RULE WELL - TAKE CARE. 1Timothy 3:1-7 In any group of people with a specific purpose to fulfill, everything depends on leadership. Every living thing has an inherent design created by the great Designer of the universe—the All-wise, All-knowing God. The church is an organism, but if it becomes disorganized, it will die. Leadership is an essential part of spiritual organization. Spiritual leaders are needed to provide clear, concise, reasonable, and easily understood direction. These leaders are individuals raised up by the Holy Spirit to guide God's people in assemblies. There are qualifications that are expected, and these are taught in the Bible.
When it comes to leadership in an assembly, it is important that we all understand it involves more than just leaders. Everyone's attitude and actions toward elders should show respectful regard and submission to their leadership. There were would-be leaders who caused problems that Timothy had to address. Therefore, it was necessary to identify the right kind of leaders who would serve as bishops. Timothy was tasked with stating the qualifications needed in chapter 3 and explaining the obligation of those under their leadership to submit in chapter 5.
In Christendom, bishops and deacons are either elected to that office or appointed because of their education. In the Bible, the overseer responsible for the oversight of an assembly is called an “elder” because of his spiritual maturity, and a “bishop” (overseer) through being appointed by the Holy Spirit. In a newly established assembly, those who first brought the Gospel are the most qualified to identify individuals who are growing spiritually and whose maturity becomes apparent.
Similarly to the elders of Israel who were responsible for making decisions for the people in the Old Testament, elders were also raised up to lead and care for God's flock in New Testament assemblies. There is no specific scripture that proves only an apostle could appoint elders, nor is there proof that only an apostle can be involved in establishing an assembly.
Titus was to point out to the believers in Crete those who were doing the work of an overseer, and Timothy was to provide teaching on how to identify overseers. There were elders in Israel when they were slaves in Egypt. In the wilderness, Moses chose seventy men from those who were already elders in Israel [Num.11:16, 24] to share in the responsibility of handling matters among the Israelites.
This we do know: It is the Lord's mind that there are elders in every congregation to lead God's people. Also, how they are recognized is less important than their character, commitment, conduct, and ability to fulfill leadership duties. The words “bishop” and “elder” are used interchangeably in Acts 20 and Titus 1.
Conduct and character are shown more through what we believe and how we live than by what we say. Respect for truth and people cannot be replaced by a charismatic personality and skill in public speaking when it comes to spiritual leadership. Ardor and impulsiveness might make a speaker interesting to listen to, but grace and goodness with a caring heart make an elder a true shepherd of God’s people.