Credible Servant Leaders

Please see the links to our EXTRA Bible Study notes at the bottom of the page.

Opening Prayer

God my Father, at this time I call upon Your Name and I seek Your face. Meet me in this hour.

Read 1 Timothy 3:8-13

^[8] In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. ^[9] They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. ^[10] They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. ^[11] In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. ^[12] A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. ^[13] Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

Meditate

You don’t have to have a title to start serving, but all those who have a title should have service in their job description, in both their attitude and their activities.

Think Further

We need to remember that Jesus preached about servant leadership and also modeled it, most vividly in the washing of the disciples’ feet (John 13:1-17). When we come to choose church leaders, we know that no one is perfect. However, the closer a leader is to Jesus Christ, the greater likelihood we will see true servant leadership.

Paul gives us here a series of parameters from which to choose deacons in the church. The whole approach is based on the fact that candidates are believers and have a personal relationship with God (9). They must live out the Gospel in their personal lives and family life (11-12). It seems that the expressions of faith in different areas of life are as important as their declaration of belief. The testimony of life proves the truthfulness of the commitment to Jesus Christ and the consistency of actions with God’s principles.

For many decades the Christian church has often embraced corporate or political models of leadership. The problem has been that we have idealized these models while ignoring the biblical standards. Although the church can profit from some of the practices and lessons in the business world, it is necessary to begin with the biblical requirements for leadership, such as outlined here by Paul.

Some recent research on effective business leadership has revealed that the corporate world is looking for leaders with integrity as well as professional skills. In other words, businesses are looking for something similar to Paul’s list for the church. Then why should the church seek to emulate corporate leadership styles? God-given integrity makes much better leaders; they become “credible.”

Apply

How is your church equipping future leaders by preparing men and women to be consistent with the Gospel?

Closing prayer

Lord Jesus, my Servant Savior, I am constantly challenged by Your words and Your ways, Your attitudes and Your actions. Grant me a servant heart, loving others in Your name.

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