Overseers and Deacons

Overseers and Deacons are the main focus in this chapter, and Paul sums up the requirements of holding such titles within the church. At first glance, both roles seems rather similar in requirement and role, but I looked it up and found the difference between a deacon and an overseer here. In a nutshell, an overseer is like a shepherd, who looks over the church's ministry, providing spiritual oversight, where as a deacon serves in the physical means of the church's ministry.

Paul has strict requirements for both the overseers and deacons, for overseers:

² Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife,temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, ³ not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. ⁴ He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. ⁵ (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) ⁶ He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. ⁷ He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap. - 1 Timothy 3:2-7

and the deacons:

⁸ In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. ⁹ They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. ¹⁰ They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. ¹¹ In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. ¹² A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. - 1 Timothy 3:8-12

As you can see, both roles have similar requirements, from having well managed families, respectable, trustworthy etc... I think that as followers, we should strive for such requirements and even consider ourselves to take on these roles when we are ready as service back to our Lord. Make it a daily effort to build such qualities within yourself and your family.

verse of the day: 1 Timothy 3:13

¹³ Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.