Offices in the church-Part 2

Titus 1:5-7 “I left you on the Island of Crete so you could complete our work there and appoint elders in each town as instructed you. An elder must be well thought of for his good life. He must be faithful to his wife, and his children must be believers who are not wild or rebellious. An elder must live a blameless life because he is God’s minister. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or greedy for money.”

Extra Reading: Titus 1:5-10.

If an elder has had a poor reputation in his past life, there certainly needs to be a significant period of holy living to convince the congregation that he has indeed changed his ways and to help keep him from falling into sin. In this epistle to Titus, Paul reiterates his list of qualifications for elders and overseers. Notice that this list of qualifications is similar to the expanded list given in 1 Timothy 3:1-7.

-Blameless.

-Husband to one wife.

-Children believe and are not wild and disobedient.

-Not overbearing.

-Not quick-tempered.

-Not given to drunkenness.

-Not violent.

-Not pursuing dishonest gain.

Paul also addressed qualifications for deacons in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. Their qualifications are similar to those of the elders except that deacons are not required to be able to teach. Here are the requirements for deacons (1 Timothy 3:8-13):

-Respected, sincere, not excessive drinkers, not greedy for money, having a clear conscience, tested, having only one wife, managing his children and household well. The spiritual requirements are just as strict as those for the elder. They must also have proven reputations. The only difference, not being able to teach, is readily understood in the light of their role. The first appearance of the deacons seems to be Acts 6. At that time there was a problem in the church. Some of the Gentile widows were being overlooked in the distribution of food to the needy. The apostles who directed the church did not think it was right for them to leave their responsibility of teaching and praying. Instead, they asked the congregation to choose seven men who could be entrusted with the task of distributing food.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to understand biblical leadership roles. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Rev. Samuel N. Modise