Movement Leaders Have Christlike Character
Part 1 of a series on how to identify, develop, and send leaders
I made my shortest post ever to make a point: the key to moving from addition to multiplication is leadership development. When I started that post, I began thinking about everything that leadership development entailed, realized that I would need to write a book to get out all of my thoughts, and switched to keeping it as brief as possible to really drive the point home.
I wrote a few paragraphs, made the three and a half minute voiceover, then closed my laptop with a sense of accomplishment. I wouldn’t have to pick up the topic again for a while.
Then Andy commented. He is looking for help, and I am happy to share what the Lord has taught me in hopes that it will help you too. But I have a feeling this is the start of a multi-stage post.
The first step is identifying leaders, so we’ll start there today. Actually, we’ll start with the first part of the first step.
Pre-Requisite Learning
There’s only one thing that I have come up with by myself in pursuing movements. Everything else, I have gotten from someone else or developed in a community of other brothers and sisters.1
So before diving into my thoughts, you should dive into the studies that have influenced me. The three big studies that anchor everything I do in identifying leaders are:
These points will frame the next three posts.
Elder qualifications in Titus 1 and 1 Timothy 3
By “leader” I don’t mean only “elder”. People can (and should) lead out in different areas of the church, but all types of leaders should exemplify Christ-like character. 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9 give the most clear character lists in the entire New Testament.
An elder must be blameless, the husband of one wife, with faithful children who cannot be charged with dissipation or rebellion. For the overseer must be blameless as one entrusted with God’s work, not arrogant, not prone to anger, not a drunkard, not violent, not greedy for gain. Instead he must be hospitable, devoted to what is good, sensible, upright, devout, and self-controlled. He must hold firmly to the faithful message as it has been taught, so that he will be able to give exhortation in such healthy teaching and correct those who speak against it.
Titus 1:6-9 (NET)
A leader must exhibit most if not all of these attributes before looking to see if they have the skills of leadership. It doesn’t matter how gifted a person is, if they don’t have a passion to pursue holiness in Christ, whatever they start will eventually crumble.
I like what Curtis Sergeant says: not all multiplication is good. Tumors come from the rapid multiplication of unhealthy cells. We don’t want that. We want healthy, Christlike multiplication.
When I see someone with the skills of leadership, I always start developing their character first because it is so essential.
Ticking Time Bomb
There have been a handful of times where I have witnessed a disciple-maker given more leadership responsibility without the integrity to back it up. Sometimes, I’ve been the one to raise up this person. Every time, this has created a ticking time bomb that wreaks havoc when it finally explodes.
Churches fizzle, disciples leave, feelings are hurt, and it only gets worse. I’ve seen this lead to divorce, adultery, falling away from the faith, alcoholism, and almost every other sin in the book.
This usually happens when I see so much potential in someone that I overlook their immoral habits. Maybe I am taken in by their charisma, or maybe they are eager and keep showing up. Either way, I put the mission ahead of what Jesus really wants in that moment. He wants all of His children to be more like him.
Taking time to examine someone’s fruit before trying to make them into a leader is never time wasted.
The Hope
No one is perfect and growing in holiness is a lifelong process, so I never write off anyone. My first step in training any leader is helping them grow in Christlikeness, and several have overcome sin or immaturity so they can lead other disciples as well.2
If they grow in faithfulness, then it might be time to give them more responsibility, but if they don’t, then it’s clear that I should look to invest deeply in someone else.
Remember, charm and giftedness are not the basis of being a leader. Your best leader may be the mild-mannered friend sitting right next to you in your church gathering. Look first for character, not charisma.
This is part 1 of an 8ish part series. Be sure to subscribe to see to keep up with the rest.
Want to learn more about Movements in America? —> Get The Book
Sign up to pray for my ministry! —> Pray
Donate to support my work —> Donate
All of this is lessons learned by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, of course
I’m thankful for those who have walked with me in the same way!
Thanks, Roger. :)
This is a gonna be a great series!