(This is part of the series exploring Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus. You can catch up on the series so far by clicking here. This entry considers Paul’s writings to Timothy covered in 1 Timothy 3.)
When growing up, I remember in the tradition of the church that I observed, a status thing about those with the titles – elder or deacon (there were one or two other titles knocking about, but they were the main ones). The look of them and the way they exercised a degree of authority still placed them above regular members. They were treated differently. They were not among us, they were over us. To aspire to that position indeed appeared to be the route to success in those circles. Seats were specifically set apart for them in the large gathering. Distinct tables were set apart for them when it came to dining. Their own office to reflect the fact that they had an office highlighting that they were set apart from us.
The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.
1 Timothy 3:1
When we read this verse of Paul, it says much about what is worth aspiring for. There is nothing wrong with looking to get that kind of position in terms of an overseer. What is necessary is a better perspective of what it is we’re aspiring to. When we look at those qualifications we’re looking at a character that is well-grounded in the character of Christ.
It’s not aspiring to the top of the totem pole. It’s not an ambition to rise to the top of a corporate ladder. It’s not about special seats and getting served first because you have your own table set apart just for you. This is a quest to be the sort of person who through life’s challenges has reflected the humility, hospitality, wisdom, good stewardship and faithfulness of the Lord Jesus Christ. That should be evident to those in the community of grace and also apparent to those in the community at large and it starts and is constantly reflected in the microcosm of the community of the family.
You could, if you wanted to, just look at this chapter as a concise manual giving qualifications for those who will be involved in church leadership and management of some sort. I’m sure many do. Of course, the use and application of it will be subject to people’s cultural convictions maybe more than faithfulness to what Paul is sharing.
It’s a bit sad to do that. Here’s what I mean. This letter to Timothy is deeply soaked in Paul’s love for the gospel, love for Jesus and love for His church. His instructions to Timothy for the church in Ephesus are not just a missive of do’s and don’ts that Timothy should observe or he’ll get in trouble with his spiritual father in Paul as well as potentially his heavenly Father. This is the heart of Paul writing with the greater desire of seeing communities of grace rightly ordered in the light of the gospel. It’s what makes what he says before and after this section so important to appreciate. That appreciation for that love that drives Paul to share this letter to his son in the faith should underpin our own approach to how the church should be organised and cared for.
I wonder: How closely would our idea of what should ‘qualify’ someone to lead the church to be to what Paul outlines? If you were to conduct a survey among saints you know what kind of list would you come up with?
Taking a step back from that list, there’s also a question about what we think God has in mind in terms of how His church is organised and how it functions. Especially when we notice Jesus stating to those who would follow Him not to have a set-up that mimicked the system of those around them where leadership was about being on top of others, being able to lord it over others and having a position where people would refer to you as “father”. As a result, those that did follow him were not in a hurry to put together hierarchies that reflected the worldly system of leadership and management. Although they recognised the role of elders, their positions were respected as first servants and when deacons were later appointed, that was with the mind of extending practical helps that served people. If there was leadership in the model of taking people anywhere, it was about leading people to Jesus in teaching and example that reflected the character of Jesus.
Let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.
1 Timothy 3:10 (ESV)
The position of deacon is such an underrated one. It is no surprise that subsequent generations have either overlooked or downplayed the role. Paul does nothing of the sort. This is not positioned as the role you take before you get to be an elder. This role is set up as one of importance in itself for how they serve and the character with which they serve.
It should be no surprise, then, that Paul’s criteria for those who lead by serving were not about being a charismatic personality or particularly being brilliant academically or super-competent in a lot of what goes for leadership then and today. Those fit to look after – oversee – the flock of Jesus Christ – had to be those of the right character. Just as Paul had been stressing throughout the letter to this point – the correction given was in the hope that people’s character would be aligned to what the gospel does in us through Jesus.
This is why the last part of the chapter – which acts as a segue-way from one part of Paul’s instructions to the next – is crucial because it grounds things back again in the wonder of the gospel. This glorious mystery of Jesus Christ revealed and revered in those who follow Him exemplified in the community’s leadership that serves the membership.
Questions
- What aspect of the qualities required for an overseer is outstanding to you – what does it reveal about the heart of God for those who oversee His flock?
- Deacons should be tested before being given the responsibility – what kind of test would be fitting for prospective deacons and what is being tested?
- Why does beholding the wonder of the mystery of godliness make such a difference in church leadership, direction and correction?
- What does this aspect of church organisation have to do with the gospel and with God’s desire for His people. How can that be effectively communicated to saints today?
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
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