Exodus 18:21-22
Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.
Israel was called a church in the wilderness in Acts 7:38, which means that how Moses led Israel in the wilderness gives much insight into how God wants His church to be run. Moses’ father-in-law gave several requirements Moses should follow in deciding who to give leadership positions, and these requirements should show who is hiring material for a church. Let’s look at these requirements and what they mean.
First, he said they should be able men. This is someone who does not need to be babysat. This is someone who can accomplish things independently without being told to do it. In other words, hire someone who is a self-starter, someone who is a producer.
Second, he said they should be such as fear God. These are men who have a walk with God and have a greater desire to please God than anything else. These are men who realize that the will of God is the primary focus of their lives and will never let anything take them away from doing God’s will for what they are called to do.
Third, he said they should be men of truth. Honesty is paramount in hiring someone. Never hire someone who is dishonest or has shown dishonesty, whether in their personal lives or in word. A liar or a deceitful person will always cause problems.
Fourth, he said they should be someone who hates covetousness. When choosing to place someone in a leadership position, that person should be someone who is satisfied with what they have and does not need to always have the lavish things of life. Covetous people will never give their full attention to God, but will always be more concerned with worldly status than they are with their relationship with God, and likely will end up in great debt.
Fifth, he said they need to be rulers. People in place of leadership should be someone who is capable of leading adults. In other words, they should be someone who has earned the right to lead. You see, you can demand people to follow you, but you will find they will push back. You must earn the right to lead adults, and this comes first by being a good example for right and a good follower.
Sixth, he said to let them judge. When placing people in place of spiritual leadership, they must be someone who is capable of making tough decisions, even the decisions that will cause people not to like them.
Seventh, he said these men would bring every great matter to Moses. Those in places of spiritual leadership need to be loyal to their Pastor. Loyalty to the Pastor should not be an option but an expectation.
Though these are requirements for leaders, every follower should strive to have these same attributes because every church needs people who are hiring material, not just for church staff, but for leadership positions in a church.
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