Tuesday, 14th March 2023
Andrews Ampomah
TOPIC: CHURCH LEADERSHIP AND CONDUCT
THEME SCRIPTURE: “if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.” - 1 Timothy 3:15
PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:
- What is Christian behaviour?
- How are church leaders supposed to behave themselves?
Chapter 3 of 1 Timothy primarily tackles how leaders, specifically an Overseer and those who serve in the house of the Lord, should conduct themselves in their roles. We note how a tall order of requirements he lists for anyone who desires the offices of an Overseer and a Deacon.
In our focus today, he tells Timothy the reason why he wrote them. There was the tendency for Paul to either delay or worst of all not being able to go visit the Ephesian church as he wished. If this happens, he wrote, “… you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God.”
Credible institutions all over the world have written and established guidelines that regulate their very existence in their bid to achieve their strategic objectives.
It is worth noting that they have the same constitutions or policies that guide the positions in those organisations. Paul here says, the body of Christ, as a higher institution, should certainly have clear and precise terms of reference for any established and recognised leader. An Overseer or a Deacon cannot behave anyhow in those roles. A leader’s way of life must be in sync with these attributes he lists in the chapter, and the position cannot be left to chance.
He asserts the fact that this should be so because the church of the living God is “…the pillar and buttress of truth.” These are strong words that cannot easily be glossed over. In matters of truth, the Church is the beacon of hope for the world. The Church is the means by which God establishes and dispenses truth.
It will be catastrophic not to have strict behavioural guidelines in choosing and helping to guide the conduct of Christian leadership.
Beloved in the Lord, the church in the last days will be an exalted institution where the nations of our world will rally around to know the ways of our Lord. We cannot take Church leadership for granted. For the church to be the citadel of truth demands that we are guided in appointing leaders who have distinguished themselves in their Christian identity and walk of faith.
Interestingly, Church leadership conduct cannot begin when you and I come into church leadership. It starts now so that we can practice and make all the mistakes we can.
In our small groups in the church and in the home, we are to practice leadership and conduct ourselves well. This will require that we are students of the word of God, to know His will and ways, and His instructions for leadership. God is so much interested in leadership at all levels because leaders influence lives through their words, character and also their faith. Do all you can to shine as God’s true leader in these last days. God bless you.
FURTHER READING – Isaiah 2:1-5
QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:
- How well do you imbibe the word of God?
- How are you ensuring that your life is daily guided by the word of God?
CONFESSION
Heavenly Father, I commit to leading wherever you put me to your glory. I choose to live a life of discipline through the intense study of your word, and living it as the Holy Spirit enables me. I ask for strength for all church leaders to conduct themselves to the glory of our Lord Jesus. Amen
1-Year Bible Reading Plan
Leviticus 22; Psalms 125; Psalms 126; Psalms 127; Luke 5
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