In a world looking for leaders, it's easy to focus on surface qualities like personality, charisma, communication skills, or social skills. While these traits can be helpful, the Apostle Paul emphasizes the deeper essential qualities needed for those in ministry. Using 1 Corinthians 16 as a guide, let's examine two key qualities of effective ministry leaders and how they should inspire those they lead. These principles remind us that genuine leadership in the church is based on the character of Christ—selfless service—enabling the local church to carry out its mission of “equipping the saints for works of service” (Eph. 4:12).

The Primary Characteristic: Devotion

Devotion is the foundation of effective ministry leadership. It's not about superficial traits but a sincere, selfless passion for Christ, ministry, and service. Often, special giftings or talents accompany a calling to lead in a specific area, as God qualifies and equips those He calls. However, these outward qualities are not what God considers for effectiveness, nor should we prioritize them. Instead, a devoted leader is passionate and zealous, committed to their calling without seeking personal glory.

This emphasis that true adequacy comes from God, not individual talents, is seen in Paul’s second letter to the church in Corinth. 2 Corinthians 3:4-6 (NASB95) says:

“Such confidence we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, who also makes us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”

Leaders often possess gifts that support their roles, but their true effectiveness comes from the One working in and through them, not from anything they are on their own. Devotion manifests as a willingness to serve selflessly in any position God calls you, whether it be as a pastor, elder, deacon, Sunday school teacher, or any role that seeks to advance the gospel.

I have seen this firsthand with individuals in our own church who might not appear as “natural” leaders at first glance, but they excel because of their heart. My short time in ministry has shown me just how poorly we judge capability, specifically when we rely on outward qualities. May this be a continued reminder to all local churches that “man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Sam. 16:7 NASB95).

Devoted leaders are invaluable to the church, showcasing the power of the transformative grace of the gospel. Such leaders are deeply and constantly aware of this grace in their own lives, and thus they are driven to help others experience the same.

The Church's Response: Submission

When a local church identifies devoted leaders, those under their care are encouraged to submit to them. However, submission here isn't about blind obedience or military-style command. In our culture, the term often carries negative connotations, but Paul uses it in a non-military sense: a voluntary attitude of giving into, cooperating with, assuming responsibility, and carrying the burden.

Submission applies not just to pastors but to “everyone who helps with the work and labors” (1 Cor. 16:16, emphasis added). The “work” and “labor” are the spreading of the gospel, the equipping of the local church as the primary visible, tangible vehicle of God here on earth. The "who” includes anyone who assists and labors in that effort. The local church is called to be mutually submissive: first to Christ, then to those leading in ministry. This means that even as a pastor, my role is to come alongside other leaders within the church and ask, "How can I help? How can I support your area of ministry? How can I help you succeed?” Leadership in the local church is not about elevating oneself. Leadership in the local church is about partnering in the unifying goal of advancing God's kingdom, bringing glory to Christ alone.

As Christians immersed in an individualistic culture, let us remember that ministry is not a solo effort but a collective endeavor. By willingly working together and sharing burdens, the local church strengthens its leaders and increases its impact.

The Secondary Characteristic: Refreshing Motivation

The natural overflow of leaders devoted to Christ and His body provides refreshing motivation. Paul illustrates this in 1 Corinthians 16:17-18, celebrating the arrival of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus. These men "supplied what was lacking" by uplifting his spirit and filling the gap caused by separation from the Corinthian church. How such encouragement is demonstrated will vary among individuals, but it is a vital quality for all ministry leaders. Leaders who refresh others bring new energy and motivation, helping the church community to flourish despite challenges.

The Church's Response: Acknowledgment

In response to leaders who refresh, the church is encouraged to "acknowledge such men" (1 Corinthians 16:18). Acknowledgment involves recognizing and expressing gratitude to them, but it goes further. The Greek word suggests being fully familiar with—similar to 1 Corinthians 13:12, where Paul speaks of a future day in eternity when we will know Him completely, just as He fully knows us.

Practically, within a local church, this means deliberately looking for opportunities to show gratitude and appreciation for the efforts of leaders around you. It can also involve intentionally seeking chances to connect with leaders outside of Sunday services or counseling sessions. This might include inviting them over for a meal, asking them to attend your children’s sporting event or school activity, or simply taking a moment to genuinely ask a pastor or leader how they are truly doing. As a pastor, I can confirm that such invitations help break down the natural barriers that develop due to the confidential nature of ministry. Hearing about personal struggles in homes, marriages, and communities can create distance, but intentionality in ministry promotes vital connection and renewal.

Whether it's appreciating a pastor, a worship leader, a building caretaker, or any servant-leader within the local church, acknowledgment involves serving alongside them, sharing their burdens, and inviting them to share in the everyday aspects of your life.

Conclusion

When a local church chooses to embrace devotion—selfless dedication and passion—as the primary characteristic they seek in leaders, they will often find they have tremendous leadership potential, but just may have been looking in the wrong places. Submission to Jesus Christ, the Chief Shepherd, is the primary quality churches should always desire. Everything other quality, no matter how much we may value it, is second in the eyes of the kingdom.

When a local church embraces devoted servants of Christ, choosing to affirm their God-given calling by submitting to and recognizing them, it becomes a powerful force for the gospel. Christian ministry thrives in mutual submission—first to Jesus Christ, then to one another. May we learn to seek and encourage these biblical qualities of Godly leadership, may we respond humbly when we find them, and may we watch expectantly as the local church is strengthened as a result.

In Him,

Pastor Ethan