Was reading "You the Leader" by Pst Phil Pringle today... "There are factors that either qualify or disqualify people from being part of our dreams and therefore part of our teams. Many people want to be in ministry, but not all will be. The standard should always be kept high so that a precedent exists for others to emulate. We are tempted to compromise our standards for the sake of getting someone who "at least can do the job." I will not compromise in my selection. Being understanding does not equate to compromising standards. And it continues... "Training a person for a job is easy compared to changing a person's character and attitudes...The funny thing about only settling for the best is that you will usually get it. God equips people with abilities beyond their training if their hearts are right toward Him." Agreed. A person may not have what others are naturally good at but God is able to equip him/her given the right attitudes. And it goes on... "A team is only as good as its members, and members are only as good as their character." Faithfulness being the first trait. - Regularity: being predictable, regular and available. - Trueness of spirit: being privately honorable and publicly upright. - Loyalty to the leadership and the church: those part of the team must fight for the church and their leaders. I will work towards being a faithful child, daughter, worker and leader this year. I pray that the people who choose to follow will also choose to be faithful and mature in their walk. Its natural to grow old; its a choice to grow up.