In 1 Timothy, Paul writes a letter to Timothy who is establishing a church in Ephesus. Paul’s instructions regarding church leadership and responsibilities are very relevant today and church around the world use 1 Timothy 3 as a guide for choosing leaders and understanding their duties. Paul's list of qualifications for church leaders is also an excellent guide for godly living in general. 1 Timothy 3:3-8, 9-10, 11-13 Qualifications for Overseers 3 The saying is trustworthy: if anyone aspires to supervision, he desires a good work. 2 Therefore the overseer must be irreproachable, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, skillful in teaching, 3 not addicted to wine, not a violent person, but gentle, peaceable, not loving money, 4 managing his own household well, having children in submission with all dignity 5 (but if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), 6 not newly converted, lest he become conceited and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 But he must also have a good testimony from those outside, in order that he may not fall into disgrace and the trap of the devil. Qualifications for Deacons 8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not insincere, not devoted to much wine, not fond of dishonest gain, 9 holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience, 10 and these also must be tested first; then let them serve if theya] are above reproach. . . . 12 Deacons must be husbands of one wife, managing their children and their own househods well. 13 For those who have served well acquire a good standing for themselves, and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
Deacons at Beall Chapel
Doyle Smith
Steve Comte
Randy Dykes
Ronnie Moore