What qualities from 1 Chronicles 9:12 should modern church leaders emulate?

Background of the Verse

“and Adaiah son of Jeroham, the son of Pashhur, the son of Malchijah; and Maasai son of Adiel, the son of Jahzerah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Meshillemith, the son of Immer.” (1 Chronicles 9:12)

Even in a single genealogical line the Spirit highlights qualities worth imitating. These men were priests who helped repopulate Jerusalem after the exile (vv. 2, 10–13), re-establishing worship in the restored temple.

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Qualities for Modern Church Leaders to Emulate

• Firm spiritual identity and accountability

– Their lineage is carefully preserved, underscoring God-given calling and public transparency (cf. 1 Peter 2:9).

– Leaders today should be equally clear about their calling and live lives that stand up to examination (1 Timothy 3:2).

• Multi-generational faithfulness

– Five generations are named for each priest, showing a chain of covenant loyalty.

– Pass the faith on “to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2).

• Wholehearted service to God’s house

– The surrounding verses describe them among those who labored “for the work of the service of the house of God” (v. 13).

– Serve with the same zeal: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart” (Colossians 3:23).

• Courage and spiritual valor

– Verse 13 calls them “mighty men of valor,” a warrior term applied to priests committed to worship.

– Church leaders must combine conviction with courage (1 Corinthians 16:13).

• Team-oriented ministry

– Adaiah and Maasai are listed alongside other priests, emphasizing cooperative leadership rather than lone-ranger ministry (Ephesians 4:16).

• Resilient commitment to restoration

– Returning from exile demanded endurance and hope; they rebuilt worship amid ruins.

– Modern leaders should persevere in renewal, trusting God to restore His people (Galatians 6:9).

• Integrity anchored in priestly holiness

– As sons of Pashhur and Immer—families once rebuked for compromise (Jeremiah 20:1; Ezra 2:37)—these men model repentance and restored integrity.

– Maintain holiness and readiness to correct past failures (1 Peter 1:15-16).