Because of his advanced age Paul is writing a letter to Timothy, passing on how he sees the church should be structured, characteristics of the overseers of the church. Husband of one wife, temperate, self controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent, quarrelsome, or lover of money. Must manage his family well and his children obey him with proper respect.

Upon reading this for the first time I never realized that the church was to be intentionally structured this way. But it makes perfect sense that you would want people of high morals and character to be leading the flock.

We would all aspire to be these kinds of people as believers in Christ.

On a personal note, as a first time member of consistory, I am awed by the quality of leadership this body consist of. Mindful, respectful, a very diverse group, they have taken on the noble task of leadership of this church very seriously. Through every situation they have opened it to the floor for discussion, allowing all members to express their views, perspectives, opinions. Then holding it up for vote. I have never seen decisions "rubber stamped" or made without mindful consideration.

My point is not to heap praises on our consistory, but to bring to light the awesome power of God, the Bible, the Apostles, and the vision for the church back then is still in place now and hopefully in the future, by the grace of God, prayer, and the Holy Spirit.