Nothing so conclusively proves a man's ability to lead others as what he does from day to day to lead himself. Thomas A. Watson --David A. Brady, Ch, Capt, USAF

I personally believe that the issues of character, integrity, and accountability are still around in smaller percentages these days in every age group. More and more we will become aware of fine leadership emerging around us in spite of denial, compromise, and political correctness. God will always have a remnant of Godly leaders in each age group who have not sold out or bowed their knees to the feel-good, accommodating philosophy of the day. Our President just recently said that there is no fancy way to say, "I have sinned."

I`m sure that if there was, most of the user friendly, seeker types, keep them coming at all cost types, and what ever it takes types would have incorporated it into the fabric of the philosophy of ministry. Fortunately from time to time even Boomers experience a spiritual awakening. I believe this time is close at hand and may be hastened by the moral dilemma we face as a nation. What a great time for all of us to fall on our faces before God and repent. I`ve heard on good authority and have found personally that,... that posture....works ! Glad you`re back Keith !

Hey . . . that's a good one. Somebody changed the rules . . . good parallel too.

How do we re-introduce the character issue? I don't think we do. Like so many other things, character will be largely symbolic in national politics. Candidates will try to *look* moral. They will not try to *be* moral. But hey . . neither do we ;-) ----LW

Welcome back! I love your thought provoking column. Thanks for serving the body of Christ with this particular ministry as well as the many other ministries you give. I hope you a good summer and that it proved to be a time of renewal and refreshment for you and Sharon.

I have appreciated the thoughts shared in the book, "Built To Last" by Jim Collins where he discusses the "tyranny of the or" versus the "genius of the and". I would suggest it is possible to have moral integrity and competence. However, if we discover a moral issue we must have that take precedence over the competence. On the other side of the coin, just because someone is particularly strong morally, does not, in and of itself, make them a good pastor or president. It is my view that we must first demand moral excellence and then evaluate competency for whatever role we are looking at whether it be pastor, president, or Sunday school teacher.

We have no way of seeing inside a person's heart. Only God has that luxury. However, we can evaluate human indicators of what me expect a Godly or morally strong person to look like. We have chosen at our church to ask questions about this area of a person's life when we are in the interview process. We would ask the individual as well as his/her references questions like, "How would you describe your devotional life?" "When is the last time you shared the plan of salvation with anyone?" "Have you participated in the use of any pornographic or questionable materials?" We would ask references for information about the person's moral reputation and trustworthiness etc. It is a very hard area to accurately measure. However, we ask all the questions we know to ask and then ask God for a spirit of discernment. More than once we have benefited from "Intuitive, gut feelings, from a staff spouse in making a decision that we later understand the rationale for.

It is my view that we must first value spiritual and moral strength. However, we must also highly value competency.--------- In Jesus' Love, Jack Lynn

"What will change to upgrade the character issue?" How 'bout the FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT? Is this an "upgrade" or "downsizing"? How 'bout if we cut out all of the other stuff that doesn't matter and get up (or back) to God's Word! Read 'em! Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-Control! "The Message" lists 'em like this:

-- David Sheets

So true...and the devil has had thousands of years to perfect his plans...He has always used these methods.

One of the wonderful aspects is that...though sin abounds...grace does much more abound. I am confident that the Holy Spirit is going to be poured out more in the last days...(baby boomers' days) and we will be victors in the end. God help America! ----- The Clarks Gene and Doyne

Don't use my name with this (or I could lose my job for being so politically incorrect) but you failed to observe that these three qualities boomers want, is leaders are essentially what boomer-women want, not boomer men. Check the polls. It is the feminization of leadership qualities. The crazy thing is that now this warm-fuzzy leadership style has snuck around on the women and bit them in the rear (so to speak). Guys never did want this style... they just get outvoted. -- name withheld

Character does count - especially in the pastoral role. I may not have a large church but my marriage is intact and growing. I may not be on the radio - but I love Jesus more than I did in 1977. I may not be on TV but my integrity is still "whole".

We mus