1 Timothy 3:1
“Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.” — NIV Online .
During Apostle Paul's time, just as today, church ministry was often
mocked,
misunderstood,
despised, and
treated as inferior to other forms of leadership.
Yet Paul did not discourage a person who genuinely desired to serve God's people.
Instead, he described the work of an overseer as “a noble task.”
REASONS FOR MOCKERY THEN.
1. LOW SOCIAL STATUS.
Christianity initially spread among many ordinary people, including the poor, slaves, women, and other socially marginalized groups.
Leading such a community did not bring the social prestige, wealth, or political influence associated with secular leadership in the Roman Empire.
2. SUSPICION AND OPPOSITION
Christians were sometimes viewed with suspicion because their beliefs, practices, and allegiance to Christ were different from the dominant religious and social systems of the time. It would be worse for leaders of these Christians.
3. THE MESSAGE OF THE CROSS.
The teaching that a crucified Messiah was the Saviour appeared foolish and illogical to many people.
Yet what appeared foolish to the world was the power and wisdom of God.
REASONS FOR MOCKERY TODAY.
1. STATUS. Financial status,
educational status,
social standing,
and even the status of the place where believers meet can become grounds for mockery—even when the meeting place is simply someone's house.
There can also be mockery based on how "close" or "far" one is from Mainland churches - Catholic, Protestant, Evangelical, or Pentecostal Christianity - Especially teaching that there is one God and Jesus is not God the son but the Son of God.
2. MANIPULATION BASED ON GIVING.
When ministry is built around money or material giving, and people are
promised guaranteed miracles,
prosperity,
healing,
employment,
or breakthroughs without biblical integrity, after giving a good offering or set amount, and mostly these do not happen, disappointment can eventually produce ridicule—not only against the particular leader, but against Christianity itself.
3. ANTI-INTELLECTUALISM.
The
rejection of knowledge,
critical thinking,
education,
science,
professional expertise,
and other legitimate means through which God can help people can damage the credibility of the church.
For example, discouraging people from pursuing education, questioning established facts, or seeking appropriate professional and medical care can create unnecessary distrust.
Leaders who discourage honest questions or treat every form of intellectual inquiry as rebellion can easily lose credibility among thoughtful people.
QUALIFICATIONS THAT PAUL SETS: 1 TIMOTHY 3:2–7
Paul's qualifications for an overseer focus primarily on character, behavior, relational capacity, and the ability to teach
—not social STATUS or economic strength that people emphasize. If a leader lacks in the categories that Paul mentions, that's an area of real concern in determining qualification.
1. CHARACTER — WHO THE PERSON IS.
Above reproach —
People cannot reasonably accuse him of serious wrongdoing.
Faithful and trustworthy —
His word can be trusted in his relationships and dealings.
Self-controlled —
He can control his feelings, desires, and actions.
It is not simply, “These things happened to me, and I had no choice.”
Respectable —
He lives in a way that earns the respect of others.
Not controlled by greed —
He is not ruled by an excessive desire for money or possessions. (You know the extent of wicked things the people of the world will do to get money, wealth and possessions).
2. BEHAVIOR — HOW THE PERSON ACTS.
Not given to drunkenness —
He does not allow alcohol or other harmful habits to control his life.
Not violent —
He does not use force or hurt people when angry.
Does not settle scores with blows.
Manages his household well —
He leads his family responsibly, with care, order, and a good example.
If he experiences financial challenges, he does not pretend that everything is under control.
He can appropriately seek employment opportunities—including manual work or small business—and seek legitimate assistance, including from family or friends.
Financial struggle should never become an excuse to compromise biblical values or bring dishonor to God's Word.
As the congregation grows, it also has a biblical and moral responsibility to provide a fair and adequate livelihood for its pastor, so that he can focus on ministry without constant financial stress. 1 Timothy 5:17–18
3. RELATIONAL CAPACITY — HOW THE PERSON TREATS AND RELATES TO OTHERS.
Hospitable —
He welcomes and treats people kindly.
Gentle —
He treats people with kindness, patience, and care.
Not quarrelsome —
He does not look for arguments or unnecessary fights.
Has a good reputation with outsiders —
People outside the church should also know him as trustworthy and respectable.
This requires genuine honesty, without manipulating or taking advantage of the simple, and without living a double life.
For example, during the 2007/2008 post-election clashes, it was reported that some believers and leaders would tell believers from their own community, “Today it is not church.” Such behavior raises serious questions about whether Christian values are being applied consistently when circumstances become difficult.
4. ABLE TO TEACH — ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE GOD'S WORD.
Able to teach —
He should understand God's Word and be able to explain it clearly, faithfully, and responsibly to others.
The major lesson is that God's qualification for spiritual leadership is not primarily wealth, social status, education, popularity, or the size of one's congregation. It is character, conduct, relationships, faithfulness, and the ability to faithfully communicate God's Word.
~ ELIJAH MUTUA KIRIMA
PASTOR.
THE WORD OF GOD IS THE WILL OF GOD
