1 Timothy 3:1-7 – Characters of key leaders

Paul had shown the importance of having right doctrines and dealt with issues relating to public worship, such as prayers, different roles of men and women in public meetings, etc. He now turned to deal with the kind of people who are qualified for leadership. The church needs people with sound characters because good leadership is fundamental to a strong church. The kind of leaders the church possesses will determine her quality.

In verse 1, Paul began by stating another of his five trustworthy statements in the Pastoral Epistles. He said that to aspire to leadership is an honorable ambition. We know that there is nothing wrong in seeking to be an overseer provided that aspiration did not stem from a selfish motive. Paul would not condone a selfish ambition to covet the office of an overseer. He was lauding the desire for the privilege to serve the people of God. To seek the office of an overseer is to seek to serve the people of God. Thus, it is a noble task.

Here in these verses Paul introduced the first of two offices - the office of overseers, the other being that of deacons. Firstly, we need to note that in the New Testament, the words – elder, overseer or bishop – are terms used to refer to the same office. They were used to refer to the pastoral oversight of the church. While the office of an elder hails from the Jewish concept, the office of a bishop or an overseer finds its root in the Greek.

Having introduced the pastoral role as a noble task, Paul then went on to show what an aspirant must have. The nobility of the task demands that candidates must not only meet the qualifications but also the characteristics to match that desire. From these verses, Paul laid down 11 areas to look out for in a person who is seeking the pastorate. In verse 2, he dealt with the need for integrity, marital fidelity, self-mastery, hospitality and teaching ability. In verse 3, he dealt with the need for controlled drinking habit, temper and temperament, and attitude toward money. Finally in verses 4-7, he dealt with the necessity for domestic discipline, spiritual maturity and a good reputation.

The church of Jesus Christ should set the moral standard for the nation. The leaders of a church to a large extent reflect the moral standard of that church. Hence it is imperative that leaders of quality be appointed. It’s the endeavor of the top leadership of the church to appoint godly characters to such a position. But know that it’s the responsibility of the members to pray with the leadership for the appointment of such leaders. Let’s find responsible leaders but let’s all be responsible members!