The Quality that Makes a Church Leader Great!

by winterb6 at www.sxc.hu

The 7 Oaks Church of Christ has been going through the process of appointing new elders and deacons. I have thought much about church leadership during this process. Tonight, we witnessed something special at Bible study that continued to reinforce, in my mind, what makes a church leader great.  

We have one brother who is loved and respected by the church.  This brother is a tireless worker and encourager for so many.  However, he knew there could be some objections to his serving as an elder, because he didn’t have biological children or begin raising his step-children until later in their life.  He said he would withdraw his name if brethren objected to his serving.  Tonight, he withdrew his name in the most humble of fashions.  He was so complimentary of the eldership, the congregation, the preachers, and those who objected.  He expressed hope and optimism for the future of the church and expressed his commitment to the congregation.  It was never about him, but about the church!  

What did this brother illustrate that makes a great church leader?  He put the good of the church above himself.  This is what good elders and elderships do. This is what faithful preachers and youth ministers do.  This is what I want to always do and pray my children will do throughout their lives!

This is what every Christian should do.  Christ died for the church!  The church is greater and more important than any one person.  The church leader who truly loves the church will put what is best for the church above himself.  After all, isn’t this what our Lord did on Calvary!

[Eph. 5:22-33; Acts 20:28]