Acts 20:29-30 (NLT)
²⁹ I know that false teachers, like vicious wolves, will come in among you after I leave, not sparing the flock. ³⁰ Even some men from your own group will rise up and distort the truth in order to draw a following. 

 

My notes:

 

1 Timothy 3:1 (NLT)
This is a trustworthy saying: “If someone aspires to be an overseer, he desires an honorable position.” 

 

In this house, the leaders of God’s people must .

 

My notes:

 

1 Timothy 3:2-7 (NLT)
² So an overseer 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 be hospitable, and he must be able to teach.. ³ He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money. ⁴ He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. ⁵ For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church? ⁶ An overseer must not be a new believer, because he might become proud, and the devil would cause him to fall.  ⁷ Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the devil’s trap.

 

My notes:

 

In this house, we lead not to make names great—but to make name known.

 

My notes:

 

1 Timothy 3:8 (NLT)
⁸ In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have integrity.

 

= servant leader

 

My notes:

 

1 Timothy 3:8-11 (NLT)
They must not be heavy drinkers or dishonest with money. ⁹ They must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed and must live with a clear conscience. ¹⁰ Before they are appointed as servant leaders, let them be closely examined. If they pass the test, then let them serve as servant leaders. ¹¹ In the same way, the women must be respected and must not slander others. They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do.

 

My notes:

 

1 Timothy 3:12-13 (NLT)
¹² A servant leader must be faithful to his wife, and he must manage his children and household well. ¹³ Those who do well as servant leaders will be rewarded with respect from others and will have increased confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.

 

1 Timothy 3:14-16 (NLT)
¹⁴ I am writing these things to you now, even though I hope to be with you soon, ¹⁵ so that if I am delayed, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth. ¹⁶ Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith:
Christ was revealed in a human body
    and vindicated by the Spirit.
He was seen by angels
    and announced to the nations.
He was believed in throughout the world
    and taken to heaven in glory.

 

My notes:

 

Principles of Church Structure: 

• Jesus is the head of the church
• Church leaders serve others by helping them follow Jesus
• The goal is that we all look more like Jesus

 

My notes:

 

Ephesians 4:11-16 (NLT)
¹¹ Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. ¹² Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ… ¹⁵ …we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. ¹⁶ 

 

My notes:

 

Jesus is the of the church.

 

Our structure: 

Jesus

Elders

Lead Minister

Staff 

Servant Leaders

Servants

 

In this house, we serve.

 

Weekly Devo:

Memory Verse: 1 Tim 3.14-15

Day 1: The Leader Who Serves

Scripture: Mark 10:42–45

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…”

Devotion:
Jesus turned leadership upside down. In a world where leaders chase titles and positions, Jesus stooped low, washed feet, and gave His life. True spiritual leadership begins with humility and ends in sacrifice.

Reflect:

• How do I view leadership—in the church, in my home, in the world?
• What might it look like for me to “stoop low” this week?

Day 2: Character First

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:1–7

“He must be above reproach… self-controlled, respectable, hospitable…”

Devotion:
Paul paints a picture of the kind of people who should lead the church. It’s not about charisma, but character. The leaders of God’s house are called to reflect the heart of God—not just do a job, but live a life that honors Christ.

Reflect:

• Which of the traits listed do I most resonate with?
• Which one is God inviting me to grow in?

Day 3: Called to Serve

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:8–13

“Let them first be tested; then if they prove themselves blameless, let them serve…”

Devotion:
The word “deacon” literally means “servant.” Church leadership isn’t just about making decisions—it’s about carrying towels. Every role of leadership in the church is ultimately about helping others grow in faith.

Reflect:

• Where am I already serving others well?
• Where could I step in and help shoulder the weight of ministry?

Day 4: No Sidelines in the Kingdom

Scripture: Ephesians 4:11–13

“…to equip the saints for the work of ministry…”

Devotion:
The church isn’t a stage—it’s a team. Leaders are called to equip, not entertain. Ministry doesn’t belong to the few on stage; it belongs to all of us. There’s no such thing as a “benchwarmer” in God’s house.

Reflect:

• Have I been watching from the sidelines?
• What gifts or passions might God be calling me to use in this season?

Day 5: Household of God

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:15

“…how people must conduct themselves in the household of God…”

Devotion:
Paul reminds Timothy that the church isn’t a building—it’s a family. And in any healthy family, everyone contributes. Serving is not an extracurricular—it’s a core responsibility of being in God’s household.

Reflect:

• Do I view church more like a family or an event?
• What’s one practical way I can “pitch in” this week?

Day 6: The Mystery of Christ

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:16

“Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness…”

Devotion:
Paul’s reminder: all of this is about Jesus. Church leadership, service, character—it all points to Him. Jesus came in the flesh, was raised in power, proclaimed to the world, and received in glory. Our service reflects His glory.

Reflect:

• When I serve, do I think more about tasks or about Jesus?
• How does serving connect me to the bigger story of Christ?

 

Help Everyone Find & Follow Jesus