QUALIFICATIONS FOR CHURCH LEADERS

PROCLAMATION

“This is a true saying, ‘If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.’  A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous …”  1 Timothy 3:1-7 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by the Apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to Timothy, his son in the ministry, to provide him with directions and instructions. (1 Timothy 1:2)  In the third chapter of this pastoral epistle Paul began by stating the qualifications one must have in order to become a bishop, or an overseer, or a pastor. (1 Timothy 3:2-7)  Then he goes on to state the qualifications for becoming a deacon. (1 Timothy 3:8-10 and 3:12-13)  He interrupts his discussion regarding deacons with a statement about women. (1 Timothy 3:11)  Some Bible scholars feel that this applies to the wife of the pastor or the wife of a deacon.  Other Bible scholars feel that it applies to deaconesses or any woman in a leadership position within the church.  Paul ends this chapter by stating his reasons for writing this letter. (1 Timothy 3:14-16)

 

APPLICATION

Any individual who desires or holds a leadership position within the church should read this chapter.  It has been said that those who lead or teach will be held to a higher standard when they are judged.  Just like those to whom much is given, of them shall much more be required. (Luke 12:48)  A leadership position in God’s house should not be a person’s first leadership position. (1 Timothy 3:6)  They should first have to prove themselves in other lesser positions. (1 Timothy 3:10)  I know that this chapter applies to pastors and deacons but, in my opinion, this should apply to all positions of leadership, including secular positions, elected, appointed, and all others.