Leaders of the Household of God

Written By Betty Predmore

1 TIMOTHY 3: 1-16

(October 18)

While many people desire to be a leader, they often don't realize what is involved in the position. Often times, it puts you under a microscope, where everyone sees and has something to say about you ... the way you talk, how you dress, what your spouse or kids are doing, how you spend your free time ... your life can be very much on display.

Because of this, leadership in the household of God (the church) requires a person to lead an exemplary life, so that he can stand up to the scrutiny that is sure to come.

Does this mean a sinless life? Of course not. But many times, those watching forget that. They expect their leaders in the church to be sin free, when that is not humanly possible. Our leaders need and deserve the same grace as anyone else.

Paul spells it out in chapter 3, giving the characteristics necessary for a man to lead the church: a seasoned believer, faithful to his wife, self-controlled, hospitable, able to teach others, sober, peaceful, gentle, not a lover of money, able to manage his family, and with a life above reproach. WOW!!! That's a lot! Much is required for a man in such an honorable position.

Then there are the qualifications for deacons. What is a deacon? Deacon means "one who serves." It is thought this position originated with the apostles in the Jerusalem church. They needed people to care for the physical needs of the congregation, including the widows. These men were leaders in the church who were basically overseers of the church. According to Paul, men should be closely examined before being put in this position. Their requirements closely matched that of the church leader.

Paul emphasizes that following this protocol for leadership was necessary because the church of the living God was the pillar and foundation of the truth. What does he mean by this? He is affirming the fact that Jesus is both human and divine. Because Jesus lived his human life in perfection, he is the perfect example of how to live our lives. As God, he gives us the power to make choices in our life, choices to do the right thing over the wrong thing. We can't live the PERFECT life that Jesus led, but through him we can live a GODLY life.

That is expected of us all, but none more than the leaders of the household of God.

Betty Predmore

Betty Predmore is a writer, blogger, speaker and ministry leaders. She is the founder of Mom-Sense, Inc., a ministry designed for mentorship, connection and service to women of all life circumstances. Through this ministry, women are encouraged and supported with scripture and life application. Mom-Sense helps women overcome life struggles through small group classes with biblical curriculum, individual counseling, bible studies, and other areas of support.

Betty also directs the Imperial Valley Life Center, which is a non-profit faith-based pro life women’s resource center. She has a passion for saving the unborn and supporting mothers through pregnancy and motherhood.

Betty loves to speak at events, sharing the love of Jesus with other women. She does this through practical life application mingled with God’s word, and sprinkled with humor. Having experienced a broken home, divorce, abuse, grief, single motherhood, blended families, and adoption, she uses the broken places and movement of God in her own life to share His word in an inspiring way. She enjoys sharing her blogs on social media as a way of reaching out on a broader spectrum. Betty has many speaking topics which can be found on her website: www.bettypredmore.com

As an author, she has had the opportunity to impact women and reach deep into their hearts with her words of inspiration and encouragement. Through Pondering Virtue and Whispered Grace, she has created wonderful tools for the woman who is seeking direction in her spiritual walk.

Betty serves on the writing team of A Wife Like Me, and is also a contributor to Moms Encouraging Moms and Gift of Thorns. Her blogs have appeared in several magazine publications throughout the years including Southern Faith Magazine, Purposeful Life, and Aspiring Woman Magazine.

While Betty thrives on her ministry opportunities, her greatest blessings come from being a wife to Jim and a mama to their wonderful collection of children, who bring joy, laughter, and an occasional tear to her days.


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