One of the realities we face as we plant churches is that of changing leadership. Of course, in our context of a global university town thus far, we have dealt with a constant fluidity of members and leaders already. But the challenges are little different as we send various top leaders and pastors out to start new sites; often, people will feel more connected to one pastor than another, and wonder what will happen if the "more connected" pastor moves to another site.

It's good in these moments to remember the following:

1. Personalities and Leadership: We are drawn to certain types of personalities and styles of leadership.  There is nothing inherently wrong with this. However, we need to recognize when this happens, and filter that out in order to walk in unity with Jesus, the community, and what he is doing through a multifaceted team of leaders (see 1 Corinthians 1:10-17). 

2. Components of Evaluation: Leadership at Ethnos is based on an  assessment of five areas. Each component has equal weight; doing well in one does not negate doing poorly in another. I believe that, if we can stay focused on these components, we can navigate the continued development and sending out of leaders and pastors through Ethnos.

These components are:

• Character: a person's likeness and vibrant relationship to Jesus is the foundation of leadership. Especially helpful is the character list mentioned in 1 Timothy 3 for leaders.
• Calling: has God actually asked this person to move into leadership?  Is this confirmed internally in the person as they have listened to God; is this confirmed in the community as people have sought after God?
• Competency: Does the person have the God-given gifts needed?  Has the person had adequate development and training in the competencies needed for the task?
•  Chemistry: Does this person work well with the vision and mission of Ethnos? Does the person work well with the people and overall culture of Ethnos?
• Capacity: Does the person have the correct "bandwidth" to handle the responsibilities of the leadership position? 

It's clear in the early Jesus Movement (recorded in Acts) that leaders were constantly raised up and sent out as the movement spread. Relations across cities were kept, for sure.  But we can imagine the challenges that some may have faced. We will probably have to face these challenges as well. But God can guide us through and mature us as a result.

Prayer Points:

- That Ethnos can continue to raise up and send out leaders.

- That Ethnos can be mature in working with the different leaders God raises up.