Pastor Nate Brosher
Oct 29, 2025
1Timothy 3:1-7 NLT - 1 This is a trustworthy saying: "If someone aspires to be an elder (Bishop, Overseer), he desires an honorable position." 2 So an elder must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach. 3 He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money. 4 He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. 5 For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God's church? 6 An elder must not be a new believer, because he might become proud, and the devil would cause him to fall. 7 Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the devil's trap.
1. The Call of a Leader
“If a man desires the position of a bishop/elder/overseer, he desires a good work.”
Elder/Overseer/Bishop - (Episkope) overseership, office, charge, the office of an elder, the overseer or presiding officers of a Christian church.
The CHARACTER of elders - Qualifications:
• Personal Life:
• Family Life:
• Spiritual Life:
Aspires/Desires - (Orego) to stretch one's self out in order totouch or to grasp something, to reach after or desire something.
1Timothy 3:8-13 NLT - 8 In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have integrity. They must not be heavy drinkers or dishonest with money. 9 They must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed and must live with a clear conscience. 10 Before they are appointed as deacons, let them be closely examined. If they pass the test, then let them serve as deacons. 11 In the same way, their wives must be respected and must not slander others. They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do. 12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife, and he must manage his children and household well. 13 Those who do well as deacons will be rewarded with respect from others and will have increased confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.
Deacon - (Diakonos) - One who executes the commands of another, literally “servant” or “minister.”
The CHARACTER of Deacons - Qualifications:
• Integrity in Conduct
• Integrity in Faith
• Integrity at Home
Romans 16:1 NLT - 1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon in the church in Cenchrea.
1 Timothy 3:13 NLT - Those who do well as deacons will be rewarded with respect from others and will have increased confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.
■ Faithful leaders earn trust, not demand it. Their influence grows naturally.
The Health of the Church does not depend on giftedness, but on godliness in its leaders.
1Peter 5:4 ESV - 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
John 13:12-15 ESV - 12 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, "Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.
• The Elder/Bishop/Overseer reflects His wisdom; the deacon reflects His service.