Overseers and Deacons

3 It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of [a]overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. 2 [b]An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, [c]temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, skillful in teaching, 3 not overindulging in wine, not [d]a bully, but gentle, not contentious, free from the love of money. 4 He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity 5 (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), 6 and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into condemnation [e]incurred by the devil. 7 And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into [f]disgrace and the snare of the devil.

8 Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not [g]insincere, not prone to drink much wine, not greedy for money, 9 but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 These men must also first be tested; then have them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. 11 [h]Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but [i]temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Deacons must be husbands of one wife, and [j]good managers of their children and their own households. 13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a [k]high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

—1 Timothy 3: 1-13 NASB