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SHEPHERD Dimension

Holy Living & Integrity

"Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach." — 1 Timothy 3:2

George Mueller refused a large donation when he discovered the giver had unpaid debts across the city. "I can't accept money that belongs to someone else, no matter how good the cause." That is integrity — refusing to compromise even when the cause is good and the need is desperate. Scripture calls leaders to be "above reproach" (1 Timothy 3:2): a life so consistent and transparent that no valid accusations can be made.

The five key components

Sexual Purity
Sexual sin has ended more ministries than perhaps any other issue. It breaches sacred trust, demands deception and cover-ups, and disqualifies someone from leadership. Maintaining …
Financial Integrity
"The love of money is a root of all kinds of evils" (1 Timothy 6:10). Financial integrity means complete honesty, transparency in records, living within your means, refusing gifts …
Truthfulness
Integrity literally means wholeness — your words match your actions and your private life aligns with your public persona. This requires resisting the temptation to exaggerate, kee…
Self-Control
Self-control is listed as a qualification for elders (Titus 1:8) and as fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23). It applies to food and drink, anger, speech, spending, and time. A lac…
Consistency
The most vital aspect of integrity is being the same person everywhere — at home, at work, at church, online, when people are watching and when no one is. The Pharisees appeared ri…

Questions to reflect on

  1. Are there any areas of your life where you're compromising integrity? If so, what will you do about it?
  2. Is your private life consistent with your public persona? If not, what needs to change?
  3. Who has permission to ask you hard questions about your moral life? Are you being honest with them?
  4. 2 more in the training session…

Training Session

Holy Living & Integrity

Unlock the complete training session: full book chapter, structured exercises, scripture study, and a downloadable PDF workbook.

  • Full book chapter
  • 3 practical exercises
  • Scripture study with reflection
  • All 5 reflection questions
  • Downloadable PDF workbook
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All dimensions

S Spiritual Foundation & Character H Humility & Servant-Heartedness E Excellence in Administration & Stewardship P Pastoral Care & Compassion
H Holy Living & Integrity
E Empowerment & Team Development R Reputation & Witness D Discernment & Wisdom