Leadership: A high Calling     

Goal of Class:  To understand some biblical challenges and rewards of leadership.

 Scripture:   1 Timothy 3:1-13; 2 Timothy 2:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; Acts 6:1-6; Exodus 18: 21-22.

1) Prior to the class, passages were assigned to the participants. They are to come prepared to give a brief summary of qualifications outlined in each passage.

(A)     Reasons why you should not consider becoming a church leader

(B)      If you decide to become a leader, what are the requirements?

 Why you should not consider becoming a church leader

1.       The Lord has not called you into it.

2.       You know all the answers (humble)

3.       You are not faithful (to prayer and the word of God)

4.       You don’t have time

5.       It will cost you emotionally (conflicts; people will begin treating you differently; feeling unappreciated; risk failure). 

6.       You don’t know how to delegate (burn out) (lack of effectiveness).

7.       It will cost you spiritually (Satan is not all-powerful; He is not a dummy either). Satan will bring feelings of failure.

8.       You are a new convert. (Not a novice (elders--1 Tim. 3:6). The apostle Paul warned that if an immature believer were quickly elevated to a position of leadership, he would be in danger of becoming proud and "fall into the same condemnation as the devil" (1 Tim. 3:6); that is, he would be filled with the same kind of pride that led to Satan's fall and be subject to God's judgment. Advancing a new Christian too rapidly could lead to his having an inflated, unrealistic assessment of his spiritual condition.

 Why you should consider becoming a church leader

1.       The lord has called you.  You know he can do extraordinary things through ordinary person (e.g. Moses, Joseph, Joshua, David, Sarah…).

2.       You have committed to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. (Rom 12:12).  YOUR PRIMARY CALL.

3.       You are willing to assimilate the word of God (Read Ezekiel 2:8-10).  When confronted by a person who is wrapped up in false doctrine, would he be able to recognize the error? Would he also be able to discuss appropriate Scripture passages that speak to the issue?

4.       Character: You are willing to take on the character of Jesus.  It is not a matter of perfection, but direction.

5.       You are faithful to Him (Moses, Samuel, Jeremiah, Noah, Daniel..).

 The LORD rewards every man for his righteousness and faithfulness. (1 Samuel 26:22-24). 

 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. ….1 Corinthians 9:23-25. 

 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus…Philippians 3:13-15.

 Materials Needed:  Bible