Carolyn Faines

LEAD510
Discussion Forum 7
March 3, 2016
Dr. Dann Austin
Discussion Forum 7
The qualifying criteria identified in (Howell, Ch. 23) should be a part of any person in a
leadership position or Christian organization. Pauls greatest concern as spoken in (Howell, pg.
287) was the maturity and emotional stability of those who are appointed to leadership. Any
elder, deacon or community leader appointed to any type of leadership should be capable of
leading people in all honesty, truth, and sound mind.
1 Timothy 3:1-8 talks about Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.
They should be faithful to his wife, having temperate, self-controlled, respectable and not given
to drunkenness and should be able to govern their own family, not violent but gentle, not
quarrelsome, not a lover of money. In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere,
not indulging in much wine, and not pursing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep
truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing
against them, let them serve as deacons. Taking on the role of leadership, is not something that
is to be played with or used for a personal gain. A personal belief is that upon taking on
leadership responsibilities one should first examine his/her self to see if they are willing and
ready to sacrifice self-ambitions for others. When assuming a position in leadership; whether it is
a Pastor, school principal or government official the same leadership qualities apply. A person in
the place of leadership should show how to demonstrate not only Christ like characteristics, but
also a humbled, caring and dedicated attitude to the people in which you are leading. A person
cant lead others when they cant even govern or control their own livelihood. There are many
different criterias that defines a persons character of leadership but as Paul stated (Howell pg.
287) a leader should be a person of maturity and one that is emotionally stable and capable of
leading people in truth and honesty.
In conclusion, 1 Timothy 3:15 states that if I am delayed, you will know how people
ought to conduct themselves in Gods household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar
and foundation of the truth.As leaders we have character guides and attributes that identify us as
true leaders. These guides and attributes are found in Galatians 5:22 which states but the fruit
of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and
self-control; against such things there is no law. (ESV) Those in their leadership positions,
Elders, Deacons, and etc. must have these things speaking for them, because we are known as the
fruit we bearand TRUE leaders should not be bearing bad fruit.

References
Howell, Don N., Jr. Servants of the Servant: A Biblical Theology of Leadership. Eugene: Wipf &
Stock Publishers, 2003. ISBN: 9781592444229.