Today you should read: 1 Timothy 5:17-25
In chapter 3, we spent some time looking at the requirements for leaders. Unlike so many leadership lists today, the main thing that leaders in the church must exhibit are high levels of godly character more than anything else. In our passage today, Paul gives some further instruction on how to treat leaders.
1. Give honor to who honor is due (17-18).
The list of character qualities found in 1 Timothy 3 are lofty, and for good reason. Not everyone should aspire to leadership in the church. This isn’t to say that you have to be perfect in order to lead, but that your life must be exemplary—worthy of being an example to others. So this means that just because a man or woman is a strong leader in others areas, that this means that they are fit to be a leader in the church.
Church leaders are to be above reproach, and so when there is a leader that is faithful and godly, that person should be celebrated!
2. Leaders must be fairly held to a high standard (19-20).
Leaders will sometimes say hard things and make decisions that not everyone agrees with. Because of the high pressure of leadership, Paul is wanting to make sure that when accusations are brought against a leader, they are not brought lightly. He advocates that when a charge is brought against a leader, there would be two or three that agree. This protects the leader from having false accusation brought against him, while also reinforcing the standard that Paul has already set.
3. Leaders are susceptible to sin (21-25).
Just because someone is in a position of leadership does not mean they are not tempted by the same things you are. This might seem like a no-brainer, but the reality is that many people place leaders and pastors on a pedestal that is not fair. Paul is wanting to make sure that leaders are living godly lives because he knows how easy it is for them to fall. Satan loves to see men and women of God who are in positions of leadership embarrass themselves and the gospel by sinning publically.
Can I ask a favor? Would you take a few moments to pray today for the leaders at Center Point Church? You can even use our staff page on our website as a prayer guide. Pray that we as a staff team would be living godly and pure lives and leading our church in a way that honors and glorifies God. Pray that we would be protected from sin and temptation, and that we would all be living above reproach in every area of our lives.
By: Graham Withers — Pastoral Ministry Associate
One of our goals as a church this year is that our people would be praying everyday. To help you be accountable, use the comment section to post prayer requests and experiences of how God has answered prayer and/or changed you through prayer! If you would like to be enrolled to get weekly prayer reminders, text @cpclex to 81010.
JumpstartCPC.com 
Heavenly Father, Please be with the leaders of our church, staff, elders, and volunteers. Place your wisdom in their hearts and guide them with your Holy Spirit. May they be guided by your truth and may we, as a body, allow them room for their humanity while holding them accountable to high standards of godly behavior. Amen
Thank you Kelly. We need youR prayers and really appreciate it.
I’ve had so many texts from people within our church telling they’re praying for our church staff this week while we’re away at our staff summit. Thanks you so much for living this out.
It is my honor to lift the staff up in prayer daily. I am so grateful for the leadership of CPC. Especially during this time of planning for the year ahead, I pray that God give you clarity in the wisdom He imparts to you and courage to carry out all that He wills. Amen.