Qualifications for Oversight and Service

3 Trustworthy is the saying: “If any man aspires to the office of overseer,^[a] he desires a good work.” ² An overseer, then, must be beyond criticism—the husband of one wife, clear-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, ³ not addicted to wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money, ⁴ managing his own household well, keeping his children under control with all respectfulness. ⁵ (But if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s community?) ⁶ He must not be a new believer,^[b] or he may become puffed up and fall into the same judgment as the devil. ⁷ Furthermore, he must have a good reputation with those outside, so that he will not fall into disgrace and the devil’s trap.

⁸ Servant-leaders likewise must be dignified, not double-speaking, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. ⁹ They must keep hold of the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. ¹⁰ Also let them first be tested—then let those who are blameless serve as servant-leaders. ¹¹ Women likewise must be dignified, not backbiting; clear-minded, trustworthy in every respect. ¹² Let servant-leaders be husbands of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. ¹³ For those who have served well as servant-leaders gain for themselves a good standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Messiah Yeshua.

¹⁴ These things I write to you, hoping to come to you shortly. ¹⁵ But if I delay, I write so you may know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God—which is the community of the living God, a pillar and foundation of truth. ¹⁶ Now beyond question, great is the mystery of godliness: