1 Timothy 3 - Who Should Run the Church and How Should They Do It?
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.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 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.
Obviously Timothy would be need a lot of help, as he led the church in Ephesus. Paul delineates the two major roles for leaders in the church. They are "elders" and "deacons". The word "elder" comes from the Greek word "Presbuteros", which mean overseer or shepherd. This is a person of spiritual maturity and is able to teach the Word of God clearly and accurately.
The other role is that of "deacon". This comes from the Greek word "diakonos", which basically means "servant". Deacons focus less on teaching and pastoral oversight and focus on the practical matters of the church. The best example of their role is in Acts 6, where they were appointed to look after the widows who were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. In today's church they might take one of the many volunteer roles to help the church run smoothly. Importantly they have the heart of a servant and are not doing it to get to get attention.
Notice Paul mentions that the elders and deacons should manage their homes well. We have all seen how difficult it can be when a church leader's family is a mess. The pastor or leader can't give his full attention to the ministry when they are experiencing marital strife or major problemes with their kids. Also, it is not a great example to the church.
However we need to be full of grace in this matter. Every pastor I know has some type of issues in this regard. Pastors and their families are not perfect, nor are the other families in the church. Many kids and spouses of pastors are expected to fulfill certain roles, or be at every church event. This is very unfortunate and puts an unrealistic expectation on them. This can lead to resentment toward the church. Also, a pastor who is always a church and neglects his marriage is walking on "thin ice".
A spouses and children of a pastor should be treated as any other member of the church. They should be encouraged to be a part of the church and use their spiritual gifts to build up the church.
Many have said, "As the leaders go, so goes the church!" This doesn't mean other members of the church aren't important, but the leaders set the tone, the example, the vison and the strategy to accomplish the mission!
Pray for the leaders in your church and their families. They need it! Have your leader's back and don't be a part of gossiping or complaining about them. This is highly divisive and it creates a toxic and dysfunctional church. If you have an issue with a pastor or leader, go to your elder board, or go directly to your pastor. In person speak the truth in love in all humility about your concerns. This is scripture and emotionally healthy! Don't send nasty emails!!!
Jesus, thank you for the leaders you have called to build up and lead the church. May the church be wise as they call leaders to shepherd the congregation and those who will minister to the practical needs of the church. Send Your Holy Spirit that we may be One as you and the Father are One! Amen.
Comments
Post a Comment