Qualifying Résumés

Contemporary designations, such as “governing board” or “leadership team,” are not biblical terms. Yet there is a clear mandate for trusted and qualified leaders in the Church.

In the Old Testament, the leading men of a town met “at the gate” to make decisions and resolve disputes (Ruth 4:1). Illustrative instances in the New Testament depict leaders, meeting in counsel, to make decisions for the whole community (Acts 6:2; 13.1-3; 15:1-35).

Persons who serve on a governing group must be qualified. They must give personal testimony of salvation (2 Tim. 3:14-15). They are to be living a life that reflects the Lordship of Jesus (Ex. 18:21; Acts 6:3; Acts 11:24; 1 Tim. 4:12).

Leaders with qualifying résumés are committed to the church as members who are regular in attendance and giving (Acts 4:36-37). With their gifts and abilities, they actively contribute to the work of the church for the glory of God (1 Pet. 4:10-11). They are known for their wisdom, expressed with kindness and gentleness (Acts 6:3; 2 Tim. 2:24-25).

Persons in leadership must be willing to give themselves to the work of governing. This requires a significant investment of time and energy (2 Tim. 2:3-7).

Healthy churches do not just happen. They are the product of conscientious leaders who, in turn, inspire the participation of others (1 Cor. 11:1; Phil. 3:17; 2 Tim. 3:10).

A key question is: if I cannot yet cite all these qualifications in my résumé, am I willing to grow into them (Ps. 51:17)?