Who should lead? - 1 Timothy 3
Before we get into the nitty gritty of Pauls advice on who should lead - I ought to tell you what we are not going to do. We will not discuss Gender issues. You can find some great books and articles that delve into that important subject - and there may be some to follow on this site too - but it's not for now! Neither will we discuss different types of church leadership structure. For one simple reason – 1 Timothy Ch 3 talks primarily about qualifications for leadership rather than duties of leaders.
A Noble task?
Paul starts in v1 by affirming the role of the overseer. The words for Overseer/Bishop and Presbyter/Elder are different in the greek. Should we think of them seperately? Well, a closer look at the way Paul writes shows he seems to use them interchangeably - and so did Peter and the other NT writers, so we won’t differentiate between the two, other than to say one was Jewish in origin, one was Greek.
Being a church leader down the centuries has been seen of as a dead end job - no status and no credibility. In Paul's day it was poorly paid and culturally unacceptable for anyone who wanted to move up in society. Some would say much like today! So Paul gives it status. Being an overseer of God’s people is in fact a noble task, serving the Christ who is exalted (see Why do we need leaders? ) and glorified is worth setting your heart upon.
Today, having that aspiration is still a good, worthy thing. We need to combine it with the recognition of the calling of God and the wisdom and encouragement of the church community - but it is worthy. But what are the requirements?
Paul then goes on to list all sorts of qualifications.
They are probably not exhaustive - remember, Timothy is surrounded by false-teachers whose lives do not encapsulate the truth they are to be communicating so this list is no doubt in contrast to the failings of these false-teachers. Timothy is expected to both encourage overseers to act as model of godly leadership to the church flock and as a mirror for the hypocritical false-teachers.
So, notice that all the things Paul mentions are visible characteristics, things anyone can see. That is why the reputation with outsiders (v7) is so important!
And just before we plunge into Paul's list - notice too that he says overseers "must be" (v2) these things. They are not added extra's - bonuses as you choose people for leadership - they are central nd crucial. A necessity. We will not drum on all of the characteristics Paul mentions, but will expand on a few.
Above reproach (v2) – we can assume that Paul is talking about being beyond accusation by those inside the church. He addresses how leaders are percieved by those outside the church later in v7 - having a “good reputation with outsiders”. So what does it mean to be above reproach? Well, in short to do the following list…
I have heard people say that, if Christian leaders are “seen to be normal” with weaknesses and failings then people can associate with them. It is not a bad thing when leaders struggle with particular areas of sin. To a degree this is true. Leaders shouldn't cover up their sin or struggles - they after all are himan just like everyone else, but they are to be above reproach. It is not a good thing when a leader is seen to struggle with sin, just as it is not a good thing when anyone struggles with sin. Leaders must set themselves the highest of standards - leading morally as well as in other regards. This is tough – it invites stone throwers, but Paul calls people to imitate him as he imitates Christ. This should be the leaders desire too.
Respectable (v2) – Respectable brings two ideas together - the idea of beauty and the idea of correctness. In our culture being 'respectable' brings with it connotations of boredom and shades of grey – being a respectable member of society is a sign of lack of character and personality. But the word used, I am told brings, together these two idea's - correctness and beauty - which would inevitably lead to a radical and attractive lifestyle. Correctness – truthfulness and right action stands out in our culture, but being 'respectable' means it stands out ,not in a clinical way but in a beautiful way. There is attractiveness to the leader’s lifestyle that draws people and earns respect.
I see this in leaders I have known. When I was a teenager, there was a guy from South Wales who taught at our youth weekends and conferences. He taught truthfully, often candidly and biblically. But with Grace. I wanted to be like him! Respect. Similarly, there was a guy in London, when I was a student who had a similar effect on me. That is good and right!
Able to teach (v2) - This is really the only duty mentioned in the list. It doesn't say every leader must be a teacher, but that they must be able to teach. It certainly doesn't say if you can teach you are a leader (as is often assumed today). Leadership and teaching are different. Leaders can teach, not all teachers can lead. The church has got confused and replaced one with the other. We must be careful of this or else we will end up with people taking on roles they have not been gifted to do!
And we can see why teaching is so crucial to the role of a leader – the church is the pillar and foundation of the truth(v15)1. Yet it is surrounded by false teachers and hypocrites about who Paul is scathing (see 1 Tim 4:1-2, 2 Tim 4:1-5)
Not quarrelsome(v3) – The problem is, people very oftenlike a good argument. The instruction not to be quarrelsome literally means “disinclined to fight”. If it comes to it, making a stand for truth is important, even being willing to fight for it - but it is not the norm. Christians should do it unwillingly and out of necessity. It is a last resort, having tried diplomacy, teaching etc.
We tend to struggle with this. I don’t know about you – but if I disagree with someone, it can get personal even when it isn’t and I end up fighting my corner. We justify it by saying – "it was important, a matter of truth was at stake." But is that really the case - and even if it is, should we be resorting to quarreling? Paul writes into a situation where truth has been poisoned – the integrity of the church is at stake. But even in that context he says leaders should not be quarrelsome! Quarreling is not a mark of God’s grace at work, and is certainly not a mark of a leader!
Manage their own family well (v4) - This is developed more in 'Why do we need leaders?' but just to add, a leader will see church as a family made up of individuals, all with different needs because they are capable of running their own families that need care, feeding and love. Pray for them, that they would serve in this way in the church too!.
Not a recent convert (v6) - Being a church leader is not for the faint hearted – it is serious, sober role just as the role of the church is. Botonists and Biologists will know the term Neophyte – which means 'newly planted.' That is what Paul says when he speaks of new converts. He makes the point again in Colossians 2:6-7 when he speaks of christians being "rooted and built up.” Without strong roots, the plant will fail at the first strong wind, dry spell or hot sun. Strong roots come from good food, water and time - exposure to the wind and weather over a period. No-one should step into a role of leadership without the maturity, teaching and character to cope with it. Why?
“...may become conceited and fall under the same judgement as the devil” (v6)
Is this a pointed remark referring to the false-teachers...?
Good reputation with outsiders (v7) - They must not only be above reproach within the church – but outside too! This is important - s who we are shows people what the gospel does. If it creates nasty people, who wants that!
Reward
So lastly, what is the reward for this tough task of leadership? Paul goes on to speak to Deacons and then says -
“Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus” (v13)
The reward for the faithful leader is 2 things. An excellent standing, or a “step” up in reputation with those watching. People will watch and want to know and be like the leader. And as the leaders does this, they will gain great assurance in their faith – they will be confident of a good hearing before the Father...
And these 2 things are exactly what the false teacher does not have.
What about me?
1. Pray for your leaders. Encourage them, help them, be thankful for them.
2. Ask God to be developing those things in you. The church has a responsibility to be the pillar and foundation of the truth as we are the family of God together. How are we able to do that? We need to learn to be and do these things – all of us. Paul is speaking of leaders – but his words might as well apply to us all.
3. Don’t rush into leadership. S purgeon once said – "only go into church ministry and leadership if it is the last thing you can do." By that he didn't mean go into church leadership if you are a lazy drop out, he mean't only do it if no-matter what you do, God has his hand on your life. Some teach that everyone should aim to be a leader - the more the better. If you are intelligent enough to lead in a business context, why not in a church context. There is an element of truth - Gods guidance is more than just a feeling, it involves competence and gifting - but God will place that desire in the heart of the leader, or at least the germ of desire if that is what they are to do!
4. If you think God is calling you to leadership, give it a try (perhaps an apprenticeship?). Remember that character and maturity are the qualifications, not primarily skills. These come through discipline, prayer and submission to God.
1 See the other talk on 1 Tim 3 - Why do we need leaders?