Text: 1Ti 3:1
A. Demand for leaders in the church.
Leaders are necessary in every aspect of society. a. Countries need governments to provide leadership (Rom 13:1-2). b. Homes need fathers to provide leadership (Col 3:18,20). c. Churches need men to provide leadership (1Ti 2:11-12).
In the church, and in the home, God has commanded men to take the lead. a. Woman was made from man (1 Cor. 11:8). b. Woman was made for man (1 Cor. 11:9). c. Woman was formed after man (1 Tim. 2:13). d. Woman was deceived, not man (1 Tim. 2:14).
Since God prohibits women from assuming leadership roles in the church, men need to respond to their God-given responsibilities to lead in the church.
B. Dearth of leaders in the church.
Lack of desire. a. Some do not take the lead because of their lack of desire to serve as leaders. b. The foremost qualification of a leader is that there must be a desire (1Ti 3:1). c. Leaders in the church need to have the desire to serve as leaders because they have to be self-motivated.
Lack of knowledge. a. Some do not take the lead because of their lack of knowledge of God’s word. b. Moses was hesitant to lead God’s people because of his ignorance (Exo 3:13). c. Leaders in the church need to have knowledge of the Bible because they have to make decisions in accordance to the wisdom of God’s word.
Lack of ability. a. Some do not take the lead because of their lack of leadership ability. b. Moses was hesitant to lead God’s people because of his ineloquence (Exo 4:10). c. Leaders in the church need to have leadership ability because they have to inspire others to follow their lead.
Lack of confidence. a. Some do not take the lead because of their lack of confidence to lead. b. Moses was hesitant to lead God’s people because of his insecurity (Exo 4:1). c. Leaders in the church need to have the confidence to lead because they have to make difficult and unpopular decisions at times.
Lack of example. a. Some do not take the lead because of their lack of good example. b. Moses was hesitant to lead God’s people because of his inadequacy (Exo 3:11). c. Leaders in the church need to have good example because they have to set an example for others to follow.
Fear of commitment / responsibility. a. Some do not take the lead because of their fear of commitment / responsibility. b. Moses was hesitant to lead God’s people because of his indifference (Exo 4:13). c. Leaders in the church need to be committed / responsible because they have to earn the trust of others.
C. Development of leaders in the church.
Leaders. a. By showing good examples and enthusiasm in serving (1Co 11:1). b. By seeking out potential leaders and training them (Mat 4:19).
Church. a. By honouring and supporting current leaders (1Th 5:12-13). b. By encouraging potential leaders to step up to take on leadership roles (Heb 10:24).
Parents. a. By showing good examples of leadership in the home (Col 3:21). b. By bringing up their children in the way of the Lord (Pro 22:6).
Wives. a. By being exemplary in their conduct (1Ti 3:11). b. By being supportive of their husbands (Gen 2:18).
Children. a. By being obedient and submissive to their parents (1Ti 3:4-5). b. By being good examples in the church (1Ti 4:12).
Self. a. By choosing a virtuous wife and raising godly children. b. Desire – By laying up our treasures in heaven (Mat 6:21). c. Knowledge – By diligent Bible study and prayer (Act 6:4). d. Ability – By developing our talents (Mat 25:29). e. Confidence – By putting our confidence in God (1Co 2:4). f. Example – By practicing what we teach (Mat 5:19). g. Commitment / Responsibility – By accepting our God-given responsibilities (Luk 12:48).