Finding Timothy

Biblical Principles of Recruitment

Finding Timothy - What to look for in individuals when building a ministry team

When Paul returned to Lystra he not only strengthened the brethren, but he also recruited a new team member.

Acts 16:1-3

"Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there named Timotheus…Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra…Him would Paul have to go forth."

Paul recognized that Timothy would make a valuable addition to their mission team. Sometimes God leads other men to help us recognize our potential for serving God: “Him would Paul have to go forth.” As a leader, we need to be ready to recognize these qualities in potential recruits.

Notice what qualified Timothy for this task, and it bears remarking that Timothy may not have yet sensed his calling to the foreign field, but he was ready nonetheless:

A. A Healthy Relationship with his local church

Vs. 1: “a certain disciple was there…well reported of by the brethren.”

No man or woman is a true disciple of Christ without having a strong attachment to and loyalty for his or her local church. The church knew him. He loved God, was faithful to church and served God fervently. Remember, Paul was called to go while actively involved in his local church. God does not call men and women on the inactive roster. He simply moves active servants from one arena to another as he sees fit.

B. A Strong Testimony among the believers

Vs. 2: “Well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.”

Timothy’s testimony was known. Here’s a young man who most likely had an unbelieving father, yet the brethren, the men in his local church would have been proud to have called him their son. He had a blameless testimony in his community. There was no hesitation among the church leadership to recommend this young man to full-time ministry and no question as to his readiness.

C. A Willing Spirit to serve at any cost, in any capacity and in any country

Vs. 3: “him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews…”

At Any Cost

Timothy was literally willing to offer his body a living sacrifice for God! He knew the cost. He saw Paul beaten and left for dead a few years prior.

He was willing to serve anyone and everyone. He was ready to adapt to reach a particular people group. He was ready to become all things to all men.

He was willing to lay down his life, his rights, his liberty for the sake of the gospel.

In Any Capacity

We aren't sure of Timothy's role or position at the church in Lystra. He obviously was involved in a preaching or teaching ministry his own and the surrounding local churches. He was well reported of by the brethren in Lystra and Iconium. Joining Paul's team may have meant he take a lesser role in a larger world-wide ministry but in the bigger picture, God had big plans for Timothy. We must be willing to serve in any capacity.

This qualification and this alone makes you a prime candidate for gospel service, whether at home or abroad: A humble, willing spirit.

In Any Country

The where of service is irrelevant. Jesus has called us to make disciples of every nation. A true disciple is willing not only to serve in any capacity but to serve in any country. Timothy traveled the world until he ended up in Crete. He didn’t have any assurances of where the road would take him or even if the journey was safe. As a disciple of Christ he knew he had a calling to take the gospel to every creature and Paul’s prodding was all he needed to get going.

God help young men and women live out the spirit of Timothy and God help the team builder to recognize that spirit as we seek laborers for the field.