Appointed by Holy Spirit

Paul reminded overseers living in Ephesus that they had been appointed by God through holy spirit.  He said: "Pay attention to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the holy spirit has appointed you overseers to shepherd the congregation of God, which he purchased with the blood of his own Son."  (Acts 20:28) Those Christian overseers needed to continue to be led by holy spirit as they carried out their duties as shepherds of the flock of God.  If a man who occupied an appointed office no longer met the divine standard, in time holy spirit would operate to remove him from his position.

How is it that the holy spirit plays a pivotal role? First of all, the record that sets out requirements for spiritual oversight was inspired by holy spirit.  In his letters to Timothy and Titus, Paul outlined the standards to be met by overseers  and ministerial servants.  Altogether, he mentioned some 16 different requirements.  For instance, overseers were to be irreprehensible, moderate in habits, sound in mind, orderly, hospitable, qualified to teach, and exemplary as family heads.  They were to be balanced in the use of alcohol beverages, were not to be lovers of money, and were exercise self-control.  Similarly, high standards were set for men reaching out for appointment as ministerial servants. -1 Timothy 3:1-10, 12, 13; Titus 1:5-9.

A review of these qualifications shows that those who take the lead in Jehovah's worship must be exemplary in Christian conduct.  Men who reach  out for congregational responsibility must give evidence that holy spirit is operating on them.  (2 Timothy 1:14)  It must be evident that God's spirit is producing in these men the fruitage of "love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness, self-control."  (Galatians 5:22, 23)  Such fruitage would be manifested in their dealings with fellow believers and others.  Of course,m some may excel in displaying certain fruits of the spirit, while others may meet other qualifications for overseers to a superior degree.  In their overall pattern of life, however,  all who hope to be appointed as overseers or ministerial servants should demonstrate that they are spiritual men, measuring up to the requirements of God's Word.

When Paul exhorted others to become imitators of him, he could do so with freeness of speech because he himself was imitating Jesus Christ, who 'left us a model for us to follow his steps closely.'  (1 Peter 2:21; 1 Corinthians 11:1) Those meeting the Scriptural requirements at the time of their appointment as overseers or ministerial servants may thus be said to have been appointed by holy spirit.

Next time: Conclusion of Appointed by Holy Spirit

The Watchtower, 2001