Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. Now the overseer is to be:
- above reproach,
- faithful to his wife,
- temperate,
- self-controlled,
- respectable,
- hospitable,
- able to teach,
- not given to drunkenness,
- not violent but gentle,
- not quarrelsome,
- not a lover of money.
- 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 a respect.
- (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)
- He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.
- He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.
In the same way, deacons are to be
- worthy of respect,
- sincere,
- not indulging in much wine,
- and not pursuing dishonest gain.
- They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.
- They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
Reminded of this act of selflessness from an army captain who kissed his soldier while undergoing medivac.