Dear Church Leader:
This is the time of year when many churches are making decisions about new leaders. As one called upon to hold church office, you have been put in an important position of responsibility and trust. Leadership plays a huge role in determining whether the church prospers or fails.
The following imaginary memo illustrates how “the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God” (1 Cor. 3:19 NLT). It reminds us that no matter how talented or experienced, we will fail in our responsibilities if we depend on human wisdom alone.
MEMO:
TO: Jesus, Son of Joseph, Woodcrafters Carpenter Shop, Nazareth 25922
FROM: Jordan Management Consultants, Jerusalem 26544
Dear Sir:
Thank you for submitting the résumés of the 12 men you have picked for managerial positions in your new organization. All of them have now taken our battery of tests. We have not only run the results through our computer, but also arranged personal interviews for each of them with our psychologist and vocational aptitude consultant. The profiles of all tests are included, and you will want to study each of them carefully.
It is the staff's opinion that most of your nominees are lacking in background, education and vocational aptitude for the type of enterprise you are undertaking. They do not have a team concept. We would recommend that you continue your search for persons of experience in managerial ability and proven capability.
Simon Peter is emotionally unstable and given to fits of temper. Andrew has absolutely no qualities of leadership. The two brothers, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, place personal interest above company loyalty. Thomas demonstrates a questioning attitude that would tend to undermine morale. We feel it is our duty to tell you that Matthew has been blacklisted by the Greater Jerusalem Better Business Bureau. James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus definitely have radical leanings, and both registered high on the manic-depressive scale.
One of the candidates however shows great potential. He is a man of ability and resourcefulness, meets people well, has a keen business mind and has contacts in high places. He is highly motivated, ambitious and responsible. We recommend Judas Iscariot as your controller and right-hand man. All of the other profiles are self-explanatory. We wish you every success in your new venture.
Sincerely Yours,
Jordan Management Consultants
“The Prince of Life did not choose the learned lawyers, the scribes and elders, for his disciples, because they would not follow him. Therefore he chose the humble peasants for his helpers. The rich and educated among the Jews were exalted by their own worldly wisdom and self-righteousness, and felt all-sufficient in themselves, realizing no special need of a Redeemer” The Spirit of Prophecy, p.186.
“In selecting officers from time to time, be sure that personal preferences do not rule, but place in positions of trust those whom you are convinced love and fear God, and who will make God their counselor. Without the love and fear of God, however brilliant the intellect may be, there will be failure. Jesus says, 'Without Me ye can do nothing'" Counsels on Sabbath School Work, p.165.
“It is not the capabilities you now possess, or ever will have, that will give you success. It is that which the Lord can do for you” Christ's Object Lessons, p. 146.
May you be the type of leader who recognizes that success comes from looking to God for your wisdom.
Sincerely your friend,
Tom Mostert, Jr., President
P.O. Box 5005
Westlake Village, CA 91359
