“Never be in a hurry about appointing a church leader” (1 Timothy 5:22 NLT).
Paul gave young Timothy good leadership advice on how to raise up leaders in the church at Ephesus. Literally, his advice was, “Don’t be hasty in the laying on of hands.” In other words, “Timothy, take your time before promoting someone.” In another place, he told Timothy, “Before elevating someone to leadership, put them through a time of testing and examination” (1 Tim.3:10).
In our church, we use the acronym F.A.T. (Faithful, Available, Teachable) to help examine potential leaders. If they demonstrate these three traits, we look for ways to give them more authority to see how they progress. If they do well, we promote them.
We’ve learned that it’s better to be short on leaders for a little while than to rush to raise up those who will disappoint and do harm later.
PRAYER: Dear Father, help us to raise up leaders from the younger generation who can carry the gospel to the next. Give us wisdom to know who can be entrusted with leadership. In Jesus’ name, amen.