Integrity is the opposite of hypocrisy. Integrity is THE QUALITY that PEOPLE WANT TO SEE MOST in a leader.
2Corinthians 1:12-13 (NIV) "Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God. We have done so not according to worldly wisdom but according to God's grace. 13 For we do not write you anything you cannot read or understand."
1. In this text, Paul declares he has NO HIDDEN AGENDAS. He will not indulge in politicking nor does he plan to manipulate anyone. What you see is what you get. He means exactly what he says, nothing more. No need to examine the numerical value of the Greek letters to arrive at a hidden meaning.
2. Good church leaders also act as “SHOCK ABSORBERS" when there is tension among the people. For example, if a disgruntled parent lodges a complaint about an issue concerning their child, do we as leaders & elders ABSORB and DIFFUSE the situation, or do we MULTIPLY and COMPOUND the problem? A good leader recognizes that he/she has an opportunity to address this persons concern, while at the same time presenting a united front of the church’s leadership. Good leaders can take a hit without escalating the situation.
3. Good leaders DO NOT BETRAY CONFIDENCES. Just by virtue of being in a leadership position, church leaders are often privy to sensitive information about individuals & families within the congregation, or sensitive information about the church itself. In these instances it is vital that such a person never reveal this infomation to anyone who does not have a need to know. This is such a grievous display of poor judgement that it is cause for immediate removal.