Lesson 1: Teaching for Aspiring Church Leaders
Topic- "Called to Serve and Building Foundations for Effective Ministry"
By Apostle H. Tundu
Scripture Reading
1 Timothy 3:1–7; 2 Timothy 2:15; John 13:13–15 (I will post audio later, explaining some of these scriptures).
1. Understanding the Call of God
Every true ministry begins with a call. God does not call the qualified- He qualifies the called.
It is important to note that the Bible says many are called but few are chosen (Matthew 22:14-meaning the call is extended to many but those who respond positively and align with the requirements will make it.
Key Thought:
Ministry is not a career, but a calling to serve God and His people.
Questions to Reflect on:
- Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Saviour?
- What can you point out that gives you assurance that you are a child of God?
- How did you sense the call of God in your life?
- What evidence of this call is visible in your character and service?
- What areas do you feel comfortable to serve in the house of God?
Scriptural Anchors:
Jeremiah 1:5 – "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you."
Mark 3:14 – "He appointed twelve--designating them apostles--that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach."
2. The Character of a Servant-Leader
Before God uses a person publicly, He shapes them privately. Paul spent about 3 years in his initial spiritual formation and preparation in Arabia (Galatians 1) and about 5 to 7 further years of growth and obscurity in Tarsus (Acts 11) to make a total of about 8 to 10 years of his silent years before coming to Antioch to team up with Barnabas.
Key Traits of a Servant-Leader:
Integrity, humility, purity, teachability, and discipline.
Lesson:
Your anointing can take you anywhere, but it is your character that should sustain you!
Scriptural Anchors:
1 Timothy 4:12 – "Set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity."
Titus 1:7–9 – The elder must be blameless, not quick-tempered, self-controlled.
3. Spiritual Discipline and Growth
Core Practices:
- Daily prayer and devotion
- Consistent study of the Word
- Fasting and meditation
- Accountability and fellowship
Challenge:
Build spiritual stamina before pursuing public platforms.
Scriptural Anchors:
Acts 2:42 – "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."
2 Timothy 2:15 – "Study to show yourself approved unto God."
Luke 5:16 – "Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed."
4. Ministry as Service, Not Status
Jesus modelled leadership through service (John 13:13–15).
Principle:
True greatness in ministry is measured by how well you serve, not how many people serve you.
Practical Application:
- Learn to serve in small tasks before leading major ones.
- Honour authority and work well in teams.
- Remember: Shepherds can smell like the sheep.
5. Building Sound Doctrine and Biblical Understanding
A pastor must be rooted in truth to avoid being swayed by trends.
Key Mandate:
Teach the Word faithfully, not opinions or emotions.
Action Points:
- Develop a consistent study plan.
- Learn biblical interpretation.
- Seek help from seasoned ministers (mentorship).
Scriptural Anchors:
Acts 6:4 – "We will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the Word."
2 Timothy 4:2 – "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season."
6. Balancing Family, Ministry, and Personal Life
A leader's home reflects their qualification for leadership (1 Timothy 3:4–5).
Principles:
- Your family is your first congregation.
- Ministry must not destroy your marriage or children.
7. The Journey Ahead
Ministry is a marathon, not a sprint.
Expect testing, even rejection, and seasons of pruning- all part of God's training school.
Stay faithful in the hidden seasons, and God will elevate you in due time.
Scriptural Anchor:
Galatians 6:9 – "Do not grow weary in doing good."
The End
Prayer:
Make a prayer in line with your key take aways from this lesson.