“Everything rises and falls on leadership.” So says leadership guru, John Maxwell. Do you think he’s right? Another variation would be, “As the man goes, so goes the family,” which could also be rendered, “As the elders go, so goes the church,” or “As the government leaders go, so goes the country…society…culture.” You get the idea. Leadership is critical, and that is especially clear in the Bible. Godly leaders in Israel brought peace and prosperity to the people. They made possible the blessings of God, whereas ungodly leaders brought judgment and curses on the nation. In the New Testament, great attention is given to leaders: apostles, elders (overseers, pastors), and deacons. We’re told what to look for in their character, what they are to be doing, warnings about the weight of responsibility, and how the church ought to respond to such men. It would seem that everything does indeed rise and fall on leadership.

In our passage this Sunday, 1 Timothy 3:1-7, we’ll look at the “noble task” of being an overseer (elder, pastor). Paul outlines for Timothy the fourteen characteristics of such men who would serve in this office. He makes it clear at the outset that the setting apart of elders is of utmost importance to the health of the church. As we look at the passage, we’ll also hear something surprising about the character of these leaders. I know you’re going to want to hear that for yourself, so I’ll see you Sunday online or in person.

Series: The Good Fight (1 Timothy)
Todd Dugard
Message: 7 – A noble task
Harvest Bible Chapel
Text: 1 Timothy 3:1-7
June 8, 2025

I must commit myself to…

…a local church with biblical priorities (v. 1a)

Everything rises and falls on leadership.
John Maxwell

…which esteems the noble task of being an elder (v. 1c)

Hebrews 13:7, 17

…by setting apart men who aspire to the role (v. 1b)

Luke 16:10 a

1 Peter 5:5b

Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less. Humility is thinking more of others. Humble people are so focused on serving others, they don’t think of themselves.
Rick Warren.

…having the character necessary to serve well (v. 2-7)

1 Peter 5:8

1 Peter 5:9a

…while I too strive to be like Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1)

1 John 1:9

The primary characteristic of the Christian elder/pastor/overseer is that his life constantly reflects Christian values, morality, conduct, and integrity; that’s the baseline. The list is remarkable for being unremarkable. Indeed, with only a couple of exceptions, all of the qualifications listed here are elsewhere in the New Testament demanded of all Christians.
D. A. Carson

Come as you are, but don’t stay as you are.

RESOURCES

Three New Testament terms for the one church office - 1 Peter 5:1-2
ἐπίσκοπος (episkopos) - bishop/overseer - 1Timothy 3:1
πρεσβύτερος (presbuteros) - elder - Titus 1:5
ποιμένος (poimenos) - shepherd/pastor - Ephesians 4:11

Uncommon Elders
harvestbible.ca/uncommonelders

Elder Governance at Harvest
harvestbible.ca/elder_governance