Who to lead?

At the moment we are meeting with people in Benjamin who has been part of this church or another. As we are getting to know them the issue of ministry, leadership, doing something in the church comes up. And a lot of times about leading worship. It seems like the outlet of the energy for young people has been leading worship, or being part of the worship band.

Who to lead is one of the most important issues we face when planting or restarting a church. A good leader can be a real blessing but a bad one can seriously hinder growth and development.  So what to look for? Well here are three things I’m thinking about at the moment:

1. Character. Always more important than gifting. But gifting is more apparent and attractive. But without character and good attitude it can be a real pain. Choosing the person who is a little less talented but with a good character always pays off in the long run.
2. In process. With this I mean that the person is aware of their own weaknesses and sins and that they are a person in a process of change, sanctification. Brokeness over ones own sins almost automatically gives an merciful attitude to others. The opposite, a person who feels ready with themselves and would like to change others gives of a perfectionistic atmosphere which is very unattractive.
3. Relationship. It’s important in church to first connect on the level of being brothers and sisters in Christ, like it’s important in life to connect to anyone firstly as a human being created by God. Being brothers and sisters doesn’t involve work, so that kind of meeting, call it meeting between pilgrims, has a different flavor to it. After that comes the task. Without the relationship foundation the work is too vulnerable to conflict, as there are no base for communication and resolution.

I’m sure theres more, but these are my thoughts today J Never rush into these things, people deserve good leaders, children even more. Resist the temptation to “fill the gaps to make the machinery work”, they’re worth it!