Qualified: Integrity, Character, and Ethics in Spiritual Leadership

The Apostle Paul declared his own need for on-going discipline and diligence, lest after preaching to others he would become "disqualified" (1 Corinthians 9:27). If one can be disqualified from effective ministry, it states to reason that there is also a process of becoming qualified. What is involved in becoming (and staying) a ..".vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work" (2 Timothy 2:21)? The great challenge of spiritual leadership is not simply in knowing the right words to say or knowing the right things to do; it is in being the right person. When Moses chose those who would assist, there were qualifications. When the early church chose its workers, there were qualifications. When Paul spoke of bishops, elders, and deacons, there were qualifications. In an ago of skepticism and mistrust, the world and the church is looking for credible, honest, and godly leaders who are full of integrity and honor. Trust is the currency of ministry, and for us to do our job - both in the church and in the world - we must be qualified!