QUALIFICATIONS FOR OVERSEERS AND DEACONS

3 This saying is trustworthy:h “If anyone aspires to be an overseer,A,i he desires a noble work.” 2 An overseer,j therefore, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible,k respectable, hospitable,l able to teach, 3 not an excessive drinker, not a bully but gentle, not quarrelsome, not greedy.m 4 He must manage his own household competently and have his children under control with all dignity. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of God’s church?) 6 He must not be a new convert, or he might become conceited and incur the same condemnation as the devil.n 7 Furthermore, he must have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he does not fall into disgrace and the devil’so trap.

8 Deacons,p likewise, should be worthy of respect, not hypocritical, not drinking a lot of wine, not greedy for money, 9 holding the mystery of the faithq with a clear conscience.r 10 They must also be tested first; if they prove blameless, then they can serve as deacons. 11 Wives,B,s likewise, should be worthy of respect, not slanderers, self-controlled,t faithful in everything. 12 Deacons are to be husbands of one wife, managing their children and their own households competently. 13 For those who have served well as deacons acquire a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.