Bible Diary - 1 Timothy 3:1-13
February 25, 2008
One of Paul’s instructions as he left Timothy with the young congregation in Ephesus was to strengthen and endourage the leadership of that church. They had previously selected certain men as overseers (we would say elders) and deacons to shepherd the flock. It’s interesting that there is no mention of a pastor or elder-in-chief. In the franchise of the Christian church to which I belong, the pastor is also referred to as a ruling elder. Anyway, Paul here reminds Timothy of the qualifications for church leadership.
Qualifications for Overseers and Deacons
3:1 This saying is trustworthy: “If someone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a good work.” 3:2 The overseer then must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, an able teacher, 3:3 not a drunkard, not violent, but gentle, not contentious, free from the love of money. 3:4 He must manage his own household well and keep his children in control without losing his dignity. 3:5 But if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for the church of God? 3:6 He must not be a recent convert or he may become arrogant and fall into the punishment that the devil will exact. 3:7 And he must be well thought of by those outside the faith, so that he may not fall into disgrace and be caught by the devil’s trap.
3:8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not two-faced, not given to excessive drinking, not greedy for gain, 3:9 holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 3:10 And these also must be tested first and then let them serve as deacons if they are found blameless. 3:11 Likewise also their wives must be dignified, not slanderous, temperate, faithful in every respect. 3:12 Deacons must be husbands of one wife and good managers of their children and their own households. 3:13 For those who have served well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
In the early church, it seems that elders were charged primarily with the spiritual health of the congregation, and the deacons attended to the administrative side of things, especially caring for physical needs. Yet, the qualifications Paul lays down are essentially the same for both offices. As I reflect on my years as deacon and elder in three different congregations and under a half-dozen pastors, I’m afraid that we have consistently failed to take Paul’s qualifications very seriously. In none of these congregations was there any serious effort to train prospective elders and deacons in the requirements of their office, nor was there much consideration given to their spiritual maturity.
Measuring myself against Paul’s standards, I can readily recognize areas where I fall short. Rather than promptly turn in my resignation, I believe the biblical response is to confess my sin and ask for forgiveness. This should lead me to work a little harder to fulfill my tough job description.
I want to rant a little about the role of women in church leadership, but that doesn’t really have a place in a series of lenten reflections. So I won’t.
Dave, just thankful for Paul’s helpful words.
-sdg-
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