How can we apply the principle of leadership selection in our church? Setting the Scene: Numbers 13:3 “So at the command of the LORD, Moses sent them out from the Wilderness of Paran. All the men were leaders of the Israelites.” God Himself initiated the sending. Moses simply obeyed. The twelve were already recognized leaders within their tribes. This single verse lays down a pattern: • Leadership is God-directed, not merely human preference. • Those selected are already functioning as leaders among their own people. • Obedience to God’s timing and method is essential. Core Principles Observed 1. Divine Initiative • John 15:16 — “You did not choose Me, but I chose you.” • We begin by asking, “Whom has God already marked out?” not “Whom do we like most?” 2. Proven Character • Exodus 18:21 — “Select capable men… God-fearing, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain.” • Consistent faithfulness in small things signals readiness for greater responsibility. 3. Representative Leadership • Numbers 1:4 — tribal representatives assisted Moses in the census. • Our committees, boards, teams should reflect the makeup of the congregation. 4. Accountability • Acts 14:23 — “Paul and Barnabas appointed elders… with prayer and fasting.” • Public recognition binds leader and congregation together under God. New Testament Echoes • Acts 6:3 — choose men “full of the Spirit and wisdom.” • 1 Timothy 3:1-13 — moral, relational, doctrinal qualifications. • Titus 1:5-9 — elders must hold “to the faithful word.” • 1 Peter 5:2-3 — servant-hearted oversight, exemplary lives. Practical Steps for Our Church 1. Saturate the process with prayer and fasting (Acts 13:2-3). 2. Identify where spiritual fruit is already evident. Look for: • Consistent attendance and participation • Servant attitude without title • Teachability and humility 3. Evaluate by biblical qualifications, not popularity: • Character: above reproach, self-controlled, trustworthy • Competence: able to teach or serve effectively • Conviction: doctrinally sound, Scripture-anchored 4. Involve current leadership to lay hands in public affirmation (1 Timothy 4:14). 5. Provide training and mentoring before installation (2 Timothy 2:2). 6. Keep terms and responsibilities clear, written, and agreed upon. 7. Maintain ongoing evaluation and encouragement, correcting early if needed (Galatians 6:1). Guarding Against Pitfalls • Majority isn’t always right; ten of the twelve spies led the nation astray (Numbers 13:31-33). • Emotion and charisma can overshadow obedience; examine fruit over time. • Avoid tokenism; representation must never trump righteousness (Proverbs 29:2). Encouraging Fruitfulness When we pursue God-directed selection: • Unity deepens (Philippians 2:2). • Mission advances; faithful leaders inspire courageous followership (Joshua 1:16-18). • God receives glory as the body functions “properly, growing and building itself up in love” (Ephesians 4:16). |
    |