God Calls Church Leaders *

Again we are looking at Pauls instruction to the young Timothy, pertaining to the care of the church. Here we are given the things that should be evident in the life of a Bishop, as well as that of a deacon. This lesson stresses the importance of integrity of those holding positions in the church. It is important that followers have grounded leaders. The lack thereof causes cynicism. We must pray for the strength and integrity of our leaders. To ensure a sound foundation for the upbuilding of the church.


1 Timothy 3:2-7:

2A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

3Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

4One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;

5(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

6Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

7Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil

All of these verses lay out, what is required of a bishop. Let's address them one by one.

Blameless- Not one liable of accusations of wrongdoing by members of the congregation.

Husband of one wife- This is a controversial passage subject to much debate. Being that many in the body of Christ are divorced, this causes questions. I think it is clear that it means a bishop, should not be permiscuous. We know what a husband should be doing. We also know he should be doing it with one wife. We should note that sleeping with someone, denotes them being your wife.

Vigilant-Persistent in the faith, always about our fathers business. Keeping watch as not to be caught unaware. Not leaving the door open for false doctrines and prophets.

Sober-Having a grip or self control.

The previous verses tell you what a Bishop should possess. The following verses point out what he should not.

Not given to wine- he shouldn't be a drunkard. He shouldn't drink to the point of intoxication.

No striker- He shouldn't always be ready to fight, to take on a challenge. There is a correlation between being given to wine, and being a striker. People tend to want to fight, when they get drunk.

Not greedy of filthy lucre- Not a lover of money, a leader who is greedy will compromise the church. He will engage in unrighteous activity for the sake of material gain.

But patient not a brawler,not covetous-To accomplish these things requires that one have patience. Not be quick to react. You have to be willing to wait on the promises of God. The other two things mentioned, simply reiterate the above scripture. If one thing is present, you won't find the other.


1 Timothy 3:8-13:

8Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;

9Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.

10And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.

11Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.

12Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

13For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

The requirements of the deacon, are pretty much the same. The office is designed to free up the Bishop, to focus on his teaching. The church has so many functions, it's impossible for one man to do it effectively. We examine the family, and the leaders influence. That doesn't mean members of your family, are replicas of you. When you lead by example, the apple doesn't fall from the tree. One thing of note, that differs from the Bishop. Deacons are told to be:

Not Doubletongued- The deacons are bound to have more contact with more of the congrgation than the Bishop. They have to be careful not to tell, different people different things. In an effort to please everyone, they tell people what they want to hear.


1 Timothy 3:14-15:

14These things write I unto thee,y hoping to come unto thee shortly:

15But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

Here Paul anticipates his return to the community. In the meantime he had taught Timothy, as well as provided him with written instructions. The likes of which we have today, in the form of scriptures. On how leaders and people should behave, in the house of God. We have here the prerequesites of leaders, needed to build a healthy thriving church. Where the head leads, the body will follow.