The Mantle of Ordination: 1 Timothy 5:22
“22) Do not lay hands upon anyone too quickly and thereby share responsibility for the sins of others; keep yourself free from sin.” 1 Timothy 5:22
Paul now advised Timothy to do diligence in checking out the character and background of prospective leaders before putting them in office. Churches have made tragic mistakes by appointing leaders to quickly. 1 Timothy 3:1-13 must be taken seriously.
Many insurance companies now require background checks for anyone working with minors. Sexual predators volunteer readily for nursery or children’s ministry positions. If problems develop, the church is responsible.
The same holds true for any leadership position. Beware of people with anger issues, greed, lusts and people who are power hungry. Do they have a history of interpersonal relationship problems? Do they work well with others? How do they respond to authority?
Be sure they have a solid testimony of salvation and display fruit of a changed life. Measure them by Acts 6:3. Make sure they are “men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom.”
Learn to ask direct questions. Ask about struggles with chemical dependency or pornography. Get character references and check them out. Humility and transparency are good qualities. Honesty is essential.
Look into their personal stewardship and make sure they are honoring God with their giving and current with all obligations. Unfortunately, pastors have a terrible rating in the financial world for debt and default on loans. If they aren’t faithful with their money, their word often cannot be trusted in other area’s either.
Also check out their business dealings and reputation with outsiders. Unfortunately, the spread of the gospel can be hindered by people in leadership who have poor reputations within the community.
This list is a culmination of many scriptures. Note, you need to do your research before putting them in office. If you find area’s of sin or compromise, take time for mentoring and discipleship before entrusting them with authority over the church. Jesus prayed all night before appointing the twelve Apostles, and one of them turned out to be a traitor.
Don’t lay hands on people too quickly. This may be a reference to ordination. Paul took time mentoring Timothy before laying hands on him. The mantle of ordination is difficult and messy to revoke. Removing someone from leadership often has negative fall out, but sometimes has to be done!
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global