Leaders in the Church
1What I say is true: If any person is trying hard to become an elder,
2An elder
3He must not drink too much wine, and he must not be a person who likes to fight. He must be gentle and peaceful. He must not be a person who loves money.
4He must be a good leader of his own family. This means that his children obey him with full respect.
5(If a man does not know how to be a leader over his own family, then he will not be able to take care of God’s church.)
6But an elder must not be a new believer. It might make a new believer be too proud of himself {if he were made an elder} . Then he would be judged (condemned) for his pride the same as the devil was.
7An elder must also have the respect of people who are not in the church. Then he will not be criticized by other people and be caught in the devil’s trap.
Helpers in the Church
8In the same way, the men who serve as special helpers
9They must follow the faith (truth) that God made known to us and always do what they know is right.
10You should test those men first. If you find nothing wrong in them, then they can serve as special helpers.
11In the same way, the women
12The men who serve as special helpers must have only one wife. They must be good leaders of their children and their own families.
13Those persons who serve in a good way are making an honorable place for themselves. And they will feel very sure of their faith in Christ Jesus.
The Secret of Our Life
14I hope I can come to you soon. But I am writing these things to you now.
15Then, even if I cannot come soon, you will know about the things that people must do in the family
16Without any doubt, the secret of our life of worship is great: He (Christ) was shown to us in a human body; the Spirit
men who serve as special helpers Literally, “deacons,” a Greek
word meaning “servants.” These people, it seems, were chosen to serve the church in special ways. women This can mean women who serve as special helpers, or it might mean the wives of the special helpers. family Literally, “house.” This could mean that God’s people are like God’s temple. Spirit, Holy Spirit Also called the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Christ, and the Comforter. Joined with God and Christ, he does God’s work among people in the world. {The Good News