What evidences should we look for in a spiritual leader who can lead us in the ways of the Lord?
Paul helps us:-
“Instead, we were like young children among you. Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, 8 so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. 9 Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. 10 You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. 11 For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, 12 encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.” (1 Thessalonians 2 v 7-12)
No notes, just headings, but each one worthy of some further thoughts.
1. We were gentle and tender as a mother abandoning our rights for respect.
2. We enjoyed sharing our lives with God’s people.
3. We were prepared to be bi-vocational to lift off any pressure in that season.
4. We worked hard and it was tiring.
5. We were the same behind the scenes as we were in front of them.
6. We walked in the authority of a father encouraging, comforting and urging you to live rightly.
7. We focused on Kingdom life which is a better quality of character and service than any culture and we focused on Presence life, the glory that God brings.
Missions Paul 