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1 Timothy

What Are Elders?

1 Timothy 3:1–7 · Pastor Paul · August 2, 2026

About this message

Paul describes the kind of person God entrusts with the care of His church — and it looks far more like character than charisma.

Message Recap

A summary of Sunday's teaching

Paul turns from the character of the church to the character of its leaders. Before gifting, before charisma, before capability, God looks for faithfulness — and that same faithfulness is what makes a church healthy over decades, not just seasons.

Key Ideas

  1. 01

    Character comes before leadership.

    The qualifications Paul lists are almost entirely about who a person is at home, in conflict, and in private — not about what they can do on a stage.

  2. 02

    Biblical leadership begins with faithfulness.

    Leaders are not asked to be impressive. They are asked to be trustworthy with the truth, with people, and with themselves over a long stretch of ordinary time.

  3. 03

    Healthy leadership strengthens the church.

    When leaders are marked by humility and self-control, the whole church becomes a safer place to grow, confess, and follow Jesus together.

Scripture from this message

1 Timothy 3:1–7Titus 1:5–91 Peter 5:1–4

Reflect

  • Where is God inviting you to serve faithfully in your current season?
  • Who in your life could you ask an honest question about your character this week?

Topics

1 TimothyLeadershipChurchElders