We have to be careful when we appoint and release people into a ministry position. There are times when leaders occupy positions that they should never be in. It isn’t fair to those they are trying to lead nor is it fair to the appointed person. Who’s guilty? Well maybe it’s not the appointed leader or the complaining congregation. Maybe it was the leader who appointed them into the position in the first place.
“Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.” – 1 Timothy 5:22 (NIV)
Paul is clear, slow down when it comes to appointments. It is better not to fill a leadership position to a church or within a church than fill it with the wrong person. There can be many external pressures that can lead to poor decisions with lasting consequences because the need was shouting louder than the right person appointed.
Why?
The answer is in the second part of the verse.
When we hastily promote someone who proves unworthy or unprepared, we bear partial responsibility for the consequences of their actions. If it goes wrong then we who appointed them could be guilty by association if we were hasty in commissioning them.
This isn’t about perfectionism or expecting sinlessness from leaders. Rather, it’s about recognizing that endorsing someone’s ministry creates a moral connection between their actions and our judgment. If we knowingly overlook character flaws, ignore warning signs, or fail to provide adequate preparation, we become complicit in whatever harm may result.
This then is why Paul instructs us to keep ourselves pure, which is more than moral behaviour but about clarity of judgment, good motives in decision making and taking stand against any political pressure.
Missions Paul 