Overseeing the Organism

1 Timothy 3:1-7

Timothy was the appointed Apostolic worker in Ephesus (seemingly temporary role)

Another 'role' in the church was that of an overseer (like a board of elders)
In Scripture, the terms 'overseer' (kjv- bishop) 'pastor' & 'elder' seem to be synonymous (Acts 20:17+28)
The role included teaching, dealing with problems & setting a righteous example

Requirements for being an overseer:

1. He should have a desire for such a role
2. He should recognize that it is a task
3. He should be above reproach
4. He should be the husband of 1 wife
5. He should be temperate
6. He should be self-controlled
7. He should be respectable
8. He should be hospitable
9. He should be able to teach
10. He should not be given to drunkenness
11. He should not be violent, but gentle
12. He should not be quarrelsome
13. He should not be a lover of money
14. He should manage is own family well
15. He should not be a recent convert
16. He should have a good reputation with outsiders

The role of Deacons seems to be a continuation of the ministry begun in Acts 6:1-7. It was 'hands on' ministry directed at the needy. Today, in the Wesleyan Church, 'trustees' focus more on the literal church building instead of the spiritual building (the people of the church). There is some debate, here, regarding 3:11. Is it referring to the wives of the male deacons (making the point that women cannot be in this position either) or is it referring to female deacons (obliterating said point)? The Greek allows for either, but since Phoebe is referred to as a deacon in Romans 16:1, I'm not sure what would disqualify a female from this role. I, thus, take the position that women can be deacons and treat verse 11 as a parenthetical reminder that it must be a godly woman.

Requirements for being a deacon

A deacon must be...
1. Worthy of respect
2. Sincere
3. Not indulging in much wine
4. Not pursuing dishonest gain
5. Keeping hold of the deep truths of God with a clear conscience
6. First tested
7. Husband of one wife
8. Manage his children and household well

Both positions were honorable (3:1, 13) and carried a lot of responsibility (3:14+15). The chapter ends with an ancient oral 'hymn' (3:16) summarizing the means to godliness.