Offices in the church-Part 1

1 Timothy 3:1 “It is a true saying that if someone wants to be an elder, he desires an honourable responsibility.” New Living Translation  

Extra Reading: 1 Timothy 3:1-11.

In the Bible there are a number of words used for the church leaders in the New Testament: elders, deacons, presbyters, overseers, bishops, shepherds, pastors, and teachers. It will be helpful if we look at qualifications of the three mentioned in the Scripture we have just read. In 1Timothy 3, Paul gives qualifications for overseers. In Titus 1, he uses the same qualifications for elders, but in the middle of the list he uses the term overseer. Let’s look at what determines the offices in the church. (See also Acts 20:17, 28 and 1 Peter 5:1, 2). Now let’s look at qualifications for an overseer in detail (1 Timothy 3:1-7). They are listed as follows:

-Above reproach.

-Having only one wife.

-Temperate.

-Self-controlled.

-Respectable.

-Hospitable.

-Able to teach.

-Not given to drunkenness.

-Not violent, but gentle.

-Not quarrelsome.

-Not a lover of money.

-Manages his family well.

-Sees that his children obey him with all respect.

-Not a new convert.

-Have a good reputation with outsiders.

A man chosen as overseer must demonstrate these qualities in his life. The emphasis is on his current character. How are you doing in this area if you are in leadership position?

Prayer: O God, thank you for appointing leaders for Your church. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!

Rev. Samuel N. Modise