Right and Wrong Motivations for Seeking the Office of Elder or Deacon
Rev. Angus Stewart examines biblical and ethical motivations for seeking positions of elder and deacon in the church, contrasting sinful motives (such as seeking personal esteem or vindication) with godly ones based on 1 Timothy 3:1. This practical resource addresses the spiritual character required for church leadership and the importance of proper heart motivation in accepting ecclesiastical office.
Rev. Angus Stewart I Timothy 3:1 declares, “This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop [i.e., elder], he desireth a good work.” By extension, this applies to the office of deacon. But are all desires for church office good? Does the text mean that it is good to want to be an elder or deacon in God’s church for the wrong reasons? No! There are God-honouring and holy motives for preparing for and seeking church office, and for allowing one’s name to go forward for election...