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GUIDELINES FOR THE CHURCH’S LEADERSHIP.

1 Timothy 3:1-10

Q.1. What is the blessing connected with aspiring to leadership in the church? What does it take to be a leader? – (1 Tim.3:1-10)

Anyone who has wholeheartedly taken up the mantel of leadership knows that it is preceded by much soul searching, and also the scrutiny of others. The Bible is not silent about what such a role requires. It is interesting that little is mentioned about the functions of leaders, meaning there is little detail of the day-to-day responsibilities (perhaps – he should be apt or able to teach – 1 Tim.3:2). Nearly every reference to leadership focuses on character qualities – 2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money (1 Tim.3:2-3 c.f. 1 Tim.3:8-10). He must be a godly leader of his family and stand out from the culture in terms of wine drinking – Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine … verse 8. Both elders and deacons must have a good reputation in business and be – free from the love of money … and not – fond of sordid gain (1 Tim.3:3 & 8). Leaders must bear a consistent testimony within the church – he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil (1 Tim.3:7).

Q.2. What part should family and business life have in a leader’s life? Why is a sound family crucial to leadership in the church? – (1 Tim.3:2-5)

Paul spelled out the need for our faith to begin at home – 4 He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity 5 but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God? (1 Tim.3:4-5). This reminds us that our ministry must never be at the expense of our wife or children. The church needs to ensure that they elect members of the leadership team who are above legitimate criticism. They also should ensure that excessive demands are not placed on them at the expense of their families.

Q.3. Why should we take time before appointing a new leader? – (1 Tim.3:6, 9-10)

We should not install a new convert to leadership, because of the risk of bringing the leader down through pride. Also – These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach (1 Tim.3:10). Leadership should only be extended to those who have a good working understanding of the Bible. Paul warned – Do not lay hands upon anyone too hastily and thereby share responsibility for the sins of others; keep yourself free from sin (1 Tim.5:22). The history of God’s people bears out the prophecy of the apostacy of the early church (c.f. Rev.2:6, 14-15, 20).