Healthy Church Leadership -- Elders - 1 Timothy 3:3 and 6

In this message we will be looking at the qualities God is looking for in those who lead His children. Or, for this week, things that are noticeable absent from those who lead!

Life and relationships are not just about the things we do, but about the things we don't do! There are those things we don't do that we should do, and.....there are things we do that we shouldn't do!

This week we will look at six damaging attitudes, temptations, and behaviors that, if present regularly, would disqualify a man from leadership in the church. In 1 Cor 9, Paul expresses his desire to live a disciplined life so that after he has preached to others, he would not be disqualified himself! Isn't that what we want to see in leadership? Men who preach the word and walk in the Spirit. Men who are not telling people to live one way and then living another. Men's whose personal issues are not causing damage to the Body of Christ.

Take a minute to think of your own upbringing and the examples lived out in your home that helped form your attitudes and approaches to life and relationships. What would be some of the more damaging issues experienced in family? What behaviors, especially in a father figure, would do much damage to the well being of the family?

As you consider that question, I think you will see that Paul's list for leaders is not outrageously restrictive, but incredibly wise. I don't think you will struggle one bit to agree with Paul as he reminds Timothy of the things that should be absent from the life of someone God calls to lead. You can read them in vv 3 and 6 of 1 Timothy 3, and then if you want to know more.....

VIEW AND SEE!!!......

Steve

PS.....Remember, these are things that are healthy and useful for everyone, so if you know someone who is struggling at home and doesn't know why.....maybe God's word can help.