The two letters to Timothy and the one letter to Titus written by the apostle Paul, are referred to as "Pastoral Epistles" because they give instructions regarding the pastoral care of the churches. As part of those instructions, Paul outlines the qualifications that must be evident in a candidate seeking to hold the position of an elder or deacon in the church.The scripture references for the qualifications of an elder and a deacon are found in I Timothy 3:2-12 and Titus 1:6-9. These two places are by no means the only scriptures that deal with this subject, but they are the most detailed and concise records. While some versions translate the words for elder and deacon differently by using words such as bishop, overseer, pastor, and superintendent it becomes clear Paul is talking about two categories of office in the church that are similar yet distinctly different. The word for elder describes the office of a pastor, and a deacon describes the office of service in the church.
Some of the items on the list of qualifications in these verses have stirred up much controversy and disagreements within the church, as to their meanings and their relevance for today. These disagreements range from those who take a legalistic view of interpretation, to those who ignore the list altogether. I on the other hand, may fall some where in between. I do not take a strictly literal legalistic interpretation, nor do I believe it should be disregarded either, after all it is the Word of God. As such, it is more than words on a page; it is a living Word, which is timeless and eternal and without error. But, clearly our understanding and interpretations and opinions are not without error so, this becomes an explanation of the way I see it today.
Paul first instructs Timothy that, "If a man desire the office of an elder, he desires a good work." (I Tim. 3:1). Now, we know that there can be many reasons why someone might desire the office of an elder. This position of office is designated as a position of authority and honor in the church, and there are many who seek this office because of the authority and honor this position holds. The criteria that Paul lays out for that one seeking this office would help the church to sort out those who are called and gifted by God for such a purpose, and those who are interested in the position for selfish purposes. This is of vital importance! I am convinced that if there were less career minded men behind the pulpits, and more men that are called by God to be there, it would solve a great many problems in the church.
The most common occurrence is that men feel called who are not called; and it is the business of the church to see to this, and to handle the problem. Once, when asked by a young man: how does someone know if he is called to the ministry, C. H. Spurgeon remarked "If you can do anything else, do it. If you can stay out of the ministry, stay out. It is only the man who is called to preach that cannot do anything else. This call to preach is so put on him…that he says, ‘I can do nothing else, I must preach.’" This would best explain what Paul meant when he said: "If a man desires the office of an elder, he desires a good thing." (I Tim.3:1).
But desire is not and cannot be the only qualification. There must also be Christ-like character, Spiritual maturity, and God-gifted ability, (in that order) that is proven by the church leaders. Thus, the Scriptures give the church leaders a number of things by which to consider a person’s calling when they are presented with a candidate who desires either the office of an elder or deacon.
Sadly, all too often, men are chosen, or not chosen for the wrong reasons. Some men are chosen foremost because of their ability as a communicator. Certainly this is important, because he must "be able to teach" (I Tim.3:2), but only after his Christ-likeness is established should this be considered. If a man has a charismatic and likable personality, this is often assumed to be indicative of a calling to the ministry by God. Again, this is one aspect that must be the result of a Christ-like character proven as one "being above reproach." (I Tim.3:2).
Also, it is not unusual to see a well-known celebrity who confesses Christianity, being raised up by the church as a type of a validating symbol for Christ to the world. Many times it ends up bringing disgrace when, because of the pressure, and the lack of spiritual maturity they fall, and become a reproach to Christ instead. Paul says that an elder "must not be a recent convert" (I Tim. 3:6) for this very reason. Let them grow in faith, and gain maturity in the Lord through experience in their walk first.
Many churches stumble over the meaning of controversial verses such as: "the husband of one wife." (I Tim.3:2). Does Paul mean that the elder must not be a bigamist, or that he must not be divorced, or even as some say that he can only be married once and whatever the reason cannot marry again? Surely arguments can be made to support any conclusion; so it might be said, where you stand on this issue depends on where you sit.
Many of the characteristics described in the Word of God for those who desire the office of an elder and deacon, can be summed up by stating first and foremost, that any such person must be "known to be full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom." (Acts 6:3). One who is known to be full of the Holy Spirit will have evidence of the fruits of the Spirit operating in his life. (Gal. 5:22-26). In fact many of the qualities for an elder and deacon are the same as the fruits of the Spirit. Also of course, he must be one who is filled with Godly wisdom that becomes evident in his daily interaction with people and circumstances.
Truly, God has separated some men that He has called to the office of elder and deacon in the church. He has made known in His Word what qualifications to look for in the one who desires that position. Sensitivity to the voice of God and prayer will help to single them out to those who are already in a position of authority and that are full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom themselves.
Amen.
