A Critical Response to @ehp_57796
@ehp_57796 states, "The Timothy verses are just two of many in scripture defining the ecclesiastical office of the Church." "And promised the HS to guide them," "in turn taught others in succession." 1. So both the Timothy passages and that of Titus were Paul giving instruction on how those believing communities can choose their own leaders; overseers (translated bishop in the past or pastor today) and servant leaders (translated deacons, which is what most faith traditions use). This is a trustworthy saying: “If someone aspires to be a church leader, he desires an honorable position.” So a church leader must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach. He must not be a heavy drinker or violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money. He must manage his own family well, ha...