All the people who are aspiring to become church leaders; overseers as well as deacons 1 Timothy 3 gives character description concerning the required qualifications which one must possess before becoming a church leader. The qualifications are self-control, trustworthy, humble, respectful, honorable and orderly household, married to one woman or one man, does not drink, non-greedy, careful and cautious and outgoing (1 Timothy 3).
Church leaders have one purpose which is leading, shepherding the flock of God. Therefore, the jobs description of pastors and deacons would be in relation to the qualifications required of them. First, there is a need for an individual to be well-thought-of, be committed to one spouse collected and cool, hospitable and accessible. Secondly, it is a must that they know whatever it is that they are speaking about; they should not be lovers of wine, be gentle and not pushy, and not hungry for money. Thirdly, they must be capable of handling their affairs having their children’s respect without any problems, being to all family needs. For instance if they are not be capable of handling their personal affairs they may be incapable of handling God’s church. They must be common and old but not new believers, because the position may go to their heads thus easily fall to the devil’s trickery. Finally, outsiders must have a great thinking of them otherwise the devil will find out a way of luring them into his ruse (1 Timothy 3 NIV). More so, those in church leadership are required to be helpful; helping people of the church and those around the community. As a church leader, it is expected that they watch over themselves and the church members at the same time. They have a responsibility of leading the church members in the right way since they are relied on by the church for spiritual and biblical translation and are shepherds of God. According to Acts 20:28 (NIV) “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood” (Bible.org, 2018).
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Part 2
In the 1 Timothy 3 among the qualification of the person who wants to be a church leader, one specifically says that before becoming a church leader one should be committed to the spouse for instance in Mark 10:2-12 “man and wife are united as one” and “whatever that has been merged together by God then no one should separate. The statement (he should be committed to his wife) seems to be biased making it seem as though church leadership is for men only. In the real sense, this qualification in the biblical concept and the 21st century is applicable to all the genders. A person being divorced in the 21st may not be an issue although the Bible rebukes divorce and it is against the teaching of Jesus. For example, Mark 10:2-12 7 ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, 8 and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” Jesus also adds that 11 “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her.” 12 And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.” As for this reason, it is appropriate to say any individual who has remarried after divorcing is incapable of serving as a leader in the church.
In 1 Timothy 3:6, Paul warns concerning the person who qualifies to be a church leader. He says that an individual must be an old believer, so that the position may not get to their head thus get them tripped by the devil. Being a new believer, the person may be unprepared thus have difficulties copping up with temptations which may come their way. Giving new converts leadership positions in the church would mean that their head would be put in clouds which would leave them wondering. More so, the new convert may have pride which according to Proverbs 16:18 “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling” (Grace To You, 2018).
Part 3
Church leadership and women is not a common thing. In the biblical concept about leadership and women in the ministry, men are mostly recognized by the bible. “Man” does not just address the male world but addresses all since they (men and women) were all created equally. Therefore, women in ministry and biblical leadership qualifications are similar to those of men. In the same book of 1 Timothy 3:8-13, women are not excluded from the qualifications set by Paul; for instance, a woman would be expected to be loyal to her man and no other. They are expected to be Serious, dependable, not sharp-tongued, and not overfond of wine among others.
Considering the new lesson about women in ministry and the biblical leadership qualifications is that nothing is different. Considering the 21st century, women, as well as men pursuing the biblical leadership, may not have the qualifications as put out in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. All the same, women are needed to ensure that just like men they are committed to their spouse, diligent in attending to their affairs and attentive their family among others.
From the church leadership qualifications required for the people, a number of things can be learnt. It is clear that no difference exists between the qualifications required for botrh women and men who are aspiring to become church leaders. More so, the law of staying loyal to one’s spouse seems to be so strong such that it prohibits divorced leaders. The main reason for this is because divorcing and marrying another is considered adultery not just to men but women as well. Therefore, divorcing a spouse and marrying another woman or man is against the biblical church leadership qualifications thus unfit to become a church leader.
References
Bible.Org. (2018). Lesson 53: Job Description for Church Leaders (Acts 20:28) . Retrieved from https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-53-job-description-church-leaders-acts-2028
Grace to You. (2018). Leadership and Spiritual Maturity . Retrieved from https://www.gty.org/library/Print/Blog/B150204
The Holly Bible. New International Version.
