Leadership among the Thessalonians

In 1 Thessalonians Paul writes unique insight about leadership. He clearly sets forth how he did ministry among them and how we should do ministry among people. Since we definitely hold Paul in such high esteem, we ought to maybe pay more attention to what he says he did, instead of so much that is out there today in regard to leadership. Here are his words:

1 Thessalonians 2:1 For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain. 2 But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict. 3 For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, 4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. 5 For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. 6 Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ. 7 But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. 8 So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.9 For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. 10 You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers. 11 For you know how, like a father with his children, 12 we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.

Here is how he explained how he ministered among them.

• vs. 1-2 - Extending the Gospel is not done in vain - We are a part of something bigger than anything in the world
  
• vs. 3 - We make the appeal to people so they will know God and truth - There they will find hope.
  
• Ministry Looks Like this among those we serve:

1. We have to be approved by God - This is not an occupation, but a calling. vs. 4a
2. Those approved, are allowed to be entrusted with the very gospel of God. vs 4b
3. Those approved and entrusted - have to live to please God, not men. vs 4c
If we do not then we will not be able to overcome the pettiness of people and will succumb to their wishes and not God's.
4. Leadership is more about authenticity than fancy words. vs. 5-6
5. Be Gentle, yet strong. vs. 7
6. Share Yourself and the Gospel. vs. 8
7. Be a Hard Worker. vs. 9
This does not mean to just be busy, but to work effectively and efficiently alongside others.
8. Incarnational Ministry is the most effective Ministry. vs. 10-12)
We should set the course for how all this works.

Let's line up with scriptural teaching about leadership from the best church planter in history.