"Here is a trustworthy saying: If
anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. Now
the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate,
self-contolled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkeness,
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 with proper
respect, for 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 judgement 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. Deacons, likewise are to be men
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. In the same way, their wives are
to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers, but temperate
and trustworthy in everything. A deacon must be the husband of one wife
and must manage his children and his household well. Those who have served
well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ
Jesus.--I Timothy 3
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