Daily EncouragementSample

The desire for such a ministry is completely worthy, but what Paul is thinking of is work - “a noble task” - not position. Yet lust for position has always been a blight upon the Church, incredible as it may seem. “Can ambition that lusts after praise and place, preach the gospel of Him who made Himself of no reputation and took on Him the form of a servant?” asks E. M. Bounds. It may try!

The emphasis of the qualifications for being an overseer which follow in this chapter is essentially spiritual. Paul Brand and Philip Yancey are worth quoting:

When the Bible outlines church officers, it does not recommend seeking out technically skilled people. There are no suggestions that a leader be a good manager or a sharp accountant or even show leadership potential. The essential qualities are spiritual qualities. How committed are they to God? Can they control their own temperaments? What are their families like? The key ingredient for all church officers listed in the Bible is not ability but loyalty.

It is important to retain this emphasis. Writes Bishop Stephen Neill, “In our modern churches we attempt to train leaders and end up producing pseudo-intellectuals. The old-time missionaries worked on producing men and women of God, some of whom the Holy Spirit elevated into Christian leadership.”