MEASURING UP

1 Timothy 3:1-7
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

Leaders in the Church

1 This is a trustworthy saying: “If someone aspires to be an elder, he desires an honorable position.” 2 So an elder must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach. 3 He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money. 4 He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. 5 For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church?

6 An elder must not be a new believer, because he might become proud, and the devil would cause him to fall. 7 Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the devil’s trap.


As we scan the qualifications for leaders in the church, we find character qualities that would fit well for a leader in any environment. One with their life in balance, both in public and in private (family), would qualify to serve in the board room, the classroom or the community room.

As a believer in Jesus Christ, we are each called to leadership. While no one measures up perfectly to the leadership qualifications in this passage, everyone should strive to achieve these lofty standards.

Where is it that you are called to be a leader for Christ and how well are you measuring up to these biblical qualifications?