Leadership in the church is an honor that has accompanying responsibilities and sacrifices.  The Scriptures describe the qualities of leaders in such passages as Exodus 18:21, Acts 6:3, 1 Timothy 3:1-13, Titus 1:5-9.  Those who are chosen to lead in the church do so in a spirit of humility and dependence upon God.  They must be spiritually mature individuals whose lifestyle shall be in harmony with Scriptures, the doctrines of the Free Methodist Church (Par. 100-131), the principles of the Membership Covenant (Par. 154-160), which are the goals of our maturing life in Christ, and of the selection of leaders (Par. 6200.E)

Leadership and / or policy-making positions shall be filled with members who (Par. 6200.E.2)

• Live consistently within scriptural guidelines (expectations) for leaders (e.g. Exodus 18:21, Acts 6:3, 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-9) and express Christ-like attitudes in life and in relationships (e.g. Matthew 20:26-28, John 15:12-17, Acts 6:1-7 and Ephesians 4:1-17)
• Give evidence of spiritual gifts such as leadership, faith, and administration;
• Agree with and sincerely seek to live out the goals for their maturing life in Christ (i.e. the principles of membership covenant);
• Continue in harmony with our doctrine and mission; and
• Are vital in faith, faithful in attendance and financially supportive of their church to at least the level of a tithe.