In my term as GCI President, I have worked with many of our longtime leaders helping to process them into retirement. It has been a privilege to come alongside these fine people. Whatever role you play in the life of the church, please realize you perform this service for a season. That’s an important lesson that I have learned. We are all interim servants. Yes, the ranges of time vary, but eventually, we will all be replaced.
Can we think about transitions with advanced planning and preparation? Succession may not be immediate, yet I suggest that it is urgent. It deserves our attention and care.
Whether you are a pastor, a ministry Avenue champion, or another position of leadership, what would advance planning and preparation look like? The critical question is, “Who are you bringing along beside you?” What traits are you looking for? Let’s consider what Paul wrote to his young protégé Timothy.
The saying is sure: whoever aspires to the office of bishop desires a noble task. Now a bishop must be above reproach, married only once, temperate, sensible, respectable, hospitable, an apt teacher, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, and not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, keeping his children submissive and respectful in every way— for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may be puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace and the snare of the devil. 1 Tim 3:1-7 NRSVA
If a person is going to be an overseer of a congregation, fellowship group, or Avenue, there are markers that cannot be overlooked. I see these markers fitting into three categories.
Character
We are talking about the faithfulness of Jesus being evident in the life of a mature believer (not a novice). There are several examples in this passage that call to mind an often-overlooked gift of the Spirit — self-control. Self-control includes being moderate in food and drink and displaying an even temperament and emotional stability. These are fundamentals that must be present.
I challenge us to think about character from the standpoint of action and how we, as followers of Christ, engage others. Biola University President, Dr. Barry Corey, said that we Christian leaders need to live with a firm center and soft edges. I believe what he was saying is that we must be firmly centered in relationship with Jesus — loving him whole-heartedly, and then allowing his love and grace to extend to our neighbor through our actions and words. Jesus told us the new commandment was to love others as he loves us — he set the example of how to love. He also told us that dedication to and participation in the two great commands encompasses the entire message of the law and the prophets. You may not have thought of character in this fashion, and yet Jesus summarizes the message of the Bible in the call to love God and to serve others. Jesus, who was full of grace and truth, wants us to be likewise.
Credibility
Credibility can be described as reliability and trustworthiness demonstrated through relationships. An example might be a faithful, loving spouse, an attentive parent who manages the household well, or a good neighbor with a good reputation (not a brawler or heavy drinker at the local bar, etc.).
Corey wrote a book with the simple title, Love Kindness. As he interacts with faculty and staff, he finds that being kind has great rewards. On the day that the board meeting of the National Association of Evangelicals was hosted on the Biola campus, Corey was observed walking down the sidewalk with a box of doughnuts enroute to the custodial offices. He was demonstrating appreciation to staff members who are often overlooked. This was not a difficult task, but to acknowledge coworkers with something as simple as a doughnut is an act of kindness.
Calling
Paul, as a leader called by Jesus (remember the Damascus Road), possessed God-given discernment to know what to look for and see in others as emerging leaders. He recorded the sound advice above for Timothy.
I suggest that other veteran leaders in the church would also have this same kind of discernment to ask and answer, “What do we see in this individual?”
Then what about the individual? What do they see in themselves? Do they desire the role of a leader? Do they see how God has been preparing them along the way? Will he or she continue as an eager learner? Are they enthused and energized by the calling? As current leaders, it is crucial to have these kinds of conversations with protégés as they are developing.
It is important that we pay heed to Paul’s instructions that continue in verse 8. For any person taking on a service role in the life of the church, these instructions are relevant.
Deacons likewise must be serious, not double-tongued, not indulging in much wine, not greedy for money; they must hold fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them first be tested; then, if they prove themselves blameless, let them serve as deacons. 1 Tim 3:8-10 NRSVA
Servant leaders need to be above reproach and demonstrate the evidence of a Christlike life. Holding the “mystery of the faith” is non-negotiable. This means believing in the triune God revealed in Jesus, trusting in him for salvation, and finding depth of identity in a personal relationship with him. Others can follow this person because they are following Jesus.
Our shared GCI vision for Healthy Church includes the expectation of healthy leaders who are actively recruiting other women and men who can be prepared to step up. As GCI President, it is my desire to see leaders like you and me embrace the reality of our interim status while doing the advanced planning and preparation for the future of GCI.
Looking to the future, Greg Williams
P.S. Susan and I enjoy visiting U.S. presidential libraries and then checking them off our bucket list. Recently, we were at the President Eisenhower Library in Abilene, K.S. I’ll leave you with a quote from “Ike” Eisenhower. It’s great advice for the young ones coming behind. “Learn as much as you can from those who know more than you, who do better than you, who see more clearly than you.”
10 thoughts on “Character, Credibility, and Calling”
How many times has this healthy “passing of the baton” taken place in Jesus’ church for the past nearly 2,000 years? It’s not only vital to Jesus’ body, the church, but also for the individual’s spiritual and physical health. We seek to be of maximum service to God and others as long as we have breath. It’s a new adventure every time!
Thanks, Greg! Loving God with our whole heart and neighbor as we love ourselves is an action! Observing upcoming leaders in our fellowship and encouraging them of their value in service to Our Triune God is vital!
Greg, Your contribution underscores the essential basics of Christian leadership. As we look forward, my prayer is that we would more in coupling the experience and wisdom of seasoned leaders with the vibrancy and learning eagerness of the “up and coming” younger generation. We come back to the impoortance of mentoring.
I like the timeless quote from one of the most capable generals to ever live. Coming from Ike Eisenhower, it’s even more powerful. And it reminds me of a quote attributed to everyone from Jack Welch to Marissa Mayer. It’s is not as elegantly put, though it is more pithy: “If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.”
Thank you Mr Greg for the continued words of hope and encouragement given with Godly wisdom. May we each apply these to our lives and continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
How many times has this healthy “passing of the baton” taken place in Jesus’ church for the past nearly 2,000 years? It’s not only vital to Jesus’ body, the church, but also for the individual’s spiritual and physical health. We seek to be of maximum service to God and others as long as we have breath. It’s a new adventure every time!
Thank you for the encouragement word
Regarding credibility, some scholars say that reduced to its essential qualities it comes down to two components: Competence and character.
In the military the slogan “an officer and a gentleman” seems to contain the same qualities.
Thanks, Greg! Loving God with our whole heart and neighbor as we love ourselves is an action! Observing upcoming leaders in our fellowship and encouraging them of their value in service to Our Triune God is vital!
Greg,
Your contribution underscores the essential basics of Christian leadership. As we look forward, my prayer is that we would more in coupling the experience and wisdom of seasoned leaders with the vibrancy and learning eagerness of the “up and coming” younger generation. We come back to the impoortance of mentoring.
I second this statement sir!
I like the timeless quote from one of the most capable generals to ever live. Coming from Ike Eisenhower, it’s even more powerful. And it reminds me of a quote attributed to everyone from Jack Welch to Marissa Mayer. It’s is not as elegantly put, though it is more pithy:
“If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.”
This is a very good message and one that we all should carefully consider because our present is our future.
Thank you Mr Greg for the continued words of hope and encouragement given with Godly wisdom. May we each apply these to our lives and continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.