leadership in the church

Good morning brothers and sisters,
When we read Paul's letters to Timothy we see a glimpse of the early church's structure. Paul is Timothy's mentor and Paul is writing to guide Timothy in his own leadership of the church. Here, Paul outlines the qualities people should have to take on various leadership positions so when Timothy is thinking about other leaders to appoint he will have these things in mind. Bishop means overseer. It may be that the bishop was the leader of a house church or possibly several house churches. Deacons were charged with practical service and care, especially of the poor.

In all these cases notice how good management is important. It's also important that the leaders could conduct themselves in such a way that people outside the church would form a good impression of the church by watching the leaders. Of course there are always more leaders in the church than simply the people who hold formal offices. Church leadership is serious business because we're talking about the health and welfare of Christ's body. One of the strengths of the Presbyterian structure is that we all lead the church together. May God strengthen us to lead well.

God bless,
Sam

1 Timothy 3
The saying is sure: whoever aspires to the office of bishop desires a noble task. 2Now a bishop must be above reproach, married only once, temperate, sensible, respectable, hospitable, an apt teacher, 3not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, and not a lover of money. 4He must manage his own household well, keeping his children submissive and respectful in every way— 5for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church? 6He must not be a recent convert, or he may be puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace and the snare of the devil.

8Deacons likewise must be serious, not double-tongued, not indulging in much wine, not greedy for money; 9they must hold fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10And let them first be tested; then, if they prove themselves blameless, let them serve as deacons. 11Women likewise must be serious, not slanderers, but temperate, faithful in all things. 12Let deacons be married only once, and let them manage their children and their households well; 13for those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

14I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these instructions to you so that, 15if I am delayed, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth. 16Without any doubt, the mystery of our religion is great: He was revealed in flesh, vindicated in spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among Gentiles, believed in throughout the world, taken up in glory.