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I Timothy 3:1-4, Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. 

Now, in chapter 3, Paul has turned his attention to qualifications for overseers and deacons in the church.  An overseer would have been similar to an pastor, someone who presides over a single congregation, probably in a house church.  The deacons would have been specific people who served in the church, possibly assisting in church admin functions or in missions. 

This text indicates that Paul had struggled with some strong-willed and difficult leaders in the church.  It’s highly possible that some of the church leaders were bad influences, living too similarly to the pagan culture around them.  We aren’t privy to the details but we do know that Paul felt the need to give some basic parameters to who could lead within the young church.  They needed to people with integrity, people who were mature in their walk with Jesus, and people who were respected by their family and community. 

Each church today has some kind of vetting process for their clergy.  If they don’t, then they certainly should.  Our process in the UMC is quite rigorous but you can be assured that our clergy have gone through a process to ensure their theological qualifications but also their spiritual maturity and integrity.  The reality is that all of our church leaders, lay and clergy alike, are highly visible.  Their ability to withstand the distractions and temptations of the world and stay grounded in the ways of Jesus is huge.  There is so much at stake.  Please take some time today and pray for your church leaders.

Let’s pray…Lord Jesus, We all need you.  We need you to guide us, lead us, and direct us.  Guide our church leaders.  Protect them and help them also stay firmly grounded in you.  May they be ambassadors of Jesus and be noticeably different from our culture.  In Your Name, Amen.