The Job Interview - Characteristics of a Christian Leader [Sermon]

Chiang Mai, Thailand

October 2025

1 Timothy 3:1–7 ESV

The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil. ESV

8-13 ESV

Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. 11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 13 For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. ESV

Titus 1:5–9 ESV

This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— 6 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. 7 For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

1.0 Exclusion of Recent Converts

1 Tim 3:6

He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil.

Acts 14:23: And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed. ESV

1.1 ________ of the Believer

1.2 ________ of the Body

Deuteronomy 1:28: Where are we going up? Our brothers have made our hearts melt, saying, “The people are greater and taller than we. The cities are great and fortified up to heaven. And besides, we have seen the sons of the Anakim there.”’ ESV

2.0 Reputation with Outsiders

1 Tim 3:7

Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.

2.1 Accusation

1 Timothy 5:19–20

“Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.”

2.2 False Accusation

1 Timothy 5:19–20: “Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.”

2.3 Accusation of the Faith

1 Peter 3:15: but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect. ESV

3.0 Specific Character Traits

4.0 Ability to Teach and Defend Doctrine

1 Timothy 3:2 (ESV)

“Therefore an overseer must be … able to teach.”

4.1 Teaching Doctrine - Theology

How to Study the Bible

4.2 Defending the Faith - Apologetics

Titus 1:9: “He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.” ESV

1 Peter 3:15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect ESV

[See the section on Apologetics]

5.0 Management of the Household (as a Leadership Test)

5.1 Steward at Home

1 Timothy 3:4–5: He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? ESV

5.2 Parenting

Titus 1:6 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. ESV

Characteristics	Current Rating 1-5	Concrete Steps to Improve
Overcoming Pride
Reputation with Outsiders
Developing Positive Character Traits
Controlling Negative Character Traits
Teaching Scripture
Defending Scripture
Management of the Home