EMD 12 Key Qualities for Leaders in the English Ministry

English Ministry Committee English Ministry Discussion 12

Key Qualities for Leaders in the English Ministry

26 October 2003

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Author:: English Ministry Committee

Status of this Document

This document describes a common framework for ministry within the English Ministry. Suggestions for improvements are welcome.

Distribution of this document is unlimited.

NOTE: This document has been approved by the Deacon Board. Subsequent changes to this document (other than minor corrections) will require further approvals from the Deacon Board.

Author's Contact

The English Ministry Committee is responsible for the comments on this paper. They can be contacted by the usual means.

Abstract

This document lists a number of key qualities that are expected of leaders within the English Ministry. A number of biblical principles of leadership are outlined. These are then applied to the English Congregation into a number of specific practice principles.

Table of Contents

Introduction Key Principles for Leaders in the English Ministry Biblical Principles Specific Practice Principles Leaders in the English Ministry should not be a newcomer, nor a recent convert Leaders in the English Ministry are encouraged to attend the Evening Service/fellowship groups regularly Leaders in the English Ministry should be consistent in character Leaders in the English Ministry should place quiet time and relating to God as a priority Leaders in the English Ministry are expected to work in a team Leaders in the English Ministry are expected to be responsible for their actions For "up-front" roles, character in front of a crowd is particularly important There are certain significant personal difficulties that should be resolved before joining leadership roles

Introduction

1.The quality of leadership is paramount for a faithful ministry. Whereas the world looks for leaders with the necessary skills and abilities to perform the functions required, God looks for godly leaders with the right heart to lead his people.

2.The English Ministry has long recognised the need to select people of quality character to carry on leadership roles within the Ministry. This document sets out in writing the key qualities of which candidates are expected for the purposes of the English Ministry. This will then ensure consistency in future appointments of people into leadership positions.

3.Note that this document consists of principles, rather than rules. It describes the general expectations of leaders within the English Ministry, rather than a strict "checklist". The exact application of these principles can vary depending on the needs and characteristics of the ministry group, as well as other factors relating to the candidate.

Key Principles for Leaders in the English Ministry

Biblical Principles

4.Leadership is described and prescribed by the Bible in a number of different ways. While in the Old Testament, leaders tended to be associated with position and status, in the New Testament that leaders were more associated with a servant figure. Christian leaders are to be Christ-centred, spirit-empowered and of certain character.

5.A typical Bible passage that describes the qualifications required of Christian leaders is 1 Timothy 4:6-16. From this passage, a leader should:

(1)be brought up in the truth of faith (v. 6)

(2)follow good teaching (v. 6)

(3)train to be godly (v. 7)

(4)put one's hope in the living God (v. 10)

(5)command and teach (v. 11)

(6)set an example (v. 12)

(7)devote to public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching (v. 13)

(8)not neglecting one's gift (v. 14)

(9)be diligent (v. 15)

(10)be seen to progress (v. 15)

(11)watch one's life and doctrine closely (v. 16)

(12)persevere (v. 16)

6.A Christian leader should also be aware of the fundamental nature of ministry: one of service. Jesus presented himself as one who serves, to the extent of giving his life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). Jesus' humility becomes the norm for the life of the disciples (Matthew 20:28; Luke 22:27). Being a servant of all is the only path to greatness for a Christian (Mark 9:35; 10:43).

7.Other parts of Scriptures provide the following additional principles. Note that the Scripture references provided are typical, and are not meant to be exhaustive. Quotations are primarily from the ESV and NASB.

(1)Christian leadership is delegated to us by God. Leaders are serving as "stewards of the mysteries of God" (1 Corinthians 4:1-4; cf. Luke 16:1-5), being "entrusted with the gospel" (1 Thessalonians 2:4), and "according to the will of God" (1 Peter 5:2-3). As a result, leaders are accountable to God for their use of the leadership given to them (1 Corinthians 4:4).

(2)Christian leadership is Christ-focused. Leaders are to "know nothing" other than Christ and him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2). Leaders are to lead with the aim of moving all to maturity in Christ (Ephesians 4:11-15; Colossians 1:28).

(3)Christian leadership is empowered by God. It is not leaders who change people, turning them towards God, but rather it is God himself who changes people (Psalm 127:1 for an interesting proverb; John 6:44-45; 1 Corinthians 3:6-9).

(4)Christian leadership is centred on the proclamation of the Scriptures, which is the Word of God (2 Timothy 4:1-5).

(5)Christian leadership is prayerfully dependent (Colossians 4:12).

(6)Christian leadership is life-exemplified (1 Timothy 4:12; Hebrews 13:7).

(7)Christian leadership is mutual service (Mark 10:43-45) and encouragement (Romans 1:11-12.

(8)Christian leadership is about loving people (John 15:9-17). If possible, insofar it depends on the leader, Christian leaders should live in harmony with everyone (Romans 12:9-21, especially v. 18).

8.Christian leadership is change-demanding. The leader's focus in leading is to help people become Christians and grow as believers. The leader's purpose is to bring about maturity in Christ, which is shown in attitudes, belief and actions, both in themselves as well as the people whom they are leading.

Specific Practice Principles

9.All the biblical principles above can be applied in the context of the English Ministry to produce a number of pertinent specific practice principles. These are described in the paragraphs below.

Leaders in the English Ministry should not be a newcomer, nor a recent convert

10.Some time of continual regular attendance is required to establish a candidate leader's "credentials" as a godly Christian possessing the qualities required to become a leader. As a rule of thumb, candidate leaders should have attended the church regularly for at least a year before being considered for leadership positions.

Leaders in the English Ministry are encouraged to attend the Evening Service/fellowship groups regularly

11.In addition to regularly attending the ministry groups in which they serve, leaders in the English Ministry are also encouraged to attend the Evening Service, as well as the corresponding youth/fellowship/small groups (together "ministry groups").

12. At the present time the Evening Service is the only formal place where all the ministry group leaders and members of the English Ministry Committee meet in fellowship. Fellowshipping with other leaders, in addition to the members of ministry groups, is an important part of a leader's spiritual life.

13.Regular attendance of the Evening Service and fellowship groups also helps in the character assessment of the candidate leader as described in the previous principle. In particular, fellowship groups are testing platforms for one's integrity in belief and action.

14.Of course, it is understandable that some leaders, especially those whose ministry groups meet on Sunday mornings, may find it logistically difficult to attend the Evening Service. However, arrangements will be made, where possible, to resolve these logistical difficulties.

Leaders in the English Ministry should be consistent in character

15.A leader's character should be consistent across different situations. Substantial differences in character when dealing with different kinds of people are a cause for concern.

16.The faithful and committed is preferred over the flashy, charismatic star or the short-term enthusiast.

Leaders in the English Ministry should place quiet time and relating to God as a priority

17.This is the expected from a focus on a leader's godliness and character, rather than skills. Spending enough quality, reflective time in developing one's relationship with God is essential for continued growth in godliness and Christ-likeness.

Leaders in the English Ministry are expected to work in a team

18.Ministry within the English Congregation almost always occurs in a team context. The ability to work in a team (and the associated quality of humility) is essential for service in the English Ministry.

19.Teamwork requires respect, trust, acceptance, and discovery. A leadership team is expected to seek to be united in Christ within the diversity of the team members, rather than enforcing uniformity amongst each of the members.

20.The faithful team member is preferred over the hot-shot lone ranger, regardless of skills.

Leaders in the English Ministry are expected to be responsible for their actions

21.Leaders will be held accountable for their actions, both within and outside the leadership context.

For "up-front" roles, character in front of a crowd is particularly important

22."Up-front" roles are roles related to the performance of some functions in front of a large number of people. Examples of such up-front roles are worship leaders and musicians in a Worship Service.

23.Because of the potential influence of a large number of people that these roles bring, particular attention is brought to the leader's character when in front of a crowd.

24.An example of a temptation for those who fill these roles is pride. The fact that a leadership role is up front should drive the leader to extra diligence in working out humility.

There are certain significant personal difficulties that should be resolved before joining leadership roles

25.In particular, candidate leaders who have significant personal difficulties, such as academic difficulties or relational conflicts, should seek to address them before entering leadership roles.

26.Significant academic difficulties may be an indicator of a lack of diligence, discipline or time management qualities, qualities required or expected of in faithful ministry (see biblical authorities, as well as paragraphs 5, 7, 11 and 21). In addition, difficulties may also suggest that resolving these difficulties would result in a lack of time and availability to serve.

27.Candidate leaders should further examine the causes of and factors underlying their significant academic difficulties in the light of the Scriptures to see whether any character issues are involved. If there were, steps should be taken to address them before entering leadership roles.

28.The danger for candidate leaders with significant relational conflicts is that these difficulties may be brought over into the leadership position. Given the relational focus of ministering in the English Congregation, such difficulties could be harmful to the candidate leader's ability to serve.