The great need of the hour in the church is leaders with Christ-like character and integrity. I have seen some great men of God compromise their convictions, make excuses for that compromise, and fall into sin and destruction. When a leader falls, many innocent people are hurt in the process. In a context of war, we call that collateral damage. The mindset is that you can’t win a war unless you take out a few good people along the way.
While this may be true in the natural world, collateral damage in the spiritual war can be and should be avoided. God will hold us as leaders responsible for our influence on others, good or bad. A person of integrity will hold to some basic principles as a rule of their life and ministry:
1) The principle of financial responsibility. Misappropriation of funds is one of the most common compromises I’ve seen among pastors. Money raised for a specific project should never be used for anything else including putting a portion into general funds. Why? We stand in front of a congregation and make an appeal for funds for a particular need and when we fail to do what we said, we have lied. In the secular world they call it fraud. Ministers have actually landed in prison for bending the rules in this area.
Financial records should always be open and transparent to church leaders and members. Nothing should be done in secrecy and darkness. It’s a good idea to do an in-depth, independent audit once a year. Church records should tell where every penny is spent.
2) The principle of sexual purity. The bible tells us to avoid setting the stage for sin. Pastors should never have meetings with the opposite sex behind closed doors. They should avoid counseling the opposite sex because an emotional bond could form. We should also avoid all appearances of wrong-doing.
3) The principle of leading by example. Our behavior should set the example of being a person of integrity. Pastors should be an example of Christ-like behavior. The opposite of leading by example is leading by criticism. Instead of looking for wrong in others, we should be the model that inspires others to emulate us. Jesus led by example, the Pharisees led by criticism, intimidation, and personal attack.
4) The principle of leading with wisdom. A person of wisdom will attract followers like a magnet. I’ve observed that a minister with great wisdom will find himself 0r herself surrounded by other leaders and ministers who desire to have what they have and desire to be what they are. Those who lack wisdom will find themselves surrounded by dependent people, users, introverts, and people with no vision of their own.
5) The principle of personal responsibility. Ministers with integrity take personal responsibility when they fall short as a leader and make the necessary changes. Those without integrity blame the sheep. I’ve seen many pastors who have to find fault with every person who leaves their church. In essence, what they are doing is shifting blame to make themselves look good in the eyes of other people. The sad thing is, they never do a personal inventory and make positive changes in their own lives.
Let us call out to God to raise up leaders who reflect the character and attitude of Christ. – Jeff Burke
Encouragement 