1 Timothy 3
Qualifications of Church Leaders
1This saying is trustworthy: "If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble work."2An overseer, therefore, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible, respectable, hospitable, an able teacher,3not addicted to wine, not a bully but gentle, not quarrelsome, not greedy —4one who manages his own household competently, having his children under control with all dignity.5(If anyone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of God's church?)6He must not be a new convert, or he might become conceited and fall into the condemnation of the Devil.7Furthermore, he must have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he does not fall into disgrace and the Devil's trap.8Deacons, likewise, should be worthy of respect, not hypocritical, not drinking a lot of wine, not greedy for money,9holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.10And they must also be tested first; if they prove blameless, then they can serve as deacons.11Wives, too, must be worthy of respect, not slanderers, self-controlled, faithful in everything.12Deacons must be husbands of one wife, managing their children and their own households competently.13For those who have served well as deacons acquire a good standing for themselves, and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.