LISTEN:
1 Timothy 3:1-13 (NIV)
Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer [elder] desires a noble task. 2 Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.
8 In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
11 In the same way, the women [the wives of deacons] are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.
12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. 13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO PONDER BEFORE OUR MEETING:
As you review this list of biblical qualifications for elders and deacons, which areas do you feel are your strengths?
As a Council, which aspects of this list are our strength as a group?
Which of these areas would you like to grow in?
Where do we need to improve as a Council to better reflect these attributes?
Re-read this passage several times today to keep it fresh in your mind.
PRAYER
ACKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS - Our Father, who loves and guides His Church, and has given us the "noble task" as elders and deacons overseeing WCRC;
ALIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL - Thank God for the grace He's given you to live out these attributes well, and pray for increased strength for you to improve the areas you're weaker in;
ASK FOR WHAT YOU NEED - Pray that God will begin to make clear to you the men who should be nominated to be leaders in His church in Worthington.
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