Dangerous Leaders

REFERENCE: 1 Timothy 5:22 Never be in a hurry about appointing a church leader. Do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.

Observation: We sometimes feel pressured in the church to get leaders appointed and serving as quick as possible. The need seems so great and we want to see people ministered and cared for.

While the motivation is pure, the decision to act quickly may not be so wise.

The most valuable thing that the church is responsible for is human souls. It is the only thing that is eternal. If we are too quick to appoint leaders, they may not have the right character, and may end up wounding and hurting the very people we are most concerned for.

Paul has simple advice " don’t be in a hurry. We have to believe and live by the scripture where Jesus says He will build the church and the gates of hell can not prevail against it. If He is building His church then those of us who are working with Him in this endeavor can relax and let Him bring along the leaders in His time. If we don’t have them then He may not be wanting us to try to do more ministry than we can with who we have. We have to trust the true leader of the Church " Jesus Himself.

Application/Confession: I am guilt of appointing leaders who had not proven their character before they began to serve. They were charismatic, committed and said the right things. They were missing one important element " time. I have learned (I hope) to look for proven character over time before I appoint anyone. It is in asking them to be patient and wait that the true character exposes itself.

PRAYER: Lord remind me what not following Your Word on this subject has cost me. Help me to trust you and not to panic and place people who have not proven themselves into ministry. Remind me that when I pray and commit the church to You, You will bring the right people along at the right times.