6. "A CHRISTIAN LEADER... IS CALLED TO SUFFERING" - 2 TIM. 4:6-22
The Nature of Paul's Suffering
- Choose a leader who is aware that the call to suffer is integral to the gospel - especially where leadership is concerned.
- Choose a leader who is fully aware of the sources of suffering outside and inside the church - naivete is not a virtue when it comes to knowing where suffering can come from, especially within the church and congregation!
Paul's Attitude to Suffering
• Choose a leader who sees his or her ministry not as a job but as an offering of their lives to God - where undeserved suffering is seen not as punishment or failure but a gift of all that they are and have to God.
- Choose a leader who is willing to "die to self'' and sees that death as a release from all that would diminish their lives and ministry for God - and worth the suffering involved.
Paul's Response to Suffering
- Look for a leader who is willing to persevere to the end - who has a good "track record" of sticking with the task even when the going gets tough.
- Seek out leadership that looks to God for ultimate approval - and his verdict on their ministry, not that of others.
- Choose a leader who looks to Jesus as the model for enduring suffering - and thus has confidence in God's ability to bring him or her through.
Paul's Needs in Suffering
- Search for a leader who recognizes the need to work with a team and have a good support group - Jesus and Paul needed to have companions - so will your rector; ensure it happens.
- Ensure your leader is down-to-earth about his or her physical needs - lack of honesty in this area will cause needless additional suffering.
- Seek out leadership that values continuing study and personal development - and who don't let the pressures around them prevent this from happening.
- Choose a leader who reflects the humility and vulnerability of Paul - who is not afraid to be open about his or her needs in the midst of the suffering and at the same time recognizes that a Christian leader is called to suffering.