Lesson 6 of 9 · Video + questions

Leadership Qualifications

Paul's list in 1 Timothy 3 can read like a disqualification notice if you've ever struggled. That's not what it is.

What the list is for

The qualifications exist so healthy spiritual patterns get reproduced in the church — so that a leader can honestly say "imitate me as I imitate Christ" and it points people somewhere good. That's the aim: reproducible health, not a spotless record.

The real question

It isn't "have you ever struggled?" Everyone has. The question is whether you're walking in the light right now — whether there's anything hidden that a trusted brother or sister doesn't know about. Authenticity isn't perfection; it's the absence of hiding.

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”
1 John 1:7

Check Your Understanding

Lesson Quiz

1 question · score 70% or better to complete the lesson

1. Nathan is clear that the leadership qualifications from 1 Timothy 3 are not about:
Reproducing healthy spiritual patterns in the churchImitating Christ so others can imitate youRequiring perfection or disqualifying anyone who has ever struggledLiving an authentic life without hidden sin

Your Reflection

One question to wrestle with

These go to the discipleship team so a coach can walk with you. Write honestly — there are no right answers here, and nobody is grading you.

Nathan says the real question isn't "have you ever struggled?" but "are you walking in the light right now?" Is there anything in your life right now that you're keeping hidden rather than bringing into the light with a trusted brother or sister? What's your plan to address it before you start leading?

You don't have to name specifics here — just tell us your plan. If you'd rather talk than type, write "I'd like to talk with someone" and a pastor will reach out.

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