Sound leadership is vital to the church of Jesus Christ. Many problems that divide, disempower, or distract local churches from their God-given mission can be traced to failures in leadership. At the same time, the role of a leader in the local church is a difficult one. Hours are spent in meetings. Problems abound. Personalities collide. It is no wonder that many mature believers who are spiritually qualified to lead decline to accept leadership roles. And sadly enough, often those who are really not ready for leadership eagerly seek the role, craving the power and prestige that it offers. Let us glean a few basic principles on the rewards and risks of leadership from 1 Timothy 3 and 5, and 1 Peter 5.

Regarding the rewards of leadership, we note that it is “a noble task” to be a leader (1 Tim. 3:1). Elders and deacons “gain an excellent standing” and “great assurance in their faith” (1 Tim. 3:13), meaning that they have the joy of seeing Christ bear spiritual fruit in them. They see their own faith in action, giving visible evidence that they are God’s children, born again through the blood of Christ. Good leaders lead willingly, with eagerness to serve others (1 Peter 5:2), receiving the joy of blessing others and of placing their own needs below those of others. They have the satisfaction of knowing that they are following Christ’s own example, and the wonderful anticipation of a special reward from Christ, the “crown of glory that will never fade away” (1 Peter 5:3).

But there are also risks for those who would lead. There is a temptation to love the power of leadership (1 Peter 5:3). There is greater accountability to God since they know the commands of Scripture well (James 3:1). And there is the knowledge that discipline for elders, when necessary, must be public (1 Timothy 5:20).

These passages speak specifically of elders and deacons and teachers (and of course, pastors). But the principles apply generally to all who exercise authority in the church of Jesus Christ. Let us suggest a few guidelines for present and future leaders.

If your motives are wrong, your leadership will neither please the Lord nor benefit the church.

Leaders often “burn out” because of the constant burden they bear. Churches do well to place mandatory term limits on leadership positions, so that leaders can rest and “recharge their spiritual batteries” before continuing to serve as leaders.

Let us thank our Lord for the leaders He gives to us. Let those of us who lead, do so according to the Lord’s guidelines. And let us help our leaders to stay spiritually strong, so that Christ may be glorified, and the church may grow and prosper in the Lord’s work. ¨