Bro I would agree in principle that the life is more important yet the gift is fundamental. I think of two friends, one Denise Klomp, a former leader with Intervarsity and Tom Knox an Open Air Campaign street preacher. Tom is the most sincere christian I know. He has as demonstrated over and over a life of dedication and integrity. Denise on the other hand had very serious questions reguarding her faith during the last two years of her staff position at Intervarsity. Yet Denise not Tom was able to convince people to provide her with financial support. (Denise never even asked for support it just came in the mail!) While Tom spent many hours visiting churches putting on presentations concerning his ministry etc.. Yet no one would cut him a check!!!! Why??? Why were people able to look at Denise and say, "This is worthwhile" and not even notice Tom?
Contray to what I was taught in the Assembly, leadership has much more to do with gift! It is not enough to just be a commited faithful brother/sister it is a quality that some people have and others don't. Charles Swindal (Spelling?) Use to come into the store where I worked while I was attending the Assembly. What made this guy a successful leader? 1. He could communicate! No doubt about it! 2. He was able to communicate in such a way as to come across as a serious believer in the Word without alienating the vast majority of the 5000 members of his church!! He could hold to Biblical principles and yet still be user friendly!!! This is a gift!!! 3. He has an ability to deal with all of the trash that is thrown at him! anyone who is a leader must be able to have 'Water off a ducks back" ability when it comes to criticism! This is a gift!!! Or maybe these are classes one takes in seminary??? Thanks for the input let's chat more!
