CONGREGATION LEADER: POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

      NON-NEGOTIABLE QUALITIES

• At least 10 years in the Faith
• Qualities required of an Elder per 1Tim. 3, Tit. 1, and other Scriptures; for example:
  • Above reproach (conduct is such that no accusation can be brought and sustained of a continual practice of sin)
  • Able to teach (gifted in instructing from God's Word)
  • Not self-willed (does not pursue his own interests and agenda in opposition to the vision and values of SODC; seeks to avoid a "cult of personality")
  • Self-controlled (emotional maturity combined with a spirit of forgiveness, compassion, meekness, and humility)
  • Good exhorter and encourager
• Jewish by birth
• Healthy marriage with spousal support for his ministry (wife agrees with and is committed to the candidate's calling, is willing to demonstrate her agreement with SODC vision and values by participating in congregational life).
• At least 2 years of formal Bible education* (from an approved seminary, yeshiva, Bible college, or Bible institute)
• Basic knowledge of Hebrew (candidate should demonstrate degree to which he can read Torah)
• Sound personal financial management (limited personal debt; no excessive credit card debt; no liens against paycheck; not considered a credit risk by any major credit bureau)
• Full agreement with SODC vision & values, constitution & bylaws
• Demonstrates a Messianic lifestyle and commitment to Jewish values:
  • Observes Shabbat, Festivals and Feasts
  • Self-identification as a Messianic Jew
  • Demonstrates a Jewish understanding and approach to the scriptures
  • Imparts a sense of Jewish identity, culture and history to his children
• Agrees to a mandatory probation period of six (6) months.
• Competent and persuasive preacher of the Word of God to believers and non-believers alike.

      ADDITIONAL PREFERRED QUALITIES

• At least 6 years in one or more proven leadership roles
  • Can competently delegate responsibilities
  • Can identify and allocate required resources to accomplish assigned tasks
  • Able to allow failure without recrimination and use it as a learning tool for improvement
  • Not given to micromanaging
  • "Big picture" oriented rather than task oriented
  • Willing to share authority and credit
  • Strategically focused rather than procedurally focused
  • Helps to optimize the strengths and weaknesses of the people he works with in the congregation
• Trained/experienced in Biblical counseling
  • No required certification by any Biblical counseling institute
  • Has been involved in application of God's Word and Biblical principles to life issues among fellow believers (e.g.: counseling toward marriage, counseling on grieving, counseling on purity issues and sexual immorality)
• Has experience in mentoring and discipleship
• Fundamental/basic knowledge of Judaism/Jewish life (theology, history, customs, tradition, prayers, liturgy)
• Familiarity with current trends/activities in the Messianic Jewish movement and mainline Judaism and Christianity.
• Good reputation in Messianic Jewish circles.
• Local roots and/or relational connections
• Published and/or desired as a presenter