The leader’s home is a window into a leader’s life.

Here are a few questions that can measure a leader’s readiness for greater responsibility:

Is the leader faithful in doing the routine tasks necessary in running a home?
How does the leader create emotional stability and physical safety for the family?
Does the leader provide for his family?
Does the leader’s wife trust him, believe in him, and support him?
Is the leader intentional about deepening his relationship with family members?
How does the leader demonstrate creativity and energy at home?
How does the leader take responsibility for disciplining his children?
How does the leader provide biblical guidance and spiritual nurturing for his family?
Many aspiring leaders are tempted to focus energy and effort to impress people they hardly know at the expense of those closest to them.

So Paul wrote to Timothy,

“He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?)—1 Timothy 3:4-5.

What does this tell us about preparing leaders for their next assignment?

Leaders give their best to family.

Managing a home means to give attention to or to oversee.  The leader cares for his family by caring about the meaningful and the mundane.  But that’s not all.  He does it “well.”  A leader gives his best at home.

Leaders invest in their kids.

A leader does not have to be a parent, but if he is, he provides faithful instruction, discipling, and when necessary correction.  He does not provoke his kids by neglecting them or by imposing unrealistic expectations.  Instead, he provides an example to imitate and an environment of grace.  And then he shows his kids how to follow Jesus with a surrendered heart.

Leaders prove themselves at home.

If a man can’t bench 100 pounds, adding an extra 100 pounds will lead to certain failure.  Too many leaders attempt too much too soon.  As a result, they derail their family and their church.  On the other hand, the leader who demonstrates faithfulness at home earns the credibility needed to lead others.

Leadership is never about a rigid set of arbitrary regulations.  Nor do leaders have to have an unblemished family life.  But leadership is about influence, and influence is built on trust.  And when a leader builds trust at home, he has unlimited opportunities with others.

Discuss how your leadership at home has prepared you to lead others.  Click on the “Comment” button below.