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 we often overlook the most important qualification: wisdom. Passion and vision are important traits, but wisdom points vision in the right direction and keeps passion pushing in the proper places.

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 ...