Jesus and Paul

Pre-Conditions of a Church Leader
If anyone wants to provide leadership in the church, good! But there are preconditions: A leader must be well-thought-of, committed to his wife, cool and collected, accessible, and hospitable. He must know what he's talking about, not be overfond of wine, not pushy but gentle, not thin-skinned, not money-hungry. He must handle his own affairs well, attentive to his own children and having their respect. For if someone is unable to handle his own affairs, how can he take care of God's church? He must not be a new believer, lest the position go to his head and the Devil trip him up. Outsiders must think well of him, or else the Devil will figure out a way to lure him into his trap. (1 Timothy 3: 1-7, The Message) A church leader must be:

1. well-thought-of Is this true about you? Be honest, don't delude yourself.
2. committed to his wife You may feel totally committed to your wife, but does she know it?
3. cool and collected Have you blown your temper lately? All leaders come under pressure at times and it's these times that can truly test this particular leadership pre-condition.
4. accessible Is your office door open or closed right now? What does this tell you?
5. hospitable Is it important to you to provide a welcome environment for others?
6. he must know what he's talking about Do you faithfully and diligently do your homework?
7. not be overfond of wine If it happens to be an area of vulnerability, watch out.
8. not pushy but gentle Do you manipulate or do you lead?
9. not thin-skinned Count your blessings, ignore your blisters!
10. not money-hungry Money is never ever more important than people.
11. handle his own affairs well Are any of your personal affairs in shambles?
12. attentive to his own children and having their respect Don't place your ministry ahead of your family.
13. must not be a new believer You probably satisfy this one.
14. outsiders must think well of him What is your reputation in your community?

NOW WHAT DOES THE BIBLE TEACH ABOUT JESUS AND PAUL?