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CHALLENGES OF LEADERSHIP (1 TIMOTHY 5:17-25)

REFLECTION

“Challenges of leadership” is the theme for our reflection. Challenges are difficult situations or tasks that require great effort and determination. On the other hand, Leadership is the ability of an individual or a group of people to influence and guide followers or members of an organization, society or team. Leadership often is an attribute tied to a person’s title, seniority or ranking in a hierarchy. Challenges of Christian leadership are difficult situations or impediments that require great effort, discernment, wisdom, determination and the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome in the church. With good leadership skills and the power of the Holy Spirit, one can overcome challenges of leadership in the Church. Paul gives guidance to Timothy on how to be an impactful leader in the Church of Ephesus.

Firstly, one of the major challenges that confront Christian leadership is the little or lack of motivation of pastors or those who are into the full-time ministry of preaching and teaching the Gospel. Workers are motivated to give their maximum best if they are motivated. Paul encouraged Timothy to be the type of leader who motivates those who dedicate their time and energy to the core business of the church. “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honour, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 18 For Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and “The worker deserves his wages.” (1 Timothy 5:17-18) In other words, a church requires spiritual growth or development of its members and this can only happen if some people are engaged in preaching and teaching the Scripture or the Word of God regularly. This is the fundamental calling or mandate of the pastor. catechist or an evangelist. The church is required to adequately cater for the needs of those who are into the vocation of preaching and teaching the Word of God. Christian or church leadership must have good conditions of service and proper remuneration that takes care of the economic, academic, health and family needs of those called or engaged to dedicate their entire life to the preaching and teaching of the Gospel towards the quantitative and qualitative growth of the church. Quantitative growth refers to the increment in numerical strength of the membership and qualitative growth refers to the spiritual and moral growth of members of the church.

Secondly, one of the challenges of Christian leadership is performing a quasi-judicial function. A leader who makes partial and hasty decisions may become unjust in his judgement or decision. A leader’s decision or deamination of disciplinary issues must not be based on mere allegations. A leader must respect the rules of natural justice by hearing the other side of the issue, and examining facts and pieces of evidence before arriving at a firm and just conclusion. Paul advised Timothy, “Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. 20 But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning. 21 I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favouritism.” (1 Timothy 5:19-21).

Thirdly, a Christian leader has the challenge of examining people carefully before commissioning them into Christian leadership. It calls for due diligence to identify those who have the calling to serve the Lord. It is easy to be deceived or misdirected by a person’s outward appearance. Christian leaders must exercise great patience and do the necessary background checks before commissioning, consecrating or ordaining members into the ministry of the Lord. Appointing unqualified people will jeopardize the reputation and ministry of the Church. The goal is to identify god-fearing people, with high moral values with proven integrity to serve in positions of leadership or service in the Church. Again, as Christian leaders, we must be careful not to be influenced by material things or money so as to compromise our integrity, faith or standards. It is for this reason that Paul wrote to Timothy, “Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.” (1 Timothy 5:22)

Christian leadership is an extraordinary calling. It requires the highest spiritual and moral standards and integrity. It is a call to demonstrate the perfect image of Christ and to be a great example for other believers to follow. It is not surprising to see the caveat in James 3:1, “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.”

In summary, we have discovered that Challenges of Christian leadership are difficult situations or impediments that require great effort, discernment, wisdom, determination and the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome in the church. May our Christian leaders be emboldened to overcome the challenges of the Church in the twenty-first century Church. Shalom.

PRAYER

Holy Spirit, grant our Christian leaders wisdom, discernment and courage to overcome the challenges of leadership in the church. Amen