1 Timothy 3: Qualifications: Bishops/Deacons

                Paul explains to Timothy the qualifications for a Bishop in the Church;

“…If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine… not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)” (1 Timothy 3:1-5)

                In the Restored Church of Jesus Christ, a.k.a The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Bishops and all leaders of the church are not paid, nor can they be ‘elected’ or ‘work’ towards obtaining these positions. All positions in the church are given based off revelation.

                Paul also lays down the requirements for Deacons in the Church;

“Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre…” (1 Timothy 3:8)

Deacons in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are 12-14 years of age and provide the first taste of leadership in the church and in their own lives. We can understand from this chapter that Paul wanted Timothy to understand the importance of these sacred roles and for those who hold those titles to do so reverently.