The election of leaders in a Christian community goes far beyond a simple vote. It is a sacred moment of listening, prayer, and commitment to the mission God has entrusted to the Church. Recently, during the 16th General Assembly of the Canção Nova Community, Canon Carlos Antônio da Silva, president of the Ecclesiastical Tribunal of Aparecida (SP) and professor of Theology and Canon Law, offered a deep reflection on the true spirit that should guide these processes.
According to him, the General Council is not just an administrative body, but a support, encouragement, and guidance structure so that the community's mission can be fully lived. "The council has the responsibility to help fulfill the community's mission, which is part of the Church's larger mission," he explained. This vision reminds us that every leadership role in the church is, first and foremost, a call to service.
The apostle Paul exhorted Christians to have the same attitude as Christ, who "did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28, NIV). This principle should guide every election process within the Christian community.
Biblical Criteria for Choosing Leaders
The Bible gives us clear guidance on how to choose those who will lead God's flock. In the Old Testament, we see Moses instructed to select capable men who fear God, are trustworthy, and hate dishonest gain (Exodus 18:21). In the New Testament, Paul sets requirements for overseers and deacons: above reproach, temperate, respectable, hospitable, able to teach (1 Timothy 3:1-13).
These criteria are not merely technical; they reflect the character of Christ. Canon Carlos Antônio emphasized that the spirit of service should be the main criterion in the election process. "It's not about seeking power or status, but about assuming a responsibility before God and the community," he stated. This perspective challenges us to look beyond human abilities and seek the direction of the Holy Spirit.
"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms." (1 Peter 4:10, NIV)
The Role of the General Council in Church Life
The General Council of a community performs essential functions ranging from administration to spiritual shepherding. In Canção Nova, for example, elections are held for president, vice-president, general formator, general secretary, general treasurer, a priest in charge of clergy, a married person responsible for couples, a celibate person responsible for celibates, and two general councilors. Each of these roles has the mission to serve and build up the body of Christ.
The canon stressed that the General Council should be an instrument of unity and growth. "It is not above the community, but at its service. Its function is to help each member live their vocation fully," he said. This ecclesial vision reminds us that the church is a family, where all are called to contribute to the common good.
Spiritual Discernment: How to Choose Wisely
The election process should be marked by prayer and fasting, seeking God's will. The community is invited to discern, not just based on resumes or popularity, but on the fruit of the Spirit in the candidates' lives. Galatians 5:22-23 teaches us that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities should be evident in those who aspire to lead.
Additionally, it is important to listen to the voice of the community. Acts 6:1-6 shows how the early Christians chose deacons: the community presented men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom. The same principle applies today: the election is not an individual act but a communal one, where all participate in discernment. May the Holy Spirit guide us to choose leaders after God's own heart.
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