Introduction
Every healthy church has spiritually healthy leaders. Only these kinds of leaders help a local church grow in spiritual maturity and unity. Without them, a church will struggle to fulfill its mission, losing its way amidst challenges and distractions. The Bible emphasizes the importance of spiritually healthy leaders as the foundation of a healthy church. These leaders inspire faith, build trust, and create a culture where everyone can grow in their relationship with God and with one another. Today, we want to explore the characteristics of such leaders from the pastoral epistles of the apostle Paul. This is a vital message for everyone, whether you are currently leading, aspiring to be a leader, or you just want our church to be healthy. What are the characteristics of spiritual healthy leaders?
Five Characteristics
1. They practice personal soul care. (1 Timothy 4:16)
Spiritually healthy leaders pay attention to their souls, to who they are becoming as Christ followers, not just to what they’re doing in ministry or its results. They are lifelong learners who prioritize their inner growth alongside their ministry duties. This involves regular self-reflection to stay true to the Gospel, spiritual practices to deepen their relationship with God and others, especially their families, and living a Christ-like life that models for others what true discipleship is all about. By nurturing their inner life through personal soul care, they ensure their actions are driven by God’s grace and genuine faith, leading to a more fulfilling and impactful ministry.
2. They pursue life-giving relationships. (2 Timothy 1:16-18)
Spiritually healthy leaders know they need others to remain accountable and to grow spiritually. They need spiritual companions and spiritual directors to speak into their lives so that they can discern God’s will and obey it. They recognize that accountability is essential for spiritual growth. They seek out spiritual companions or directors who can offer guidance and a listening ear. Through these relationships, spiritually healthy leaders can explore their inner thoughts and feelings openly, receive honest feedback, and discern God's will for their lives. This support system helps them stay on track, avoid blind spots, and ultimately make choices that align with God’s will.
3. They preach the Gospel always. (2 Timothy 4:2)
No matter their organizational roles in the church, spiritually healthy leaders never neglect the Gospel. They continue to preach the Gospel in season and out of season. They may have a specific position in the church, but they remain committed to sharing the message of the Gospel to everyone and at all times. They actively spread this message whenever the opportunity arises, using whatever means to do so, from formal sermons to casual conversations. Their passion for the Gospel transcends their title, driving them to share their faith in creative and impactful ways.
4. They produce faithful and fruitful disciples. (2 Timothy 2:1-2)
Spiritually healthy leaders are always making disciples, helping them to grow in their faith, so that they can become faithful and fruitful in their relationship with God. The result of their ministry are more ministry workers in the church, both inside and outside. They create a ripple effect. They are essentially multiplying their ministry by empowering disciples to use their gifts and talents to serve the Lord. This intentional investment helps the church to grow in quality and quantity both now and in the future.
5.They provide spiritual companionship and leadership to other leaders. (Titus 1:5-9)
Spiritually healthy leaders beget other spiritually healthy leaders. They provide spiritual companionship and leadership to these leaders to help them succeed in their calling. Their focus is not on tasks but on the spiritual health and maturity of the leaders under them. They help these leaders stay healthy themselves so that they can fulfill their ministry. They make time for soul talks so that the inner issues of the heart may be uncovered. Through the help of the Holy Spirit, these leaders provide a safe place for other leaders to discern and respond faithfully to God’s work in their lives.
Conclusion
“Spiritually healthy leaders are the foundation of a healthy church.” Their commitment and example inspire trust and unity within the congregation. This, in turn, encourages members to deepen their own spiritual walk. Ultimately, the health of the church is reflected in the spiritual health of both its leaders and its members.
Discussion
1. What specific practices do you think are essential for leaders to prioritize their personal soul care, and how can these practices influence their leadership effectiveness?
2. How can leaders cultivate meaningful relationships that promote accountability and spiritual growth within their ministry context?
3. In what ways can leaders creatively share the message of the Gospel in their daily interactions beyond formal church settings?
4. What are some practical strategies leaders can implement to ensure they are producing faithful and fruitful disciples within their community?
5. How can spiritually healthy leaders effectively support and mentor emerging leaders to foster a culture of spiritual health and maturity in the church?