BIBLICAL MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES.
Chapter 4: QUALIFICATIONS FOR LEADERS.
Qualifications are not natural abilities. They are qualities of character and conduct, evidence of a Godly lifestyle. The test of any ministry is not by spiritual gifts, power or natural ability. Ministries are to be evaluated on the evidence of a godly lifestyle, spiritual fruit. The basics for a Christian leader are:
-Born again.
-Baptized in the Holy Spirit
-Called and anointed to be a leader
-Spiritually mature
A fruit of the Holy Spirit refers to the nature of the spirit revealed in the life of the believer, spiritual qualities which should be evident in the lives of all Christians. Gifts of the Holy Spirit are for power, fruit of Holy Spirit is for character. Kinds of spiritual fruits are:
-The outer fruit of evangelism.
-The inner fruit of godly spiritual qualities.
The fruit of Holy Spirit is found in every act of goodness, righteousness and truth done by believers. The fruit of the Holy Spirit includes love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance. Specific qualifications are:
~Bishops and elders: above reproach, husband of one wife, temperate, self-control, sober and vigilant, hospitable, able to teach, not addicted to wine, patient, not self-willed, not a new convert, loving what is good, just, stable in the word, holy, manages his own household well, having children who believe and good reputation with those outside.
~Deacons: dignity, not double tongued, not addicted to much wine, tested, beyond reproach, husband of one wife, proven, good manager of his own household.
The general qualifications are: vision, excellence ,decisiveness, humor, courage, a positive attitude, equipper, authority, dedicated, intiator, wisdom and knowledge, education, experience, willing to pay the cost, a serving spirit. You cannot develop these qualities in yourself by yourself. The qualifications of a leader can only be developed by allowing the power of the Holy Spirit to work in your life.