Qualifications and Moldy Bread

Misti and I are preparing to attend the Covenant Church Planters Assessment Center this Wednesday through Saturday. The purpose for this assessment is to determine whether or not I am qualified and called to be a church planter. I have spent time reviewing the passages in I Timothy 3 and Titus 2 to remind myself of the specific biblical qualifications for spiritual leadership. These reflections reminded me of the significant emphasis that Scripture places on the qualifications for leaders. Sometimes in church, leaders are those that are either available or nominated, rather than qualified and called. One of the things the church needs most are those who that are qualified and called.
Those called to this office are not supposed to be spiritual rockstars, but servants to Jesus. The best church leadership begins with Jesus at the top. Ephesians 5:23 says that, "Christ is the head of the church." You may think it goes without saying, but I think it's important that Jesus be realized and recognized as our leader. He should be at the top of the organizational chart of every church. Leaders then submit to his authority and encourage others to do the same. Below are the passages from I Timothy 3. I pray that I may continually meet these qualifications as I hope to lead us forward. Throughout history some have questioned the necessity of these standards saying things like, "If Jesus is at the center, then doesn't he use flawed people." There are many responses to this kind of comment, but I think of it like eating a hamburger. The meat in the middle (Jesus) can be perfect, but if the bread is moldy then the burger is not worth eating. Moldy bread makes Jesus look bad. I know Jesus has got his part taken care of. Now the church must do our best to reflect him well. We are under grace, but we serve a King and Lord, and should not take this lightly.

I Timothy 3:1 The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil. 8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. 11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 13 For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.