Over the next few days, I will be posting some summary thoughts as we approach the Installation of Elders this coming Lord’s Day. I pray that each member of Grace will read and apply the direction given here.

Choosing a Leader

“It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” (Ephesians 4:11-12) “Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer (pastor/elder), he desires a noble task.” (1 Timothy 3:1) “The elders (pastors) who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.” (1 Timothy 5:17) “As apostles of Christ, we could have been a burden to you, but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us. Surely you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. You are witnesses and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to lead lives worthy of God, who call you into his kingdom and glory.” (1 Thessalonians 2:7-12) “To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder … Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers (pastors) – not because you must, but because you are willing.” (1 Peter 5:1-2)

Determining that one has been called into the ministry is one of the most important decisions that a man can make. It involves a lifetime of service, filled with a mixture of every imaginable emotion – ranging from intense sadness to deep joy – as the pastor attempts to shepherd people from all walks of life, often with serious and constantly changing personal needs.

And next in importance to the man’s personal decision, is the church’s decision that the man (or men) in question is the man (or men) who should lead their local body. It is important because God has given the parameters of his work and the necessary qualifications required of the man of God. For a church to put its stamp of approval on men to lead, it is saying that the church is in agreement that these men have met all of the requirements which God has stipulated and that they are a good fit for their particular local body. Such a decision carries with it a great deal of responsibility and, thus, choosing a man should never be done in a cavalier fashion.

We have worked hard here at Grace these past three months to insure that the right care has been given in choosing these men who will lead this local body. On this coming Lord’s Day, we will put our stamp of approval on these men. As we approach that day with excited anticipation we would do well still to consider the entire process of choosing these men and be as certain as we can of God’s leading.

The following questions will help you to assess these men’s call to lead and aid you in your confident choice to approve their leading.

• Is this man morally qualified to fill the office of elder? (1 Timothy, Titus, 1 Thessalonians, 1 Peter)
• Does this man have the education, training or experience to fill the job?
• Is this man qualified for and will he be satisfied to fill the role of elder/pastor in this particular local body?
• Does this man know the Word of God?
• Is he committed to the inspiration, inerrancy and authority of God’s Word?
• Is he a man of prayer?
• Does this man’s theology track with the church’s theology?
• Is his personal life-style one that would set a good example in the community?
• Does he clearly love his wife and treat her with respect?
• Will his wife be a credit to his ministry and the ministry of the church?
• Will he work well with the other church leaders?
• Is he in full agreement with the church’s doctrinal statement, constitution and the church’s stated position on “What We Teach”?
• Will he actively shepherd the souls of the members at Grace?
• Are his views on marriage, divorce and remarriage consistent with God’s Word and will he apply those convictions regardless of the pressures to compromise from any member of Grace?
• Will he lead in carrying out the church’s practice of discipline when dealing with unrepentant believers?
• Are his personal finances in order?
• Does he appear to be a man of both courage and vision?
• Is this a man whom the church can respect and follow as an example?
• Does this man have a servant’s heart?

As you can see, this list lends itself best to those members who “know these men” – who have taken the time to get close to their lives as we have moved through this instruction and examination process. Now is not too late for you to use these questions to test your own intimacy with the men we are calling to lead. Applying due diligence and faithful discernment will assure that God’s direction is affirmed.

There is one other element we should consider. Even as the church is careful to apply its responsibility to examine those called to lead, she must be willing to have herself examined by them. How does she measure up?

• Are there current problems in the church that you can work to solve?
• Is the membership unified around the truths that we defend?
• Is the love for “one another” clearly evidenced in our relationships?
• Is the church committed to fulfill the Great Commission?
• Do the members want someone who will be honest with them in dealing with their lives – accepting God’s Word as it is applied faithfully?
• Is the church ready to follow these men with equal zeal?
• Will the members submit to their direction?