There are many reasons why leaders, whether lay or ordained, are selected by African churches. Many Namibian church leaders tend to be appointed based on elements of both ascribed and achieved status, such as family origin, tribal background, gender, political affiliation, education or the roles they play in the business world or local government. By analysing the two lists of leadership qualifications for elders and overseers in the Pastoral Epistles (Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9) Christa Biwa demonstrates that such particularism is faulty. The criteria that mattered most to the apostle Paul and the early church were character and spiritual maturity. Church leaders, Paul’s lists show, need to be people of integrity. As such they are patient, gracious and quick to forgive. They do not fall into the trap of materialism and never look for a fight. As people of integrity church leaders listen to the advice of others and treat the members of their churches with respect. The social status of their fellow believers does not influence their decisions. They can control themselves and love whatever is good. These are just some of the character traits Christa Biwa identifies, and which church leaders need to possess or strive for. Where these traits are missing, Biwa claims, the ramifications are many and widespread. Ethical misconduct by church leaders usually has an impact not only on individuals and their families but also on the local congregation, the wider church and the leaders’ spouses and children. Therefore, like the apostle Paul and the early church, Christa Biwa argues, Namibian churches need to take the selection of their pastors, elders and bishops seriously. Paul’s lists of leadership qualifications can help them to identify and appoint godly leaders. Character testing needs to be not only at the heart of any selection process but also a regular and ongoing element of leadership development.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Foreword
- Introduction
- Chapter 1: A Critical Introduction to the Pastoral Epistles
- Chapter 2: Exegesis of Paul's Lists
- Chapter 3: Comparison of the Lists
- Chapter 4: The Lists and their Relevance for Today
- Chapter 5: Outlook
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This work aims to explore the leadership qualities outlined by Paul in the Pastoral Epistles, specifically focusing on the lists of qualifications for elders and overseers in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. The study examines the relevance of these qualifications in the context of the Namibian church, highlighting the importance of character and spiritual maturity in leadership selection.
- The importance of character and spiritual maturity in church leadership.
- The role of Paul's lists of leadership qualifications in the selection and development of church leaders.
- The impact of ethical misconduct by church leaders on individuals, families, and the church.
- The distinction between secular leadership methods and God's standards of leadership for the church.
- The relevance of Paul's teachings on leadership for contemporary Namibian churches.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The first chapter provides a critical introduction to the Pastoral Epistles, outlining the historical and literary context, and examining the authorship, date, and purpose of these letters. The second chapter delves into a detailed exegesis of Paul's lists of qualifications for elders and overseers, analyzing each specific trait and its significance. The third chapter compares the two lists, exploring the similarities and differences in Paul's descriptions, and identifying any potential inconsistencies. The fourth chapter considers the relevance of these lists for contemporary church leadership, discussing the challenges and opportunities presented by modern contexts.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This work focuses on the themes of church leadership, character, spiritual maturity, the Pastoral Epistles, Paul's lists of leadership qualifications, ethical misconduct, and the Namibian church. It analyzes the relevance of these biblical texts for the contemporary context, exploring the critical role of character in the selection and development of church leaders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary leadership qualifications in the Pastoral Epistles?
According to 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9, the most important criteria for church leaders are integrity, character, and spiritual maturity rather than social status or political affiliation.
How does character testing impact church leadership development?
Character testing should be a regular and ongoing element of leadership development to ensure leaders remain patient, gracious, and free from materialism.
What are the consequences of ethical misconduct by church leaders?
Ethical misconduct affects individuals, their families, the local congregation, and the wider church community, causing widespread ramifications.
Why is the selection of elders and bishops critical for Namibian churches?
Christa Biwa argues that churches often rely on achieved or ascribed status; following Paul's biblical lists helps identify truly godly leaders based on integrity.
What traits should a person of integrity possess according to the study?
Leaders should be quick to forgive, listen to advice, treat members with respect regardless of social status, and possess self-control.
- Citation du texte
- Dr. Thorsten Prill (Éditeur), C. Christa Biwa (Auteur), 2017, Character Matters, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1294196
