I think the qualifications are important, they are a guide in recognizing overseers. I have never met a single person who met all of the qualifications though. Have you? I am not sure if it is prideful for someone to think they qualify to be an overseer, they can still recognize that they do not meet all the qualifications – or perhaps that they just do meet them all (and maybe the do). If they try to force other people into seeing that fact, that may be a pride issue.

I will try to install a plugin to allow you to receive an email.

God Speed.
Lew A

No offense taken. Enjoying the conversation.

Back to elders and qualifications.

Why did Paul give qualifications if not important?
Ever meet anyone who fulfills the qualifications?

An overseer, elder, “Must be”…

That “must be” is the same Greek word as
…You “must be” born again. John 3:17
Seems to be a small word but very important.

It’s Strongs #1163, die. – It is necessary (as binding).
Computer – necessity established by the counsel
and decree of God.

Bishops “must be.” Hmmm? Very important or…?

Blameless… How important is this word?

Webster’s – Without fault; innocent; guiltless;
not meriting censure.

Synonyms – faultless, guiltless, innocent,
irreproachable, spotless, unblemished.

Computer – that cannot be reprehended,
(cannot be, rebukable, reprovable, cannot find fault)
not open to censure, irreproachable.

Strongs #423 – anepileptos
inculpable, blameless, unrebukeable.

How many, who honestly examine themselves,
seriously considering these qualifications,
can see themselves as blameless, without fault
and thus qualify to be an overseer, elder?

And if you can see yourself as blameless;
Is that pride? And no longer without fault?

The Bible talks about bishops, and elders.
And qualifications for bishops and elders.
Can you have one without the other?

This is only one of many qualifications.

blameless — unrebukeable, without fault.
husband of one wife — married, male.
rules well his own house — have a family, children.
not greedy of filthy lucre — Not greedy for money.
vigilant — no excessive wine, calm in spirit.
sober — of a sound mind, self controlled.
of good behavior — modest, unassuming, reserved.
no striker — not quarrelsome, contentious.
not a brawler — abstaining from fighting.
not self willed — not self pleasing, not arrogant.
not soon angry — not prone to anger.
temperate — having power over, restraining.
holy — undefiled by sin, free from wickedness.
just — righteous, virtuous, innocent, faultless.

“having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly”

faithful — believing, one who trusts in God’s promises.
not accused of riot — Strongs – asotia — unsavedness.
an abandoned dissolute life, lost to principle.
unruly — disobedient.

if someone thinks they qualify?
Is that pride and thus not without fault?

The Bible talks about elders and qualifications for elders.
Can you have one with out the other?

P.S.
Is there anyway to get an auto email from you when you answer this comment here.

God Speed,
Lew

Thanks for your contribution to the contest. Well done. I look forward to all the other entries! Best to you, and I hope you are a finalist!

Yeah, it’s one of those blairingly obvious things that we never notice. In fact, I had not even really thought about it until I was writing this essay. It may be safe to say that a lot of the NT letters are to tell us we’re doing it wrong :).

God Speed,
Lew

Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I do not believe I said that there were some qualifications that were more important than others. I would say that they are all probably of equal importance. However, I sincerely doubt anyone meets all the qualifications (except for Jesus).

In this post, when I use the term “leader” I do not mean an authoritarian leader. I’m using the word “leader” just like Jesus did in Luke 22:26, “But {it is} not this way with you, but the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant.” I apologize if this offended you.

God Speed,
Lew

“Those Christ followers who are already meeting these qualifications
(or most of them) will be the ones who are recognized as leaders:”

Just wondering…

How many, and which qualifications, are not that important?

And I have some question’s about the use of the word “leader.”

The word “leader”seems like a “high place.” Yes?

Jesus always took and recommended the “low place.” Yes?

Jesus humbled Himself, made himself of no reputation
and took on the form of a servant. Php 2:7

How do “you” reconcile the use of the word “leader”
when “Jesus” told “His disciples” not to be called leader?

Jesus in Mat 23:10 told His disciples “NOT” to call
themselves master/“leaders”
for you have one master/”leader” the Christ.

King James Version –
Neither be ye called masters:
for one is your Master, even Christ.

The Interlinear Bible –
Nor be called leaders,
for one is your leader the Christ.

Phillips Modern English –
you must not let people call you leaders,
you have only one leader, Christ.

Today’s English Version –
nor should you be called leader.
your one and only leader is the Messiah.

The Amplified-
you must not be called masters ( leaders )
for you have one master ( leader ) the Christ.

Jesus told His disciples not to be called “leaders” and none did.

Ro 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ,
Php 1:1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ,
Col 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ,
Tit 1:1 Paul, a servant of God,
Jas 1:1 James, a servant of God
2Pe 1:1 Simon Peter, a servant

His disciples “all” called themselves “servants,”
none called themselves “leaders.” None? None.
None called themselves “servant-leader.” None.

If Jesus instructed “His disciples” NOT to call themselves leaders
and someone calls themself a “leader”
or thinks they are a “leader;”

Are they a “disciple of Christ?”

Just wondering. Be blessed.