Our study of church polity has brought us full circle back to 1 Timothy 3 where Paul provides prerequisites for those who would be elders and deacons in the local church. Though the prerequisites are similar, the differences between the two offices are worth noting.
Generally speaking, the very presence of character qualifications reveal the need to attach concrete benchmarks for those aspiring to be elders and deacons. In other words, Paul teaches there must be objective qualifications for subjective desires. Desires by themselves do not qualify us for positions of leadership or service in the local church. Desires must be accompanied by godly character and lifestyle choices. When it comes to spiritual effectiveness, our desires are the beginning point but must not be the ending point. 1 Timothy 3:1-7
Generally speaking, the very presence of character qualifications reveal the need to attach concrete benchmarks for those aspiring to be elders and deacons. In other words, Paul teaches there must be objective qualifications for subjective desires. Desires by themselves do not qualify us for positions of leadership or service in the local church. Desires must be accompanied by godly character and lifestyle choices. When it comes to spiritual effectiveness, our desires are the beginning point but must not be the ending point. 1 Timothy 3:1-7
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