mentoring • Provide systematic discipleship and leadership internships (2 Timothy 2:2). • Pair emerging leaders with seasoned elders for accountability and growth. Transparent Communication • Publish qualifications, responsibilities, and evaluation criteria. • Offer regular updates so the body can discern integrity and progress. Ongoing Evaluation and Accountability • Conduct annual reviews, measuring life and doctrine against 1 Timothy 4:16. • Rotate teaching and ministry opportunities to reveal strengths and blind spots. • Employ plurality of elders to avoid unhealthy concentration of power (Acts 14:23). • Utilize church discipline when necessary to address sin and protect the flock (Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Timothy 5:19-20). Encouragement and Assurance • When leadership aligns with Scripture, the church enjoys unity, spiritual health, and credible witness (Ephesians 4:11-16). • God honors congregations that conform to His revealed blueprint, just as He blessed the returned exiles who installed priests and Levites “according to what is written.” |
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