Have you ever heard somebody described in this way: “His talent outpaced his character,”? That’s somebody who had a lot of skills but didn’t have the integrity to support them. And that’s a dangerous situation for anybody, especially for church leaders. Pastor Eric Gieger once wrote, “When skills outpace sanctification, a leader is headed toward a downfall. When the pressures of the position outweigh one’s character, self-destruction is inevitable.” (https://ericgeiger.com/2017/06/06/the-curse-of-talent-for-young-ministry-leaders)

Apostle Paul knew this well. He tells Titus in Titus 1 what actually qualifies a leader, and it’s not talent. He lists things like above reproach, not arrogant, self-controlled, upright, holy, disciplined, and several others. Only one skill makes the list, able to teach sound doctrine, but even that is a focus not so much on ability but on having a knowledge of the truth. Everything else is character.

We tend to promote gifting and hope character catches up, but God reverses that. Character isn’t an optional résumé line. It’s a requirement. Talent can build a platform. Only character can sustain one.

So, as you look at potential leaders, don’t just ask, “Is this person talented enough to lead?” Ask, “Is this person the kind of person who’s good and safe to follow?”

May we chase godliness harder than we chase gifting because while the church certainly needs more talented leaders, it needs ones with godly character much more.

Change begins in you!