A Leader's Calling

Leadership today is viewed in terms of the position and responsibilities one holds in an organization. Who has he most difficult job? A heart surgeon? A chemical engineer? An Infantry Officer? A pilot responsible for the lives of hundreds of passengers? The list of possible jobs that might rate as the most difficult is endless. The apostle Paul would contend that the job of the Pastor is the hardest. Regardless of the profession or line-of-work, the job role of leadership is without doubt the most demanding. Paul was deeply aware of the vital nature of leaders. Churches sprouted up wherever he visited, but whether they survived or failed depended largely on what kind of leadership developed.

Paul's First and Second Letters to Timothy and his Letter to Titus the “Pastoral Letters.” In these “Pastoral Letters” Paul reveals his concern for the future of the church and leadership within the Christian community. Paul addresses a wide range of issues pertaining to the life and the role of leaders. He instructs his co-worker Timothy to provide the churches with qualified leaders. Paul informs Timothy of the qualifications for those servants in the church. He instructs them in the worship life of the church. He teaches them how to care for the souls in their followers--men and women, young and old, rich and poor. Paul urges Timothy repeatedly to be on his guard against false doctrine and to teach the Word of God faithfully as well as to exhibit a godly life. This social and cultural texture analysis of 1 Timothy establishes a framework for the exploration of the values and ethical requirements and moral leadership development for contemporary leaders as well.

Holy Bible. (1997). King James Version. Grand Raids, Michgan: Zondervan Publishing.