1 Timothy 3 - The High Calling of Spiritual Leaders in the Local Church!

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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 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.

An overseer is the same word for "bishop" or "overseer" or "elder".  You see the high bar Paul sets for this kind of spiritual leader. Elders oversaw the spiritual health of the church, and also shared some of the teaching and preaching responsibilities. There are many qualifications for an elder. Why is the bar set so high? 

Leaders have a greater degree of responsibility, because they are an example to flock, especially the younger believers. Importantly, you can see how vital it is for an elder to manage their own family and finances. Also on a personal level they need to have self-control in matters of the flesh (drinking, anger, greed), Paul reasons that if a person can't manage themselves, their family, or their finances, they shouldn't be given the spiritual responsibility of overseeing the church. 

Interestingly, Paul also stipulates that it must not be a recent convert. It is important to demonstrate spiritual maturity before you lead others in the church. There can be a certain amount of pride that develops when one is in leadership. All leadership positions are afforded power and authority. It is one thing to have earthly power, but when you have power given to you by the Lord, it is a special responsibility, which each leader will be responsible for to the Lord. 

Even Jesus said, "If any causes one of these little ones to stumble, it would be better if a millstone were tied around and they were thrown to the bottom of the sea." Luke 17:12

On the other hand leaders play a huge role in the church. As the leaders go, so goes the church. Leaders are given a special gift by God. Pray for your leaders, as the devil would love to take them or one of their family members out. In my experiece special prayers should be given to their spouses. If a leader can't take a pastor down, he will go for their spouses. 

8 In the same way, deacons[b] 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[c] 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.

Deacons were also ministers but focused more on the practical matters like feeding the widows and managing the affairs of the church. Note many of the same qualifications as the elders are applied to the deacons. It shows that anyone with a leadership position in the church is held to a higher standard than the average parishoner. This doesn't mean they are any better. Actually it means they should be more a servant's heart and lead like Jesus, who washed his disciples' feet. Leadership begins wih a towel.  

The Greek for "deacon" comes from the same word for "servant". Jesus said, "The greatest among you is a servant. For Jesus did not come to serve but be served and give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10

As for the benefits, Paul says these leaders will have an excellent standing, and their own faith will be strengthened. As a leader in the church for over 30 years, it is hard to put into the words the many blessings I have received. There have been so many rewarding experiences and incredible relationships many of them have lasted far past when I left these churches. 

More than this is the satisfaction of serving my Lord and Savior, Jesus. I can never repay Jesus for what he has done for me, but I can serve him giving my best for him. Like Paul, I want to live to a life worthy of my calling in Christ.  

Where are you serving the Lord?  Count it all joy that we can use our gifts to glorify and serve him and build his church on earth as it is in heaven. 

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 is hoping to see the Ephesians soon, but in the meantime these instructions should help the church continue to grow and thrive under the direction of the elders and deacons. There is no other model given to the early church for church government. You can see there is not an elaborate organization hierarchy. The focus is on the mission of the church, and the spiritual and practical leadership needed. 

Importantly, Paul says that the church is God's household. While it is important to manage our own households well, God's house deserves special attention. In the Old Testament, we see all of the many directions given to build the temple where God would dwell. In the New Testament we are the temple of God, which we call the body of Christ. 

The structure of the New Testament to fulfill the Great Commission is the local church run by the local church. Today we have over 3,000 denominations, but Jesus' prayer is that we would be one as He and the Father are one. Our unity is in Christ, not any human organization. It is helpful though for local churches to have fellowship together and celebrate the church in each city. Informal organizations which connect, train, and supply pastors to local churches are helpful for the Church to fulfill its mission. 

But the New Testament never seemed to advocate a large organizational structure with multi-levels of authority which is not connected with the local church. As my pastor growing up always said, "The local church is the hope of the world!"