Readings for today: Numbers 25-28
I am heading back home today after spending time with our denominational leadership. One of the many tasks set before us was to drill down on “ordination standards.” In other words, what qualifications must a person have to be eligible to serve as a pastor in one of our churches. We spent three years trying to answer this question. We interviewed and solicited feedback from a wide variety of stakeholders across the country. We sought expertise from our seminary leaders. We looked models being used effectively in other denominations. We discussed academics, professional experience, and character formation. And we landed on some recommendations that we will put before our denomination at our annual meeting this summer. It was a fascinating process. The people I served alongside are thoughtful and reflective and I believe our end product will be a blessing should it be passed.
But then I read about the leadership transition from Moses to Joshua today and I wonder if we haven’t overcomplicated the process? I wonder if we prioritize the wrong things? Moses asks God for a person who would “go out before Israel.” In other words, someone who would lead them into battle. Someone with courage. Someone who is unafraid to put themselves in harm’s way. Second, he asks God for a person who would “come in before Israel.” Someone who would govern them in their day to day life. Point them to God. Teach and train them in righteousness. Finally, he asks God for a shepherd. Someone who would care deeply for the sheep. Someone who would love the sheep enough to lay down their life for them. And how does God respond? He identifies a man in whom “there is such a spirit.” His name is Joshua. A man with a track record of courage and faithfulness. A man who has already demonstrated the gifts Moses is looking for in the person who would succeed him. A man who has already served God’s people in so many ways.
Obviously, there is a vast difference between leading a nation and leading a local church. There is also a great cultural difference between leaders in the ancient near east and leaders in the modern Western world. At the same time, I wonder what would happen if we privileged life experience more than education? I wonder what would happen if we put more of an emphasis on what a person has already demonstrated by the way they have led and served rather than focus on potential? I wonder what would happen if we focused more on the “spirit” of a person rather than an educational credential? Leadership is more caught than taught. It is a gift we receive from the Holy Spirit more than it is a set of principles we read in a book. Take some time to pray today that the Lord would make you the kind of leader you need to be in your home, your workplace, your church, and your community.
Readings for tomorrow: No devotionals on Sundays