vineyard values for leadership - part 1

I have an article from a very old 'Vineyard Reflections' that I thought would be of interest... quite a bit to type out so I will do it in two parts. Hope you find it helpful;

1. Spiritual Leaders are lovers of God
The core motivation of vineyard leaders must be to fulfill the greatest commandment which is to love God with heart, soul, mind and strength (Mk 12:30). Psalm 42:1-2 beautifully expresses this ardent love which leaders are given as a gift from God. 'As the deer pants for water, so my soul thirsts for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?'

2. Leaders must be saturated in the Word of God.
Paul admonishes Timothy to, 'Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth' (2 Tim.2:15). Those who lead in the Vineyard must know the Holy Scripture, the inerrant Word of God, our only infallible rule for faith, life and practice. Not only must leaders have a high view of Scripture, giving it positional or doctrinal authority, they must also allow Scripture to have functional authority in their daily lives. It is not enough to give mere mental assent to Bible information. Leaders must seek formation and spiritual transformation through a deep knowledge of the Word.

3. Leaders are called to a life of service and self-sacrifice.
In the Vineyard, we perceive leadership not as a position, or a title, or power, or authority, or respect, or privilege but rather an obligation to service and self-sacrifice. This was Jesus' model: 'Whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and give His life as a ransom for many' (Mk. 10:43-45).
Both a leader and his / her spouse should sense a call to service. This is because the family is the smallest guerrilla outpost of the kingdom and the basic building block of Christian community. Some leaders have become casualties because their spouse did not willingly share their commitment to be on the front lines.

Part 2 will follow shortly...