Qualifications for Overseers

From 1 Timothy 3:1-7

In the all the churches I’ve been to, I’ve never met someone with the title of overseer.  In fact, when I picture an overseer, I picture someone on a construction site, overseeing the work being done. Obviously, that isn’t what Paul is talking about here. The role that Paul is setting out guidelines for is probably best understood as the role pastors fill in most Christian congregations today.

The task of pastoral ministry is not one to be taken lightly, something to be kept in mind for anyone in your life who aspires to this vocation. The standards for behavior and thoughts are high, just look back at 1 Timothy 3:2-7.  And the reason for this is that the pastor in many ways sets the standard, sets the example. If a pastor does not live up to the way that God has called Christians to live, it communicates to anyone watching that it’s really okay to do that. That isn’t to say that pastors are perfect, but they are called to do their best to set an example.

Now you may be reading this devotion and thinking to yourself, “I’m not a pastor, nor do I have any intention of becoming one.” That’s fine, but the thought I would impart to you is this. Even if you aren’t a pastor leading a congregation, are their people in your life who look to you for an example? Maybe it’s your siblings or your kids, maybe it’s other people at your job, or maybe it’s your friends. Regardless, if you are being looked to as an example, these verses give you an idea of what kind of example you should be.


Focus on God

We are reminded in these verses that God graciously sets a perfect example for us in the earthly ministry of Jesus.


Function in Our Lives

We are encouraged to live as examples of the faith as much as we possibly can.


Topics to Pray About                                                              

  • Thank God for the wisdom in His Word.
  • Confess to God the times where you don’t live according to what you believe.
  • Ask God to bless the people He has given authority in this world with wisdom and righteousness.


In His Service,

J. LeBorious

  1. I think pastors teach and overseers are more like the elders that oversee that everything the church does or says is biblical? Does this make sense?

  2. So, as best as we can tell, overseers would look a lot like modern day pastors (who are responsible for making sure the church remains faithful) and deacons (the subject of the next devotion) would line up with modern day elders; in that, the deacons of Timothy's time worked in conjunction with pastors in various functions within a congregation.

  3. I like to try to think ahead?