8 Perfectly Impossible Qualities Every Church Leader Should Have
So a church leader must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach. He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money. He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church?
1 Timothy 3:2–5
Okay, let’s make a list…
- Faultless
- Faithful
- Self-controlled
- Wise
- Honorable
- Hospitable
- Advisor
- Sober
- With a Perfectly Well-behaved Family
The truth is, based on that list, I don’t know anyone who is qualified to be a church leader.
For example, perhaps you, like me, have noticed that the “manage his own household” challenge is easier said than done. Every member of every household comes with free will, opinions, and a sinful nature. Did God really intend that a problem in a pastor’s household is a deal-breaker that disqualifies them from the ministry? Was He really demanding perfect wisdom and faultlessness?
I certainly hope not.
I think the point Paul was making is important for all of us . . . those who are full-time church workers and those who serve as part-time volunteers:
Spiritual life begins at home!
God wants us to make our families a priority. Whether our career is in ministry, business, education, or anything else, we are each called to love and serve at home.
So, before you and I are tempted to judge our pastors and point out all the perfectly impossible qualities they are failing to exhibit . . . we must remember that we are not living those qualities perfectly either. We need God’s grace. Our families need God’s grace. And our church leaders need God’s grace as well.
Will you join me and pause today to take this list of qualities to the throne of grace? I think we all need God’s love and forgiveness in many of these areas. And Good News!
Let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
Hebrews 4:16
Mercy for forgiveness and grace to help us change. If that list of impossible qualities is something God wants for His children . . . He will give those who turn to Him the strength they need to begin to make them a priority.
What a blessing to serve God who is able to make the impossible—POSSIBLE!
A Prayer for God’s Mercy and Grace with our Perfectly Impossible
Father, forgive me. I can be so quick to see the imperfections in others while failing to admit them in myself. I don’t want to admit that I am not faultless, or faithful, wise, and self-controlled as You want me to be. I can be quick to point out the weaknesses in other families while overlooking those in my own. I am so sorry. Please help me to be caring and compassionate. Help me to first show Your love in serving my family. Help me faithfully and willingly make the people with whom I live a priority. Help me love like Jesus.
And when I’m poured out and spread thin please help me run to You for rest and renewal. Please graciously fill me with Your Spirit that I might grow in faith and know, trust, and obey Your will. Please make possible those perfectly impossible qualities Your want in me. I love You, Lord. I pray to live every moment of every day for Your glory. I pray this in the name of Jesus, who makes all things possible. Amen.
You and I have been shown so much grace. May we all extend that same grace to each other as we make it our personal goal to focus on the author and perfecter of our faith—Jesus. May we all make our families a priority. May we encourage our church leaders to take the time they need to make their own families a priority.
May we love like Jesus!
On today’s note write:
Today, I will trust God to make the perfectly impossible possible in me!
May God bless you today as you trust God to work in you and help you live with the qualities He tells you He wants for you.
Click here to read the rest of 1 Timothy 3.
You are so right about putting our own households in order before pointing the finger at others. When we realize how difficult that is, may we be humbled and ask God for His grace to do what is impossible for us, but not for Him.
Blessings, Deb!
Amen, Martha! Thanks for being such a faithful visitor and encourager. Have a wonderful day!
We need to humble ourselves before the Lord daily and not to be quick to judge others. It is not our place to do so. Jesus is the just judge and our saviour. When we fall short Lord, help us to realise this and amend our ways. Thank you Deb for shining a light on this and may God bless you.
Angela – Ireland