The criterions for leadership

NORSK
Back in the early 80s, I began to develop various educational programs on leadership and have continued doing so down through the years. I have an ambivalent relationship to the theme because I see the viability of the "self-growing seed" - cf. Mark 4:26-29 

- But the harvest is still a result of the fact that someone has taken part both in sowing, watering, caring and harvesting. 

The question is probably not whether we need leadership or not, but what is the most appropriate institutional and organizational structures. The debate should be kept constantly alive. A specific need was the reason for what I believe is the first sign of an "ecclesiastical structure" in the first Christian community: They needed someone to carry the responsibility for practical issues facing the Christian community!

The criteria were clear:

select from among you, brothers, seven men of good report, full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom
Acts 6:3

It is interesting that the selection of the deacons has a democratic flavour - a study of the New Testament with "democracy-glasses" would be an exciting project, but this is about criteria for leadership. Candidates need to be:

1. men of good report
2. full of the Spirit
3. full wisdom

It shows how utterly dependent the first church was on the Holy Spirit and that the believers regarded it as a prerequisite for good management.

'Manna' for today:

The Holy Spirit is and gives wisdom