Leadership Qualifications

[Coaching Lesson #7 from our Serving Leadership Development Program—Beginning the Journey, Phase 1]

How would you describe the characteristics and qualities of a leader who leads, loves, and serves like Jesus? 

Before stepping into a leadership role or elevating others to a position of leadership, we should first consider what God’s word says about the qualifications necessary to lead others. We often see church leaders who are selected because they have been successful leaders in business or other areas of life. However, the scriptures show us that leadership in God’s kingdom is far different than the leadership of the world.

Qualifications of Christian Leaders (1 Timothy 3:1-12)

Paul tells Timothy to closely examine those who aspire to become leaders in the church. While these traits or characteristics specifically apply to leaders within the church, they represent the kind of character God desires from all of his followers. A careful examination of the qualifications reveals that those who aspire to leadership must have public lives consistent with their private lives. Paul believed that those who enter into a leadership role should “first be tested” (vs. 10). While no one perfectly measures up, we should all strive to achieve these qualifications. With that in mind, how do you measure up?

The Heart of Leadership (1 Samuel 16:1-7)

The Lord makes it clear in this passage that the people He chooses to lead are called on the basis of their character and not on their outward appearance or personal accomplishments. Qualifications for leadership in God’s kingdom are not measured by stature, degrees, background, or personal success. 

What is God looking for? No one is qualified to lead—by God’s standard—until the heart is ready. Skills, intelligence, and hard work are great assets to leaders, but God reminds us that there is only one thing that is absolutely necessary. God looks primarily at the leader’s heart.

Discussion Questions:

1. What does it mean to be “above reproach?”
2. What are some behaviors that might disqualify someone from Christian leadership? (Read 1 Peter 2:1-2 and 1 Peter 5:2-9)
3. “God cares more about one’s character than He does about their knowledge, skills, and abilities.” Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?