Leadership and Character

Jesus uses an interesting analogy when he rebukes the Pharisees in Matthew 23.  He tells them that they are guilty of cleaning the outside of the cup or dish, likening the metaphor to their obsession over outward adherence to the law to the exclusion of inner faithfulness.  Unfortunately, we are sometimes guilty today of ignoring Jesus’ words and acting quite pharisaical ourselves.  All too often, if a person shows promise in outward capability to do ministry, we (the community of the church) may not press very hard to ensure stability of character.  A developing leader who shows promise in ministry competence in many different ways, and yet has not cultivated a life after Christ, is a person building their house on sand.  With no foundation, collapse is inevitable – It is only a matter of time.  There are sadly abundant examples of this principle leading to the failure of many Christian leaders.

Thus, Paul instructs Timothy to watch his “life and doctrine closely” (1 Tim 4:16).  If anything in ministry is of supreme importance it is ensuring that you are following Christ before ever encouraging others to follow your example (1 Cor 11:1).  We are never told to “seek first” success in ministry.  Instead, we are told to make as our first priority, the main occupation of our thoughts and direction of our effort, to live faithfully before our King.

Competencies include characteristics beyond ministry skills.  In addition to knowledge, skills, and abilities, a competency could include such qualities as values, motivation, initiative, and self-control.  That is why it is an integral part of our ministry formation that students are evaluated continually on our demonstration of Christ-like character (defined above).  A student’s character in attitude (internal values) is proven by a demonstration of character in action (external values).

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