1 Corinthians 16:11

Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren (KJV)

Then: Possibly, Timothy's leadership skills were less obvious than those of others (Wright, p.234). People used to seeing the movers and shakers pass through their town might overlook Timothy's value. Wright conjectures this is another one of Paul's teaching strategies.

Now: Sometimes church members fail to notice the value of fellow believers. As workers in the kingdom they are valuable. It takes constant reminders to change peoples' views so that they are able to see others as Christ, not the world, does.