QUALIFICATIONS FOR ELDERS

1 Timothy 3:1-13 / Keywords 3:2

Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

 

Qualifications for Overseers and Deacons

3:1 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[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.

Footnotes

a. 1 Timothy 3:4 Or him with proper

b. 1 Timothy 3:8 The word deacons refers here to Christians designated to serve with the overseers/elders of the church in a variety of ways; similarly in verse 12; and in Romans 16:1 and Phil. 1:1.

c. 1 Timothy 3:11 Possibly deacons’ wives or women who are deacons

1. Elders of the church have an important responsibility to govern church affairs and to shepherd the flock. They must be fit for the task spiritually. Paul said they must be above reproach. That’s a tall order. Their personal lives, including their families, must be a role model for others. Elders must not be a recent convert, or they may become proud. Elders must be respectable people in the community as well. We should pray for our elders to be able to carry out this noble task.

 

2. Deacons are those who actively carry out the ministry. They should also be of godly character and careful of the ungodly influences in their lives. They must also obey the truth of God’s word with a clear conscience. Deaconesses should be respectable and trustworthy and not prone to malicious talk. We should pray for our church leaders at all levels to succeed in their calling.

 

3. The families of elders and deacons should be role models for church members. This requires that they first lead at home and be spiritual leaders in their own houses. We should support their families in prayer as they carry the cross of ministry.

 

Prayer Father, thank you for our elders and church leaders. Please equip them for their roles and protect them and their families from Satan’s trap.

One Word Elders to be above reproach and deacons to be trustworthy