There is a well-known principle for selecting leaders, even for small group leaders: choose F.A.T. people.
- F – Faithful
- A – Available
- T – Teachable
These three simple qualities raise three important questions:
- Is this person faithful?
- Is this person available?
- Is this person teachable?
Although this standard may seem idealistic, it is a practical and necessary checklist for anyone who will lead others.
1. Is He Faithful?
Faithfulness means doing one’s work with sincerity and consistency. Faithful people earn the trust of their supervisors, coworkers, and those they serve.
The Bible teaches:
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” (Colossians 3:23)
In the workplace, employees generally fall into three groups:
- Those who do less than they are paid to do.
- Those who do exactly what they are paid to do.
- Those who consistently do more than they are paid to do.
Studies of successful people often show that many belong to the third group. Because they are faithful in small responsibilities, they are eventually entrusted with greater ones.
The same pattern can be seen in any organization, including Melvin University. Some employees simply wait for the time to go home. Others spend too much time drinking coffee or wandering from office to office. But a few work diligently and faithfully throughout the day. Such people naturally earn greater trust and responsibility.
2. Is He Available?
The second question is whether the person is available.
Some people sincerely want to help but simply do not have enough time. If someone is already carrying many responsibilities, we can understand that.
However, there are also people who continually say, “I’ll do it,” yet never finish the task. A project that should take one week may still be incomplete after a year. The problem is not ability—it is availability and commitment.
In team ministry, this becomes a serious weakness. A leader who is always absent from meetings or never has time for ministry cannot effectively serve the team. Availability is therefore an essential qualification for leadership.
3. Is He Teachable?
The third question may be the most difficult:
Is this person teachable?
In other words:
- Can this person receive correction?
- Is he willing to learn?
- Can he change when necessary?
Some people are naturally stubborn. They may be intelligent and talented, but they resist advice or refuse to grow.
I remember one incident at Melvin University. We offered an advanced Leadership Course, and those who successfully completed it could receive a leadership certificate that would serve them for many years.
Three students applied, but only two could be selected. Therefore, the final decision was made through a personal interview.
One applicant was very capable and intelligent. However, during the interview the committee concluded that he was too self-centered and unwilling to accept correction. Although he repeatedly said, “I really want to do it,” the committee decided not to select him.
His ability was not the problem.
His teachability was.
Leadership is not determined only by talent. It also requires humility and a willingness to keep learning.
A Final Reflection
These three qualities—faithfulness, availability, and teachability—form a wise checklist for selecting leaders.
Perhaps faithfulness includes much of the other two, but teachability deserves special emphasis. A person who is willing to learn, accept correction, and continue growing has great potential for future leadership.
Before asking whether others are qualified, we should first ask ourselves:
- Am I faithful?
- Am I available?
- Am I teachable?
These three questions may be among the most important leadership questions we will ever answer.