INTRODUCTION

Having a real desire for excellence of ministry, you may long for a set of guidelines, or better still, some clear instructions from one such as the apostle Paul, who has a proven, long record of excellency. The Lord knows your heart and has provided for your need.

The following instructions for leaders are the apostle Paul's commands to his beloved Timothy, and valued fellow committed servant (Philippians 1:1). Paul's direct counsel to Timothy are words of wisdom that poured from his father heart to his son in the faith. (1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:2). They apply to us today because Paul was "carried along" in his writing, by The Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21). That is why the instructions are so fitting to our time and conditions of service.

Leaders who make it their business to obey these instructions will be able to meet the challenges head on, be consistent in times of change, and be strong in confronting wrong. The emerging problems and needs of today's Church demand leaders who practise the living authority and wisdom of these pertinent instructions.

Determine that you will not only grasp the clear meaning of each command, but to allow them to impact your life-style so that you model them for others to follow.