Timothy and Titus Training 101

As a past leader of many leader volunteers for a large event, I learned quickly, in the first year, in fact, that the bar had been set very low by the persons who preceded me. There were volunteers who were merely “warm bodies” trying to be overseers of young students. There were those who had personal issues who needed help themselves before they should lead others. There were those who were bullies and self righteous. There were some who were merely out to get what they could for themselves, (worth, value, self esteem, popularity, a possible way up the ministry ladder to other works, etc.) It was a mess.

God guided us through that first year and gave us a revelation from His word and guidance through His Holy Spirit because I cried for wisdom, insight and understanding. Our new mantra was, “Set the bar higher and you will get a higher quality person”. Train volunteers to do the work we are expecting them to do. If they resist training then they are probably not who we need at this time. I would rather have ten qualified trained individuals to do the work than twenty who didn’t have a clue. Can you see how much more trouble you will have when you don’t choose well and train them to be and do what is expected to help others grow in Christ?

Needless to say, because it was “not how we have always done it”, we were met with resistance. It was even said, “You will not have enough leaders if you have these requirements AND training!” Guess what…we did! AND, there were no more discipline issues as in the past and the youth we ministered to were safe and secure with the people we chose AND trained. By placing importance on selection and training, quality, teachable people stepped up and were excited to be part of something that was meaningful and would make a difference in someone else’s life. Yes! God led the way through this situation and we followed His guidance in selection and in the training we would give them. God will choose for you, if you listen and follow.

Who do we look for as potential leaders? Paul tells Titus plainly what requirements should be considered.

Titus 1, The Message
A Good Grip on the Message
5-9 I left you in charge in Crete so you could complete what I left half-done. Appoint leaders in every town according to my instructions. As you select them, ask, “Is this man well-thought-of? Is he committed to his wife? Are his children believers? Do they respect him and stay out of trouble?” It’s important that a church leader, responsible for the affairs in God’s house, be looked up to—not pushy, not short-tempered, not a drunk, not a bully, not money-hungry. He must welcome people, be helpful, wise, fair, reverent, have a good grip on himself, and have a good grip on the Message, knowing how to use the truth to either spur people on in knowledge or stop them in their tracks if they oppose it.

What do we learn?
–Choose well. Train well.
–Raise the bar when looking for leaders who will lead God’s church in various capacities.
–It is not fair to choose just “anyone” for that person will be frustrated being chosen for a role he/she is not capable of doing.
–Let the Holy Spirit guide you. Always.
–Get a good grip on The Message…and never let go.

Dear Heavenly Father,
You have given much thought through this passage and we remember what happens when we listen to You and choose well. Help us all to keep a good grip on The Message of salvation. Teach us, still, to express it in ways that help people, not do harm.
In Jesus Name, Amen