About this Study

This package was assembled to encourage you to study 1^st Timothy 3:1-16 and to be aware of characteristics the Bible instructs us to have.  You will find each verse separated in its own section, along with Word Study and Words of Wisdom.  The Word Study area is key words drawn from the verse and its definition.  This will help you to understand the verse.  The definitions may have more than one meaning, so you must identify which meaning applies to the context of the verse.  By doing so, you gain a thorough understanding on what the verse is teaching.  One of the best study tools I use is the dictionary.  So even though there are definitions in this study, you should use a dictionary to study other key words in the verse as well.  If you do not have a dictionary and have access to the internet, you can use www.dictionary.com.  When you enter a word, it searches several dictionaries including Eastons Bible Dictionary.  There is also a link for a Thesaurus to look at other similar words.  The more you understand the words, and the appropriate context in which its used in the verse, the more you will understand the verse.  The Words of Wisdom area is just a few words added to guide you into thought about the verse.  Do not look at the Words of Wisdom as everything you need to know about the verse.  Because as mentioned before, the purpose of this is for you to do the detailed studying to gain the knowledge and applied wisdom you need.

Even though this covers both the Bishop and the Deacon, you should read and study the entire package no matter what your calling is.  This will not train you for your specific calling and ministry, but it will help you learn things in which obedience to the scriptures brings forth prosperous results in your ministry.  In this study, the Bishop applies to all members of the clergy (i.e. Minister, Elder, Bishop, Reverend, Evangelist, etc.).  The Deacon applies to the deacon and anyone who assists in ministry.  However, I charge you to study both and apply all characteristics regardless of your calling.  Because at the end of the study, you will note the main theme of these verses relates to your behavior both in and outside of ministry.  In addition, those who will lead or Pastor ministries will gain an understanding of both roles.  To me, a good leader is someone who was first a follower and a student of their trade.

Once you have completed your study, you will see instructions on how to complete the package. There will be three (3) parts to this package which must be re-sent to have credit of completing this study.  Parts 1 and 2 can be submitted by email if you desire, however being that Part 3 requires a signature it must be mailed back via postal mail.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact me and let me know.  I look forward to seeing the many developments in your ministry.  Now may the peace of God which passes all understanding guard your heart and mind through Christ Jesus.  And always remember to pray before you study!

In Christ,

Apostle Kelvin Pendleton

Characteristics for Clergy

¹ This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

Word Study

Words of Wisdom

A very important thing to note from this verse is that there must be a desire.  When we study the above definition, we must pursue ministry as a clergy because we enjoy it.  To enjoy and be excited about ministry helps us to continue our works even when there is no compensation or material gift in return.  This mindset helps to keep us ministry driven and not money driven.  Paul mentions this in 1^st Corinthians, 9:18 What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.  As we do our works, we must keep these things in mind or else ministry can feel more like a job than a desire to obey God.  If we allow ourselves to become in this state of mind, it opens the door for satan to discourage you from participating in ministry.  But if your mind is stable in the fact that you are not on a job but striving to satisfy God, you can build a strong resistance to discouragement.

Note in the definition of work, it begins by talking about exerting ones self for a purpose.  This purpose should be for souls being saved and added to the kingdom of heaven.  Always remember, you were not called in the ministry to be honored by man, you were called into ministry to serve man. [1]It is God who shall honor and reward you as you strive to serve his people.

² A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

Word Study

Words of Wisdom

We often read in the Old Testament of the bible where men would have many wives or concubines.  Today of course we practice that there should be only one wife to one husband.  There are many interpretations to this part of the verse.  However keep in mind if you were previously married you should make sure if you pursue to get married again, that you have cleared your previous marriage.   Make sure you have legally taken care of all necessities to remarry in your state.  While married, there should be no intimate relationships at all outside of the marriage.

Following these principles allows you to be blameless, so that no one can ever make realistic accusations against you because of actions you have taken.  You will go through accusations in your ministry, but never allow yourself to be guilty of what you are being accused of.  Thus, the life we live in ministry should be the same life we live outside of ministry.  A person should be able to see us buying grocery in the grocery store and see the same person they saw while in ministry.  So we should be watchful of our behavior and avoid situations in which temptation can lead us to fall or give us a bad report because of how we may have treated someone or what someone saw of us outside of ministry.

 If you are single you should be very careful of how you relate to individuals when you are alone.  I remember when I was single and was taught that if I were asked to make home visit, that I should try to find someone to go with me and if it were not possible, to either see if the person can meet me at the church or refer it to another leader in the ministry who can go with someone.  Some may feel that this is trivial, but it can make a big difference when an innocent home visit turns into a rumor of what people thought happened while you were there.  It is a way in which we can be blameless, vigilant and keep good behavior in the sight of God and His people.

And of course, pay attention to the entire definition of the words apt and teach.  We see that this serves as a thorough understanding of what you are teaching, and can deliver it at any time.  There will be ministries in which you may visit and could easily just ask you to speak.  What do you tell them?  You either have to tell them that you are not prepared, or you will stand your ground and teach Gods Word.  In addition, you may encounter questions in your daily life that you should be able to answer.  A sinner should not know more about Gods word than you.  I remember a time while at my home church when I sat in the pulpit ready to hear the minister who was on schedule.  I was not on schedule for weeks.  The minister did not show up, so my Pastor turned to me and said, Kelvin, youre up!  In your walk as a clergy, you will encounter many times in your life in which being apt to teach will either make you or break you.

³ Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

Word Study

Words of Wisdom

Levite priests were not allowed to drink wine or strong drink during their service to God.  Wine has an intoxicating effect if abused and consumed in large quantities.  Of course, intoxication affects the mind and lowers our inhibitions.  Thus, we cannot be completely focused and aware during this state of mind.  When we think of being given to wine, we should associate it with an addiction or when the wine controls you.  The wine is not the issue; the issue is whether or not the wine has become a part of your lifestyle.  This also ties in to being a striker.  Think of how most assaults, domestic violence, or battery happens, and in a lot of cases it ties in with a person being intoxicated and loosing control of themselves.  When in ministry, we should not be known to be someone who would strike or cause harm to another person.  Inasmuch, when we look at the definition of the word striker we see other characteristics as well to avoid, and that is lewdness and underhanded influence.  We have our titles, but we should never use our title to get what we want especially and a lustful way.  True, we tend to associate lust with a sexual desire, but lust is an intense desire that can be applied in many ways.  You can lust for money, cars, jewelry, and other material possessions.  The key is do you want it so bad that you would do anything to get it?

So when we look at filthy lucre, the bible clearly lets us know what meaning to apply to lucre.  Because lucre can be good and bad, as it relates to the gain in money or profit.  But by what means did you acquire such gain or profit?  Again, we benefit by studying what Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians 9, and also to note how many times Jesus had a charge for the teachings and healings he performed.  Whatever was obtained was by gift; a gift in which that individual decided to give.  God did not charge us for salvations, thus we should not charge the people for teaching them how to get it, because salvation is free.  Now, this does not necessarily mean that we should be in full time ministry, whether Pastor, Assistant Pastor, etc., and there should not be a salary.  When the tithes were brought into the storehouse, the Levite priests were entitled to a portion of the goods brought in so that he would be able to eat.  This was because he was not entitled to an inheritance nor did he have a labor or trade.  His duty was to God and the service to the people.  It takes a lot of time and effort to be effective in full time ministry, which usually means that there is not enough time for a normal full time job.  So be careful in how you obtain money and profit in ministry, and specifically pay attention to your motive for obtaining it.  We can see through these characteristics and the definitions provided that it all comes down to self control.  We as clergy should always have control over our flesh, anger, emotions, attitudes, and behavior.  Besides, temperance is a part of bearing the fruit of the Spirit.  So in our efforts to maintain these characteristics, not only do we satisfy the Word of God in our behavior, but we also serve as examples to those we serve and minister to as to how to have a godly lifestyle.  For once we have accepted Christ as our Savior and have been born again; it is our lifestyle that dictates who we are in Christ.  Let us refer back to the beginning when we discussed the desire to do ministry.   We should be in ministry because we enjoy what we do, not so that we can seek gain or financial freedom.

⁴ One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;

⁵ (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

Word Study

Words of Wisdom

Family life is so important and a good way to get training in being a ministry leader.  For a man who is married he learns how to work with his wife and train his children.  Of course this does not come easy, and that is where the experience is gained.  It comes when the wife doesnt want to work with and submit to the husband and the child does not want to be obedient.  In the definition of the word rule we find that it also refers to management.  If you are able to manage and maintain your family, you will get valuable experience when it comes to managing a ministry.  Because in ministry you will work with people who have a close relationship with God and you will work with those who have not yet understood what it is to have a relationship with God.  Therefore, you will have problems in ministry in which you need to be a good manager of Gods affairs. 

Children will not always be obedient, but if you have learned how to get them to respect you, that will gain you the ability to gain respect in ministry.  Just as you had to train your child, teach your child, nurture your child, comfort your child, pray for your child, etc., these will be the same things you will do as a ministry leader for those whom you serve.  It sets yourself and your family as an example to family life for others, and it also shows individuals that you are capable of handling situations.   Though the bible does not specifically say that marriage is a pre-requisite, having a family gives you extra training for your ministry.

And last, in managing your home Christ should always be the center of your home.  [2]Joshua says it plainly that his house is a house which serves the Lord.  Your ability to teach your home to serve God will help you to teach those in your ministry to serve God.  A good tip in accomplishing this challenge is to lead by example.  Before you teach it, live it.  Not only will your family see it in your home, but those who are in your ministry will also see it.  Thus, your family can see that you are the same in ministry as you are at home.  The strength you get from proper management of your home helps you to gain this characteristic so that God knows He can trust you to take care of His people.  If you are single, I would probably suggest that you try to serve in youth ministry for a season to gain experience in managing a child.

⁶ Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

Word Study

Words of Wisdom

With God, all things are possible and it is God who chooses, anoints, appoints, and ordains us into our calling.  Before you pastor a church or lead a ministry, you should have some experience in ministry first.  Although it can be done, it makes it difficult to effectively run a ministry unless you have gained some knowledge and experience.  Not that you have become an expert or have mastered ministry, but you have taken the time to learn the basics and serve in ministry.  From personal experience, this helps because dealing with people is not something that can be taught, it is something that is learned from experience.  And this is because you will not be able to use the same approach with everyone, because each individual is different.

Again, [3]Pauls teachings in 1 Corinthians 9 becomes beneficial here because we must learn how to be effective in our service to Gods people.  It is not typical for someone to wake up one day, join a church and serve as a leader after only being born again one day.  This is an area in which the devil can use many things to cause you to fall.  He can bring you discouragement because you have not gain enough strength to endure the many things you will encounter in ministry.  He can tempt you as men will have women flocked around them, and women will have men flocked around them. And the biggest one is when money begins to come into the ministry and pass through your hands.  So many leaders fall because of the love of money, or to put it scripturally, because of filthy lucre.  So its not that you are not able to just jump into ministry and be effective, its the danger in doing so.  This refers back into the characteristic of vigilance discussed in verse 2; so that you have learned how to watch for such things and how to avoid dangerous situations in the flesh and in the spirit in which the devil can cause you to fall and you become guilty of sin.   Inasmuch, you dont want the devil to be able to set you up so that you are also guilty of accusations because you have not set your lifestyle according to Christ.  Attempting to lead a ministry while still satisfying your flesh and the things of the world will make effective ministry difficult, because if you were to teach or preach against something that you are doing, the bible says that you are a hypocrite.  And generally, people of God will not want to be lead by a hypocrite because you cannot lead by example.  The familiar phrase which I was taught is, You cant teach what you dont know and you cant lead to where you dont go.

⁷ Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

Word Study

Words of Wisdom

We have touched on this point many times.  Those outside the ministry should know you to be good and just.  I would challenge you to live your life for God so seriously that the devil has to treat you like he did with Job; just pace back and forth knowing that he cannot touch you because of the favor you have with God.  God should be able to look down and say the same words as in Job 2:3, there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.  Because Job lived a lifestyle of God, he did not have any blame and the devil could not catch him or lead him into any danger.  That is why all the devil could do is go to and fro walking up and down the earth because God would not allow him to touch Job.

This will help you to understand why, in the book of 1^st Timothy, it states that you should not be a novice.  Because if you have not worked to obtain this kind of favor with God, whereas He has a hedge of protection around you, your family, and your ministry, you are going to face difficult challenges along the way.  I believe you can still make it and still be effective but it will be a greater challenge trying to run a ministry without experience.  Try to gain experience in your family, your job, with your friends, and especially and the ministry which you serve in.  To be an effective leader, you should first be an effective follower.  Think of it this way, you cant walk to a college and ask them to give you a degree in business because you feel you already know about business, you must be a student and show yourself to be proven to obtain a degree.  Be a [4]student of the Word and of ministry, then go out and shame the devil instead of the devil shaming you.  Keeping your integrity in the midst of all the attacks the devil tries to bring you will set you apart and let both God and His people that you living as a [5]son of God.
Characteristics for a Deacon

⁸ Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;

Word Study

Words of Wisdom

As we begin to look at the Deacon we will notice that the characteristics are very similar to that of a Bishop.  This is because the deacon is an assistant to the Pastor or minister and should be ready to carry out whatever duty is assigned to them.  We see initially that a deacon should take ministry seriously because typically they will have the duty of direct contact with the people.  So behavior and self control are just as important.  Representing Gods house as a deacon, you must speak the same at all times.  It does no benefit to the deacon or the ministry to be deceitful in their works.  In other words, if I speak a way or something to one person, it should remain consistent with what I say to everyone else.

Likewise the same is laid out for the deacon in regards to wine, that it should not be a controlling factor in their lives.  An intoxicated deacon cannot be 100% effective should he be called on to serve.  What should happen if a person is in the hospital and the deacon is given to wine?  Therefore restrain and self control should always be used in the behavior of a deacon.  Not only does this apply to wine, but also with money.  In most ministries deacons will serve the tables in a manner that they assist with the collection of offerings.  This is an area in which the devil can tempt you into filthy lucre.  A deacon should not have a price for his service, because his service is to satisfy God.

⁹ Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.

Word Study

Words of Wisdom

The mind of a deacon should be set on the understanding of faith.  Not only should you obtain faith in what God can do, but also faith in God.  Your relationship with God as a deacon should be close enough whereas you know when you have done something wrong because the Holy Spirit will convict you. It is when you feel such conviction that you should take action to correct the issue.  Mainly, the idea to draw from this verse is to know that as you are in contact with the people handling many issues that may arrive, its going to take faith to help them and they should see your faith in actions to keep them encouraged.  It is like the parable where the father took his son to many disciples and the son could not be healed, so he took his son to Jesus for healing.  If someone brings an issue to you that require prayer, your lifestyle and your relationship with God should be to where you are prepared to effectively pray with the individual.  Your faith will benefit the people and will keep you as you walk in your calling.  The mystery of faith is to believe and act upon what you cannot see nor touch, but just know without doubt that it will manifest.

¹⁰ And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.

Word Study

Words of Wisdom

The same applies here for the deacon as mentioned with the bishop.  He should be someone who has experience in ministry and dealing with people.  He should never be found guilty of not living a godly lifestyle as well as not taking care of the people.  In most ministries, deacons are assigned a list of people or a ward in which they have direct care.  Connections should be built with those on that list so that they can feel comfortable in approaching you with their needs.  If you are known to have fault or are constantly being accused, you will find it difficult to care for people and for them to trust approaching you to assist them with their needs.  Likewise, the pastor or ministry leader should feel comfortable in sending you to handle any affair that comes up in which he needs assistance.  In Acts 6:3, many refer this to the deacon although the bible does not identify these seven with being deacons.  But the key to draw from these verses in Acts is that when being appointed you should be of good report.

¹¹ Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.

Word Study

Words of Wisdom

After these characteristics have been listed for the deacon, it pauses to address the wife of the deacon.  Personally when I served as a deacon as a single man, I used this while looking for a wife.  For I know that she should be someone who meets these qualifications.  For those who are married we can associate this with the wife being created to be a help meet for the husband.  Therefore, she can be of great assistance in the service the deacon gives.  Being that she may participate, typically as called the deaconess, she should keep these things in mind while serving in ministry with her husband.  So pass this section to your wife!

¹² Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

Word Study

Words of Wisdom

You can refer to the same section for clergy as it is the same qualification.  Again, being that the deacon will assist the minister in assigned affairs, he should be able manage ministries in the absence of the minister or Pastor, especially with the care of people and the serving of tables.  That also includes communion or the Lords Supper.

¹³ For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Words of Wisdom

The more you apply these characteristics into your daily walk with Christ and into your ministry, you will build integrity with the people and with God.  Your faith will become stronger, more effective, and steadfast.  Because if these things be in you, there will be noticeable differences you will see in your life.  Your faith should be bold enough to manifest your belief that with God nothing is impossible.  In our care for the widows, the orphans, the lame, and the broken hearted, your faith will be the key in assisting the people.  In addition to your faith, your relationship with God will add to you because you can be led by God to find biblical solutions to every problem which you encounter.

The key to notice in this verse is, the bold faith is nothing something that we create; it is the faith that is in Christ Jesus.  Let us look back on the many things Christ did while He dwelled among us.  How He taught with no concerns or fear, how he rebuked the devil without hesitation, or how performed miracles with no doubt.  This is the level of faith we can acquire if we follow the Word of God; to acquire the spiritual level of faith and not a carnal faith.

¹⁴ These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:

¹⁵ But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

Final Words of Wisdom

In summary we can see that in the characteristics listed in these verses for the Bishop and for the Deacon, it all stems from self control and behavior.  It specifically says in verse 15 that we learn how to behave ourselves in ministry, but in other teachings we learn that its about what others see in us as well.  I know that sometimes it may be difficult grasping that you should be concerned at how others see you, but others should be able to see you as God sees you.  That no matter where you are or who you are with, you are the same child of God.  Whether you are in the pulpit, in the congregation, or at the hardware store, you should be the same child of God striving to live the same gospel in which you preach.  Always focus on how God sees you, and if your life is according to Christ, He has promised to both reward and acknowledge you openly.  So even when false accusations and persecutions come God will always have people in place to defend your integrity.   Never allow pride, money, or titles to guide you; always be guided by the Holy Spirit.  I challenge that whether you are clergy or a deacon, you should strive to apply all characteristics to your lifestyle. If you have a desire to do the work, you are already one step into effective ministry.

Final Thought

Remember it is not about you; its about who is IN you!

¹⁶ And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

There are three parts in completing this package.

Part I: Study 1^st Timothy 3:16 thoroughly.   In an essay form or sermon, go into details about what it means.  You can write it here or use a separate sheet of paper to write or type it out.

Part II Write an essay to explain why you feel 1^st Corinthians 9 is referred to often in this study.  Identify and explain the verses you used.