It Starts Small

3 This saying is trustworthy: “If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble work.” ² An overseer, therefore, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, ³ not an excessive drinker, not a bully but gentle, not quarrelsome, not greedy. ⁴ He must manage his own household competently and have his children under control with all dignity. ⁵ (If anyone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of God’s church?) ⁶ He must not be a new convert, or he might become conceited and incur the same condemnation as the devil. ⁷ Furthermore, he must have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he does not fall into disgrace and the devil’s trap.

1 Timothy 3:1-7

Office of the Overseer

The words overseer, elder, and shepherd in the New Testament all passionately describe the same vital office. It is a revered position of leadership and oversight over a local church body. This calling demands commitment and devotion. The New Testament describes how the local church should be governed. It is through a dynamic team of elders. The notion of a single dominating pastor wielding all the authority simply isn’t found in Scripture! Furthermore, the concept of church voting is absent. God’s beautiful design for the church shines through in 1 Timothy 3 and other New Testament passages. These passages emphasize a leadership model led by a dedicated team of elders and deacons. This team serves as humble servant leaders. The elders shepherd the flock with love. They tend to their spiritual needs. The deacons step in to assist with essential physical needs. They handle facilities, care for the less fortunate, manage finances, and more (Acts 7).

If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble work.

Fervently yearning to serve the body of Christ as an elder is a noble pursuit. It is a commendable effort. The church is in desperate need of devoted leaders who are willing to guide and uplift their community. Indeed, we can boldly expand this thought to encompass every believer. These individuals passionately desire to use their unique gifts and life experiences. They wish to serve the body (1 Corinthians 12) in any capacity. Such individuals are not only pursuing a worthy aspiration. They are also cherished and blessed by God. It is vital to recognize that throughout history, some have sought leadership positions within the church with ulterior motives. They are driven by the desire for human admiration, financial gain, or a thirst for power and influence. Yet, these individuals are not genuinely aspiring to the office of overseer as delineated in Scripture. Their pursuits are not for the glory of God, but rather for personal gain. Ultimately, these individuals will receive what God has ordained for them.

Verses 2 through 7 set incredibly high standards for an elder. They emphasize the profound importance of selecting individuals who embody these qualities. This ensures that no unqualified person takes on this sacred role. When a church is burdened with unfit or selfish elders, the entire congregation bears the repercussions. They are denied the nourishment and guidance they desperately need. The toxic example of their leaders pervades the community. It leaves a devastating impact that resonates throughout the entire body.

In Ezra 9-10, we see a fervent warning. The leaders plunged into the grievous sin of marrying pagan women. This set off a cascade of transgressions throughout the nation. This highlights a crucial truth. A church must tread carefully. It should guard its community against such temptations. The church must uphold the high standards outlined in this scripture. Choosing an elder should not be about their tenure, wealth, age, or popularity. Instead, it should focus on their unwavering commitment to a lifestyle that aligns with the profound principles in this chapter.

Below we will look at many of the qualities of an elder:

• An elder must be above reproach. This fundamental quality encompasses a character that transcends perfection. It demands a reputation that shines brightly. While no one is flawless, an elder should radiate integrity. The line for being “above reproach” may seem elusive, but it’s one of those truths you feel in your gut. A scandalous act such as embezzling money will absolutely cast a shadow. Abusing a spouse or using foul language will also bring reproach upon an individual. Conversely, when a candidate is spoken of positively and recognized by the community as a godly individual, he is celebrated. In such cases, he stands gloriously above reproach.
• The husband of one wife – This principle encapsulates the essence of faithfulness: a “one woman, man.” However, this carries both explicit and implicit qualifications. First, it implies that elders are to be male, a theme echoed throughout Scripture. Second, it stresses that an elder must honor his spouse with unwavering faithfulness. This cultural clash highlights that divorce and remarriage should not be trivialized in leadership. Jesus and Paul stood as single exemplars. If a man is to be married, he must fiercely guard that sacred bond. The church must not overlook these godly standards, as they are essential to upholding the sanctity of marriage.
• Temperate – An elder must embody stability, eschewing wild mood swings and excesses. He is called to be a beacon of calmness, exhibiting a balance that grounds those around him. Leadership requires a cool-headed approach, steering clear of extremes in all aspects of life.
• Prudent – Prudence is not just a quality but a benchmark for all leaders. A prudent elder refrains from hasty decisions, seeking wisdom and counsel from fellow leaders before taking action. The virtue of patience reigns supreme over the rashness of the moment. As shown in Proverbs 18:17, thorough examination of the facts paves the way for sound judgement. Recklessness can wreak havoc; an elder must strive for prayerful, thoughtful decisions. Recall Jephthah’s folly in Judges 11:21-40. It serves as a stark reminder of the perils of imprudence. This contrasts with Daniel’s wise and calculated approach in crisis.
• Hospitable – An elder’s heart is measured by his hospitality; it is a calling, not merely a role. The warmth of an open home reflects a compassionate spirit, showcasing a genuine love for people. When he shares his life with others, he enhances his ministry, emulating the selflessness that Christ embodied. A true leader invests time beyond mere responsibility, inviting others into his world with love and care. Conversely, a closed-off individual raises questions about openness and vulnerability, possibly hiding deeper issues within.
• Able to teach – While not every elder must be a masterful speaker, he should certainly be able to communicate vital truths of Scripture clearly. He must also do so effectively. Elders need the ability to explain the Word of God. This skill enables them to answer challenging questions and combat false teachings. It leads them to be diligent students of Scripture who accurately “divide the Word of Truth.”
• Not addicted to wine – Moderation in drinking can be acceptable. However, it is a grave error to allow alcohol to control one’s life. Elders are called to exhibit self-control, creating a clear distinction between responsible enjoyment and reckless indulgence.
• Gentle – Authority should not breed arrogance. God calls His leaders to a path of humility. Leadership is modeled by servitude, as taught by Jesus (Matthew 20:25-28). An elder’s strength is found in gentleness—responding to chaos with grace rather than aggression. When provoked, his gentle demeanor can diffuse conflict. This aligns with the wisdom of Proverbs 15:1: “A gentle answer turns away wrath.”
• Free from the love of money – The pursuit of wealth has lured many into ministry for the wrong reasons. While it’s reasonable for those serving the church to receive compensation, a love for money corrupts the heart and mission. Elders must serve out of a pure desire to glorify God, not for financial gain.
• Manage one’s household well – A true test of leadership is the management of one’s home. Jesus taught us in Luke 16:10 about faithfulness in the little things. The elder who leads his family with love, respect, and discipline sets a precedent for shepherding the church. Children should be nurtured and taught. An elder’s treatment of his family reflects his readiness to care for God’s flock. The challenges of parenting do not disqualify an elder, but a household run amok does.
• Not a new convert – Promoting someone too quickly can lead to arrogance and vulnerability to temptation. Leaders require time to grow and mature in their faith before stepping into positions of responsibility. In newly founded churches, “new” may have a different meaning, but ensuring adequate time for spiritual development is crucial.
• Have a good reputation. A solid reputation reflects one’s character. It mirrors the principle of being “above reproach.” One’s behavior in various spheres—work, sports, or community interactions—will reveal the authenticity of a person’s faith. If co-workers speak negatively of him, it’s a red flag. Living a double life disqualifies an individual from the call to be an elder.

How can you apply today’s passage with fervor? While most of us may not step into the role of elders, this passage’s core message resonates deeply with us all. First, let’s understand what God envisions for godly leaders. We must passionately urge our churches to uphold these divine standards. Secondly, recognize that this is not just a lofty ideal. It is a sacred calling for each and every one of us! We must wholeheartedly strive to embody these standards in our lives. Reflect on one specific area discussed today where you feel challenged. Fervently jot down how you believe God wants you to rise and transform in this aspect this week.

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Cross-References

• 1 Peter 5:1-5
• Acts 14:23
• Acts 20:28
• 1 Timothy 5:17-19
• Titus 1:5-9

Discussion Questions

• Based on verse 1, how should the church view those who aspire to the office of overseer?
• What is the office of overseer?
• What other words are used for this same role in the New Testament (elder, shepherd?)
• Do you think this is an exhaustive list of requirements? Why or why not?
• Why does Paul set such high standards for a person to have this role?
• What does it mean to be above reproach?
• Is a divorced man disqualified?
• What does temperate mean?
• What would a person look like who is prudent? What kind of things will a prudent person do?
• What does hospitality look like?
• Must an overseer have the gift of teaching? What does the phrase “able to teach” mean?
• Why is it important for a leader to be gentle? What is the opposite quality?
• Why is observing how a man manages his household important when considering whether or not to make him an overseer?
• Does this disqualify a man with grown up unsaved or rebellious children?
• Why is “with all dignity” emphasized in verse 4?
• What is a “new” convert? Saved for six months? Three years? Twenty years? Or some other standard?
• What is the danger of “promoting” a new believer into leadership too quickly?

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