The Credibility of Christian Leaders (Part 2)

“Keep your behaviour excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation” (1 Peter2:12).

There are many things that can affect a person’s credibility. These include sociability, dynamism (enthusiasm) and physical attractiveness.

Research indicates that two major factors that influence people’s credibility are their character and competence.

Character here means how the church members regard your sincerity, trustworthiness, and concern for the general well-being of the church.

Competence here means how the church members regard your intelligence, expertise (skills) and knowledge of your ministry.

So what kind of character must a leader exhibit in the house of the Lord? Make a commitment to avoid attending church meetings late and stop loitering around the premises of the church building during. church services.

Moreover, stop gossiping, avoid being seen as apathetic (showing lack of interest and commitment) and demonstrate seriousness and consciousness of what you are expected to do.

Finally, avoid making unfair comments that can dent the image of other people especially leaders and learn to be confidential.

Concerning competence, it is required that church leaders commit themselves to studies to acquire relevant knowledge, enhanced skills for effective and efficient ministry.

Christian leaders must not only read theological books including the Bible and other Christo-centric books, but also enroll in colleges to study Information and Communication Technology (ICT), stress management, security and other such relevant courses.

As already pointed out, character and competence are two things that influence people’s credibility. And understand in conclusion that “Credibility is like virginity. Once you lose it, you can never get it back.”

By James Quansah