Choosing A Leader/Elder

September 6, 2010

Choosing a leader/Elder for your church is one of the most important decisions a planter makes. Yet, choosing a new leader is often one of the most difficult things to get right. In the life of a church plant, appointing leaders/Elders to guide the church is a “make or break” issue. If there is one thing experience has taught me, choosing the wrong person(s) to lead in a new church will destroy it quicker than anything I know. That's why I coach planters not to even think about permanent leadership structures for at least two-years.

So, how do you choose a leader(s) to serve on a board or to become “Elders” of your church. Whatever nominclature you use for your leadership structures, principles remain unchanged. Let me suggest four actions for you, as the pastor/planter, and six characteristics to watch for in picking a new leader.

1. Prayer & Fasting

Choosing a new leader/elder for a church has become way to politicized and based to often on popularity. Little time, if any, is given to fasting a praying when making a decision to place someone in a position of leadership. Paul told Timothy “Don’t lay hands on anyone in haste…” (1 Tim 5:22) Why? Well he doesn’t tell us why, but it is very obvious isn’t it? Leadership in a church is a spiritual action and requires due diligence before appointing someone to serve.

If it is a spiritual action, then it needs a time of spiritual preparation. Choosing a church leader is not a simple political appointment. It should only be done after a time of prayer and fasting. I have seen too many pastors choose a leader to quickly and with no spiritual emphasis and it led to disaster.

2. Patience

Above all things, be patient! Don’ rush in where angels dare to tread. I have coached multiple planters who have felt pressure from those in the new church to appoint leaders/elders. Often by those who themselves want to be in charge. In my opinion, in a new church, a leader should not be placed into a place of permanent leadership until after year two. Why? That leads to the third action.

3. Observation

You need time to watch those who may be potential leaders for the church. Watch for what? First of all, watch for biblical traits of a leader. Spend time reading through Paul’s words to Timothy and the qualifications of a leader. Listen, it’s easy to sound good or look good. That is why interviewing a potential church planter rarely works. Past behavior is the only good indicator of future actions. Only time will give the firm foundation for determining who would make a good leader.

Secondly, look for these six characteristics: He/she:

1. Carries the vision of the church – (willing to fight to keep the vision focused, even in your absence.
2. Is respected by others
3. Has a proven track record of leadership
4. Has a teachable spirit. Takes counsel well and is willing to change
5. Understands that the church needs to remain relevant –(may require change of direction)
6. Has a servant attitude. Is willing to clean the toilets! (In fact, start them out here and see how they react. Their behavior and attitude will tell you everything.)

4. Listen

Listen to what others say. Paul told Timothy to look for someone with a “good reputation” (1 Tim 3:7), Sometimes it takes the counsel of others to get a good leader. Don’t trust in your own judgment alone. Here is a concept you can take to the bank: Some potential leaders act perfectly in your presence and yet others see them in a whole different light. If you have worked in the church for any length of time at all, you know this to be true. “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” (Pro 11:14) take time to listen to those around you, they may know something you don’t.

Posted 9/6/2010 in Stephen Gray | 1 Comment - Add Comment

Comments:

     In my experience... Not many congregations - Not many believers - Not many Pastor/Reverends - Take the qualifications, found in the Bible, for “Elder/Overseer” seriously today? Why did Paul give qualifications if not important? And very tough qualifications. Yes? The Bible talks about “elders/overseers” and **qualifications** for “elders/overseers.” You can’t have one with out the other - Can you? The first qualification for “elder/overseer” - * Must Be* **Blameless** 1 - A bishop (overseer) then *must be* **blameless**... 1 Tim 3:2 2 - For a bishop (overseer) *must be* **blameless**... Titus 1:7 **Hmmm? “Elders/Overseers” *Must Be*... That *must be* is the same Greek word as: ...You *must be* born again. John 3:7. Seems to be a small word - but very important. Yes? *Must Be* is Strongs #1163, die. - It is necessary (as binding). Thayer’s - necessity established by the counsel and decree of God. “elders/overseers, *must be.* Hmmm? Very important or...? **Hmmm? **Blameless**... How important is this word? Strongs #423 - anepileptos - inculpable, blameless, unrebukeable. Thayer’s - that cannot be reprehended, (cannot be, rebukable, reprovable, cannot find fault) not open to censure, irreproachable. Dictionary - Without fault; innocent; guiltless; not meriting censure. Synonyms - faultless, guiltless, innocent, irreproachable, spotless, unblemished. 1 Tim 3:2 ASV - The bishop therefore must be without reproach... 1 Tim 3:2 NIV - Now the overseer must be above reproach... 1 Tim 3:2 NLT - For an elder must be a man whose life cannot be spoken against. How many, who honestly examine themselves, seriously considering this one **qualification,** (*Must Be* **Blameless,**) can see themselves as **Blameless,** without fault, above reproach, and thus qualify to be an “elder/overseer?” And if you can see yourself as **blameless:** Is that pride? And no longer without fault? The Bible talks about “elders/overseers.” And **qualifications** for “elders/overseers.” (*Must Be* **Blameless,**) Can you have one without the other? Hmmm? This is only one of many tough qualifications. And there are tough **qualifications** for the children also. Ever meet anyone, with their children, who fulfills ALL the qualifications? :-( And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall “hear My voice; “ and there shall be “ONE” fold, and “ONE” shepherd. John 10:16 One Fold - One Shepherd - One Voice - Jesus