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.
There were three specific things required for people to help lead and administrate in the church. Yesterday we covered the first one, which was, a good reputation. There are two remaining.
2. FULL OF THE SPIRIT
Obviously, these leaders must have the skill to do what they are appointed for, but the Apostles wanted them to understand, that in church leadership you need not only knowledge but also the Spirit of God. That was not just imperative then, but it still is today. We can’t just look for people with ability when selecting leaders in the church; we must have men and women that are Spirit-Filled and Spirit-Led.
One of the reasons is, when you’re dealing with people in the church, you must be equipped to handle Spiritual needs. You can’t just lead and manage people; you have to love them and be sensitive enough to know when they are going through something, and also how to help them. Church leadership is more than a job, it’s a calling from God, and the ministry of the church. It’s important to know how to complete a project, but there will be times when a person’s needs are more important than the project.
3. FULL OF WISDOM
It has been said many times, that wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge. Even though that is true, it goes much deeper. The Bible tells us in James 1:5 If you want wisdom, you have to ask God for it. In my opinion, when you find someone that has wisdom, you’ve also found someone that has a prayer life and understands the importance of communicating with God. For a church leader, this is powerful, not just because you gained an individual that has attained knowledge, but you have someone who understands the value of a prayer life.
Wisdom is a guide that directs you on your leadership journey. Without it, you will not know where you are going. The truth is, you’ve never traveled this way before, and it’s all new territory. However, when you have wisdom, it guides you through the unknown.
There will be decisions, which within yourself, you cannot make without wisdom.
Even when you are dealing one on one with an individual, wisdom will step in and help you communicate with them.
In church leadership, everything is about timing, and wisdom will reveal that to you, and keep you calm through the process.
Here are a few things to remember about wisdom in leadership.
* WISDOM COMES THROUGH PRAYER
* WISDOM TEACHES YOU HOW TO APPLY KNOWLEDGE
* WISDOM IS A GUIDE ON YOUR LEADERSHIP JOURNEY
* WISDOM HELPS YOU MAKE DECISIONS
* WISDOM ENHANCES YOUR COMMUNICATION
* WISDOM REVEALS TIMING
We don’t just need leaders in the church today; we need men and women that have these three non-negotiable qualities.
1. A GOOD REPUTATION
2. FULL OF THE SPIRIT
3. FULL OF WISDOM
