In this chapter we find two lists of qualifications: one for an "overseer," or what we would call a pastor; and the other for a "deacon," or what we might call an elder. Some observations:
Note in verse 1 that Paul says anyone who aspires to be in such a position of leadership desires a noble task. In other words, holding the position of pastor is a great responsibility. But when we break down the criteria, we find that it's not especially difficult. Paul does not require a seminary degree, or any kind of elite education for that matter. He does not require a certain level of social or financial status to have been attained. In fact, we find that all but two of the things listed are actually mandated of all Christians!
The two which are reserved for pastors are these: he cannot be a recent convert (obviously some Christians are recent converts), and he must be able to teach. Teaching in general is a big responsibility. The task of ensuring that others learn something is not to be taken lightly. But when the thing which must be learned is the word of God, the responsibility of teaching gets a lot heavier.
So I want to challenge you. No, I'm not going to ask all of you to become pastors, although I would be thrilled if some of you did. I want to challenge you to aspire to become competent in teaching God's word. Being able to teach God's word presupposes that you have some knowledge and ability to communicate it. That means you'll have to study the Scriptures and think about how to get someone else to see what you see.
Don't settle for dependence on a man to discover the treasure in God's word; instead, aspire to become dependent on the word of God itself.
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