Standards, they are everywhere. In society, at work, in personal relationships, and in ministry. But in ministry standards can be easily misconstrued as legalism.
It is that fear of legalism and religiousness which has had me wrestling over a recent standards agreement I had my team sign. It was a standards of leadership agreement.
It’s the whole Grace VS Religion battle:
Jesus takes us right where we are at, so shouldn’t we all accept each other for right where we are? Why do we need to sign an agreement?
Yet, what about leadership? Aren’t they held to a higher standard because they have a greater influence? Which means their potential to influence others good or bad is greater.
My philosophy has always been, seek Jesus and He will get to the dark parts of the heart. Man can never influence permanent change like Jesus can. So what’s the purpose in setting standards? Won’t it just heap condemnation upon people and make them feel less than and not good enough?
Or does a standard reveal their position of influence, and that Jesus sees more in them and for their lives? Yet, all in all, if they were really ready for leadership would a person need to have the standards written out?
Oh… the battle rages on!
When it comes right down to it, the Bible says were all made new at salvation.
For if anyone is in Christ; he is a new creation. The old is gone, the new has come. 2 Cor. 5:17
However, we don’t live that new life from that moment on… we work out our salvation.
So, understanding the standards that are expected of a leader, before we commit to being one is a good idea. Then at least we’ll know if we are ready or not. Because if we wrestle with the fact that there are standards to live by, we could probably use a little more heart work.
Jesus never compromised His integrity, or the call of God that was on His life – and He was fully man. He could have chosen to bend the rules here, or not honor something there. Yet, He was also fully God, and it was the fully God part that allowed Him to overcome those battles and live a life of honor and integrity.
So in leadership, if there is a standard we commit to – really we are saying I am fully man, and struggle with the temptations of the world, but I fully have God in me, so I can be committed to overcome these temptations and not compromise.
Ministry leaders are not perfect, nor should we be held to a standard of perfection. Until the day Jesus returns, we will all be working out our salvation; However, especially in ministry, where leadership influences the spiritual life and death of a person, they should be held to the minimum standard of Jesus Christ fully in their lives, and the spiritual fruit to prove it.
Amen!!!
Thanks Laura dear!
agreed!!!!!!! its all how u look at it
Hi Kim,
Thanks for stopping by. I’m learning it’s definitely perspective!
Wise words….
Hi Sharon,
Thanks for stopping by and commenting. 🙂
I’m glad you are wrestling with this. I love the paradox that someone ready for leadership shouldn’t even need to sign a standards form….but sometimes, life gets crazy, and maybe an agreement is preventative.
On a whole other note, I have to say, without being the victim, I was part of a ministry many years ago that devastated me. It wasn’t that someone in leadership failed in a way that directly caused me grief; it was when I brought this very obvious breech to a higher leader, she turned it all on me, and refused to deal with the leader in question. I explained to her that I felt a certain safety with the person being a leader and that in actuality, he was very unsafe…you can imagine to what I refer. I know we are all responsible for our own self, but why even have leaders if they are leading people astray?
I do believe leaders should be held to a higher standard….. We should all live with a higher standard in mind. We do work out our salvation. It is a process. But when people are weak and unhealthy it is a recipe for disaster if leaders are not standing up. I am so not a fan of legalism. At all. But, I do believe it’s good and healthy to state your purpose and expectations.
Stepping off my box now.
Hi Cassandra,
It’s painful when people who are placed in leadership are so well hidden in their own sin and bondage that they hurt others. It’s also sad when other leaders pretend like the problems don’t exist. Unfortunately, the body of Christ is made up of broken and often very sick people, and we have a tendency to eat our young! Apart from God’s grace and healing we won’t be able to ever do anything!
Thanks for posting your comment, I always love your perspective.