1 Timothy 3 - How Do You Know If You Are Leadership Material?

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Qualifications for Overseers and Deacons

3 Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. 2 Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full[a] respect. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.

The word "overseer" is the same word for "bishop' or "presbyter" or "elder". Note it says, "if someone aspires to be a overseer". It is okay to aspire to be something in the church.  This doesn't mean you are going to get the position, but it is one of the ways God calls us to ministry. When we have a passion for something it CAN mean God is calling us to look into that area of that door ministry. 

Then, Paul gives the qualifications for the role of elder. Just because someone wants to do something in the church doesn't mean it should be given to them no questions asked. Sometimes when the church looks for volunteers, they are just looking for someone with a pulse. The role of overseer is obviously an important role in the church, as we see the tasks they perform. As the amount of responsibility increases, so should the spiritual maturity of the person being considered. 

In the case Paul gives 15 areas of criteria to be an elder in the church. A lot of them have to do with one's character, but some also point to one's personal life. Like how one treats their spouse, kids, and manages their home. Yes, one's life outside the church matters. Someone may act like an "angel" in church, but then outside they are a completely different person. God sees how we are at church, out in public, and at home. 

The word "integrity" is the same word for "integrated".  When we are following Christ each area of our life is integrated His plan for us. Each area of our life is consistent and in alignment with how Jesus would act if he were us. 

How would Jesus treat his wife if he had one? How would be treat his co-workers? What kind of Dad would Jesus be? Of course, we are not Jesus, but there is nothing wrong with aspiring to be more like him in every area of our lives. 

 In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. 11 In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. 12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. 13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

The word for "deacon" is the same word for "servant". Note the qualifications for a deacon are similar to those for being a bishop. Deacons were involved in the more practical aspects of the church. Like in Acts 6, when the apostles appointed deacons with the task of feeding the Greek speaking widows. The elders needed to stay focused on preaching and teaching, but it didn't mean this ministry could be neglected. They were both equally important. 

It is a mistake to see one office as more prestigious than the other, though bishops have more responsibility before God. Each is more a matter of calling than status.

Many see the road to church leadership as similar to a corporate ladder, where after you do well one area, you climb up to the next rung. We call this "upward mobility". But Jesus said the greatest among us would be a servant. Jesus was not about titles. Jesus himself descended into greatness by becoming a servant even to death on a cross. The word for "disciple" in the bible is the Greek word "doulos", which is the same word we translate as "slave".  It also means someone who was given up their rights voluntarily. 

Verse 11 mentions women. Some try to say that the women mentioned were the wives of the male deacons. But we know this isn't a valid interpretation of this text for two reasons. First, the whole context of the passage is about the qualifications for a deacon in the church. It would be really weird to insert this verse out of the blue. Also, we know there is biblical precedence for women playing the role of deacons. As in Romans 16:1, where Phoebe is referred to as a deacon in the church. 

Reasons for Paul’s Instructions

14 Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, 15 if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. 16 Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.

Paul then pauses in his teaching to remind them WHY he is writing to them. It was important they conduct themselves in a manner fitting for who they represent. They are members of God's household, the church of the living God. 

In the ancient Greek language, “church” was a non-religious word for a group of people called together for a purpose. The living God has called His people together for His purpose.

The church is also the place which is founded on the truth. The truth about who God is, who we are, and what God has done in sending His Son from heaven to save us. All of the words in the bible are true, but most importantly the words about Jesus being the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Jesus was the truth and that is why Jesus is the cornerstone of the church. 

Today there is nothing left in the culture that resembles absolute truth in terms of right and wrong. Even the Ten Commandments are no longer held up as the standard of right and wrong.  Truth is in the eyes of the beholder. My truth is my truth. Your truth is your truth. Truth has no objective source, but it is relative to those who claim it. 

Paul finishes with explaining the mystery of the incarnation of Christ. The only way we can glimpse true holiness is by studying the way Jesus lived on this earth. Everything Jesus did out in public not like the secret "mystery religions" Paul's day. The angels in heaven saw it. Those who heard him preach saw it. Those who believed him saw it. Ultimately he was taken up into heaven as proof that He was and is the only Son of God! 

As you look at the qualifications for elders and deacons, they are really similar for anyone who would desire to play a leadership role in the church? If you aspired to be in leadership in your church would these be qualities you are exhibiting at church, at work, and at home? Which areas do you need to work on the most?  

In reality these qualifications are what it means to be a Christian. We all should strive to become the type of people Paul is talking about.