The Secret of Success - Church Leadership

Pre-service Scripture Reading

1 Timothy 3:16 NIV

Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.

Introduction: Panel Discussion (The secret to success)

What qualities do women appreciate in their husbands/the father of their children?

What qualities do men appreciate in their wives/mother of their children?

What qualities do you appreciate in a boss or supervisor?

What qualities do you value in community leaders?

What qualities are essential in the president of the United states?

What, in your opinion, qualifies someone to be a pastor, elder, board member, or other type of church leader?

The qualities we value differ depending upon the roles people play

Today’s message is “The Secret of Success — Church Leadership”

So far, we have seen that Paul’s letter established necessary principles for the church…brick by brick.

Let’s briefly review...

In chapter 1, he admonished Timothy to deal with the false teachers that threatened to destroy the church at Ephesus.

1 Timothy 1:3–4 NIV

As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith.

These elders were leading the people away from the message of the Gospel — this was a serious matter that needed serious attention, from a qualified leader

In chapter 2, Paul addressed the issue of Biblical and God-honoring practices of worship in the church. We can safely assume that the false teaching going on probably encouraged a wrong approach to worship.

1 Timothy 2:1–3 NIV

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior,

He went on to exhort men to lift holy hands in prayer and women to come to worship in simple faith without the trappings of their former lives of idol worship — ready to learn and grow

Chapter 3 of 1 Timothy takes the next logical step when Paul lays out the qualifications necessary if someone desired to be a pastor or deacon.

Interrogatory: How would Paul evaluate today’s church leaders?

Everything rises and falls on leadership — John Maxwell

Transitional: What is the secret of success for today’s church leaders?

WHAT QUALIFIES A PASTOR?

1 Timothy 3:1–7 ESV

The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become 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, into a snare of the devil.

Exposition:

Overseer: the one who can’t do everything but can make sure everything gets done

Overseer: episkopos - those appointed to watch over and protect the local church community

In simple terms: “if anyone wants to provide leadership in the church, that

is a good thing…but you must be qualified to do such a thing

“If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task”

“aspires” — “stretch one’s self forward to grasp” — “aims at” — “desires”

What one does voluntarily is more esteemed than what he does when asked or ordered

Aspire here does not refer to selfish ambition — desiring position for the sake of pride

In Acts 20, we find Paul giving farewell exhortations to the elders and leaders of the Ephesian church

Acts 20:28 NIV

Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.

Shepherd/Pastor —

poimen

Ephesians 4:11 NIV

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers,

Elder: presbuteros - an elder over an assembly of Christian believers

Titus 1:5 NIV

The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.

Bishop: episkopos — overseer, superintendent

Titus 1:7 NIV

Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain.

…what qualifies a pastor?

Must be well-thought-of

Reputation in the community, among friends and family, in the church, online, etc.

Approachable/accessible

…what qualifies a pastor?

A manager — not a Ruler

A servant leaders - looking to Christ as our example

A good father — attentive to his children — teaching them to be respectful and obedient

…what qualifies a pastor?

Maturity

Watch out for pride — countless Christian leaders have been destroyed by pride and it’s consequences

Cool and collected

Not pushy - gentle

Not easily offended

Not greedy

Serious about the responsibility of leading others --- a person of deep devotion and consistent spiritual disciplines

Not a novice — not a new believer

A man’s gifts may take him where his character cannot keep him

…what qualifies a pastor?

Morality and Integrity

The devil constantly waits…he has traps set all around

We must not fall prey to his schemes

Not a drinker

…what qualifies a pastor?

Committed to His Wife

Faithful to his wife — in every way

…what qualifies a pastor?

Hospitable

Generous, kind, sensitive and discerning

Able to Teach

Application

Always aware of your own faults and weaknesses — alert to the attacks of the enemy

Translation: Paul also sets forth qualifications for deacons

WHAT QUALIFIES A DEACON?

1 Timothy 3:8–13 NIV

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

Exposition

Deacon: diakonos — servant or minister

…what qualifies a deacon? Very similar to pastor/overseer --- faithful husband — good father —

…what qualifies a deacon?

Good Character

not a drinker

Sincere and honest

Trustworthy

Dependable

…what qualifies a deacon?

Doctrinally Sound

A student and the living word

A disciple of Christ

A learner

…what qualifies a deacon?

Tested — Proven

…what qualifies a deacon?

Testimony

You can’t give what you don’t have

CHALLENGE

These qualifications for pastors, elders, deacons (board members), and all areas of Christian leadership are essential

We could take any one of these traits and list examples of what happens when a leader fails…it can be devastating, with eternal results for lots of people

The message is entitled, “The Secret of Success for Church Leadership”

All of these characteristics are vital…but there has to be more...

What is the foundational secret of success for church leadership? The thing upon which everything else is built?

1 Timothy 3:14–16 NIV

Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.

BEYOND ALL QUESTION…THE MYSTERY (SECRET) FROM WHICH TRUE GODLINESS SPRINGS IS GREAT — IT IS JESUS — OUR LIVING SAVIOR — WHOM WE SERVE AND REPRESENT AS HIS PEOPLE.

A living relationship with Jesus is the secret to qualified church leadership

This truth is foundational for church leadership — and it is true for everyone that desires to follow Christ

It’s all about Jesus

Where do you and Jesus stand today?