3rd April 2003 at 10:18 AM ladylove said this in Post #5
Mentoring is a very lost art .... It frankly should be done in all bible-believeing churchs to help prevent costly mistakes in many areas. I
a big old AMEN to that.
1 timothy 3 gives the requirements for overseers (pastors) and deacons
Overseers and Deacons
<SUP>1</SUP>Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer,<SUP>[
1]</SUP> he desires a noble task. <SUP>2</SUP>Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, <SUP>3</SUP>not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. <SUP>4</SUP>He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. <SUP>5</SUP>(If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?) <SUP>6</SUP>He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. <SUP>7</SUP>He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap.
<SUP>8</SUP>Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. <SUP>9</SUP>They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. <SUP>10</SUP>They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
<SUP>11</SUP>In the same way, their wives<SUP>[
2]</SUP> are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.
<SUP>12</SUP>A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well. <SUP>13</SUP>Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
I don't see anything in there tied to age though.