Read the Bible

Qualifications for Overseers

¹ This is a trustworthy saying: If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble task.² An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife^(a), temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,³ not dependent on wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, and free of the love of money.⁴ An overseer must manage his own household well and keep his children under control, with complete dignity.⁵ For if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how can he care for the church of God?⁶ He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same condemnation as the devil.⁷ Furthermore, he must have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the snare of the devil.

Qualifications for Deacons

(Acts 6:1-7)

⁸ Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued or given to much wine or greedy for money.⁹ They must hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.¹⁰ Additionally, they must first be tested. Then, if they are above reproach, let them serve as deacons.¹¹ In the same way, the women^(a) must be dignified, not slanderers, but temperate and faithful in all things.¹² A deacon must be the husband of but one wife, a good manager of his children and of his own household.¹³ For those who have served well as deacons acquire for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

The Mystery of Godliness

¹⁴ Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these things¹⁵ so that, if I am delayed, you will know how each one must conduct himself in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.¹⁶ By common confession, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit^(a), was seen by angels, was proclaimed among the nations, was believed in throughout the world, was taken up in glory.