7 Characteristics Of Volunteer Leaders Pastors Should Want In Decision-Making Roles

John Maxwell famously said, “Everything rises and falls on leadership.”  When you consider four of five churches are plateaued or declining, we must then look at those in church leadership as an area where we could improve.  I am HUGE fan of pastors but am seeing a great need to increase the leadership skill, capacity and thinking of volunteer leaders in decision-making roles such as Deacons, Elders, Session, Council and key committees.
There is a big difference between leading a business and leading a church.  One focuses on transaction while the other focuses on transformation.  The best volunteer leaders are the ones who can bridge the two and help their church staffs do likewise.
The qualifications for elders are found in Titus 1:5-9, I Timothy 3:1-7, and I Timothy 5:1-4.  So after identifying the potential leaders in your church who meet these biblical qualifications, how do you then narrow down your selection to the right few people?
The following are 7 Characteristics Of Volunteer Leaders Pastors Should Want In Decision-Making Roles:

1. You Want Someone Who First And Foremost Loves Jesus – Just because someone is a banker does not mean they should automatically be on the Finance team.  Jesus Christ and His ability to speak through their lives should be the top qualifier.
2. You Want Someone Who Secondly Loves Their Pastor – Regardless of what type of leadership structure your church may have, the people sitting in the congregation look to the platform for clarity on what God says about the issues of their life.  You want someone who has the pastor’s back and desires to see that person successful.
3. You Want Someone Who Thirdly Loves Their Church – The first three are in order.  This is the person who will put the good of the church ahead of their personal agenda.
4. You Want Someone With Skill – The movie Rudy is quite inspirational.  Watching it makes you feel good.  There is only one leadership problem.  If you have a team full of Rudies you will lose every time.  You must have people with the skills and capacity to fulfill the task or assignment they are being called to.
5. Your Want Someone With Work Ethic – This is not someone who “dies trying” or neglects their family for the church.  This is a person who understands what needs to be done to make the church’s mission and vision a reality.  Then they put all their focus and efforts into that singular task.
6. You Want Someone With Passion – This person is not just a cheerleader.  They own the result. They own the church’s mission and vision becoming a reality.
7. You Want Someone Who Brings People To Church – Do not confuse activity with accomplishment.  Nothing shows you appreciate your pastor and church more than wanting your friends to experience what you experience on a weekly basis.  This person makes disciples who make disciples.

This list of 7 Characteristics will provide you a good framework for selecting your next set of key leaders.

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