Acts 6:2 (ESV)
And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables.
I’ve been writing this week about the conflict that happened in Acts chapter six. The Apostles dealt with the issue by making sure the congregation knew the importance of what role ministry played in the church. They didn’t mind waiting on tables to serve people in need, but because of the growth they were experiencing, the Apostles felt it was time for others to get involved in the leadership and administration. With much prayer and caution, they instructed the church to find good men with specific qualifications.
Acts 6:3 (ESV)
Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.
Three important things in this verse qualify a person to lead in the church. I believe those same things should be observed for leaders in the church today.
1. GOOD REPUTATION
The first qualification was, this individual must have a good reputation. I believe this has to do with how a person lives their life in public and in private. In public would mean, how they are perceived by the people around them, and the ones they’ve come in contact with.
Do they have a reputation for being kind to their family, friends, and the people they go to church with? This would also include co-workers. Also, if they own a business, how well do they treat their employees?
Are they careful in conversations? By that I mean, do they make sure their conversations are Holy and not carnal?
What kind of information and material do they post on Social Media?
Do they promote and support unity within the church? This would also include opposing gossip and refusing to have any part of it, INCLUDING LISTENING!!!
Do they live a life of faithfulness? I could write an entire blog on this one, but this question goes right to the core of who a person is. When it comes time to choose someone in church leadership, you don’t just look at one area of faithfulness; you have to look at several.
Faithful to their spouse.
Faithful to their work.
Faithful in church attendance.
Faithful in giving tithes and offerings.
Faithful in Worship.
Faithful in prayer.
Faithful in fasting.
Faithful in Bible reading.
There is no greater quality in church leadership than faithfulness. We’re not looking for perfect leaders; we’re just looking for faithful ones.
I mentioned earlier that these qualifications are what must be found in a person’s public and private life. Obviously, you have to take the word of someone concerning their private life, but I feel like one of the ways you can know if a person lives the life in both is by one important word; INTEGRITY. You see, if an individual has or does not have integrity, it will be revealed. If someone lacks integrity, when no one sees them, I can promise you in time, they will slip, and the truth will come out. The same goes for a person that does, in fact, live a life of integrity when no one was is looking. You will see a person blessed, but also humble. They will not lift themselves up, but you will see them exalted by the Lord.
Someone’s reputation is vital to church leadership.
Proverbs 22:1
A GOOD NAME IS RATHER TO BE CHOSEN THAN GREAT RICHES.
