1 Tim
3:1-2a (ESV) The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of
overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Therefore an overseer must be above
reproach, …
NOTE: At first, Paul
seems to be using a shotgun (attacking a lot of targets not necessarily
related), but on further thought, he really is discussing proper church
dynamics. He has discussed teaching, authority, roles, and now church
leadership. The first point about leadership is very important -- it is not bad
to desire spiritual leadership, it is a noble task. But, one does not aspire to
leadership for personal reasons, but to serve others. Which is why the most
important criteria is to be above reproach. In my mind, that means that there
are no hidden agendas or prideful purposes. The individual wants to lead
because he wants to serve the body. That is the big (huge) difference in the
church. Leadership is about serving. It is not about titles or puffing up one's
resume, it is about others. The desire to lead is based on a love for people.
It requires a transformed life that Jesus has shaped and sculpted for the role.
It is a very noble task and should not be entered without great prayer and humility.
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