Leadership Journal

Qualified leaders are hard to find. But the search becomes even more difficult when we look for the wrong qualifications. Churches invariably seek candidates who are godly and of good reputation. Does the candidate's calling match the position? Is he or she passionate, devoted, gifted? Good questions, good qualities, but the most important qualification is often overlooked.

At Elmbrook Church, our council selects new elders when a position is vacated. For years, I have advised the council with one plea. "Please, oh please, find candidates who are wise." Passion and vision are important traits, but wisdom points vision in the right direction and keeps passion pushing in the proper places.

Consider this scenario: The pastor announces, "It is my belief that we should double our attendance in the next two years and add 100 new small groups in the next 100 days."

The board sits silent and stunned. No one asks, "Where did you get those numbers? Why 100 in 100?"

The pastor's discernment isn't examined. Instead, the pastor is applauded for his passion, and the proposal is accepted.

Later, when the small groups barely reach half the goal number, and when attendance rises by one-fourth his projection, the pastor's undiscerning zeal is turned against him. Some in the congregation chide him. Others are confused. Trust in his leadership is eroded.

In contrast, I have studied Stuart Briscoe during the 20 years I served as associate pastor at Elmbrook. Many would identify preaching as Stuart's primary gift, but I think of his wisdom. When Stuart made decisions, the people assented because they recognized the selflessness, fairness, and rightness behind the decisions. Wisdom gives leaders the authority to lead because it gives followers a reason to trust.

Serving with Stuart, and now as his successor, I hope to continue to point to wisdom as one of the chief criteria in our church's search for leaders.

How do we find wise leaders? Based on biblical criteria and personal experience, I've created a list of seven questions to discern a candidate's wisdom.

1. Does this person live a life of grace?

Wise spiritual leaders have a vision of God's flow of grace to us and through us. They go with that flow. The decisions they make in the church about programs, people, and budgets are in tune with God's works of grace and compassion. A wise leader, therefore, will reflect a generosity of spirit, a love for mercy, and the ability to forgive.

This is why James warns about people motivated by envy and selfish ambition. Sometimes ambitious people are appointed as leaders because they are willing to step in where others are not. But such self-interest is out of touch with God's grace-work. Wisdom is absent when a leader is looking more to get than to give.

2. Do others seek this person's counsel?

Wise people influence by planting seeds in the hearts and minds of others. Wise people are trusted. Their words are deep and sound.

For many years I have seen people seek out one of our leaders when ...