Yesterday we looked at 1 Timothy 3.1-7, overviewing the traits exhibited in the life of “an overseer.” This word, in our understanding and tradition, is a synonym in the New Testament Scriptures for “elder” or “pastor.” The focus here is on his leadership responsibility, since the word carries with it the inherent supervisory role of the one giving direction, in this instance, to the congregation.
In the passage, which forms something of a checklist by which potential pastors should be assessed, Paul informs young Timothy that the character of a leader is far more important than his skills or competence. The preponderance of the materials shared by the apostle clearly emphasizes this.
Paul starts the passage by talking about the needed character of the leader (vv. 2-3). He lists eleven traits that the potential overseer should have, ten of which are character traits. Only “able to teach” = “cause to learn” (v. 3) is a gifting or skill that reflects upon his competence or activity. The other ten are as follows:
- “Above reproach” = this is the overarching characteristic, meaning there is nothing to “take hold of” the leader; he is beyond accusation of wrong
- “Husband of but one wife” = faithfulness in this closest of relationships is indicative of how he will handle other relationships
- “Temperate” = keeps his head in all situations, vigilant
- “Self-controlled” = sensible and stable, disciplined; shows good judgment
- “Respectable” = gives honor and deference to others, values people in his thinking and living
- “Hospitable” = literally “loving the stranger;” an openness in his life and home to others, caring and compassionate
- “Not given to drunkenness” = the power of his example for others, rather than an excuse of others’ behavior
- “Not violent but gentle” = “strength under control;” not angry, hurtful with words, but kindhearted
- “Not quarrelsome” = a peacemaker, not a troublemaker; not argumentative or contentious
- “Not a lover of money” = not greedy or covetous; not under the control of money or possessions
The issue here is that “who he is” is far more important than “what he does.” His character is no doubt listed first in the passage by Paul because it is clearly most important.
Second, Paul mentions the potential pastor’s family life (vv. 4-5). The key here is that he is able to “manage” it well. The word literally means to “preside over,” and/or “give direction to.” These individuals who know him best would be able to show others in comparison how he might lead or manage them, given the opportunity. His children, then, become an important benchmark in the evaluation, since Paul indicates the motivating factor in their obedience should be “with proper respect” (v. 4). If his children don’t respect him–these individuals who see and live with him 24/7, who know his weaknesses as well as his strengths–it is a tell-tale sign of potential struggles the church will have with his leadership in the future. The issue here is evidence of his leadership ability by those who have known him best over many years. This indicator says a lot!
Third, Paul tells Timothy to look at his “experience” (v. 6). Specifically, he wants to make sure he is not “a recent convert,” but has been seasoned and matured by the experiences of life. Paul understood this firsthand, for early in his ministry he almost boasted about his role and calling as an apostle (Gal. 1.1). But by the time he wrote this letter, close to the end of his life, he was (not boasting) admitting that he–Paul–was the worst of sinners (1.15-16)! This kind of humility and dependence on God comes through the shaping experiences of life. Recent converts, Paul warns, can become proud (his word is “conceited” = “wrapped in smoke”) and thus blind and deluded to self and others. For the candidate to be grounded, he needs to be rooted in Christ through a developmental process that has made him aware of his own sinfulness and the amazing nature of God’s grace and mercy toward Him.
Finally, Paul speaks of the need to know of his reputation, specifically among unbelievers (v. 7). It’s one thing to have a good reputation among believers; it makes a totally difference statement when one is known to have a good reputation among those outside the church. It screams one practices what they preach, that one is a man of his word, that he has integrity in his dealings with all people. As a result, they are a help to the Gospel, not a hindrance. Granted, reputation is not the same as character (it’s what others see of your character, not the actual character itself); but it is an excellent evaluator of how the pastor will relate to the community beyond the church and what they might come to think of him. This is more important than ever in our day, since the church and its leaders have such a bad reputation (arrogant, judgmental, bigoted, etc.) in the world. Godly leaders have to be willing to engage the unbelieving community and love them like Jesus does.
Why is all this important to a church when it evaluates a pastoral candidate? Here’s why: somewhere between year 2 and year 5 (depending on the age of the church and the number of pastors it’s previously had), the congregation itself will begin to mirror the character and behavior of the pastor who leads them. In other words, the choice made will directly impact your own spiritual growth and development–and that’s important, for all of us.
A reminder: there are no “perfect” pastors (I’m a great example of this truth!). Paul’s descriptors here don’t appear to be intended so much to disqualify candidates as to acknowledge the damage a lowered standard can and will bring to the church and its witness. So keep the standard high! Don’t settle for less! Find God’s man, the one who demonstrates God’s life and character, in all he is, as well as all he does.
