Shepherd. Serve. Shine

Called to Shepherd, Called to Serve

At Mount Olivet, we believe God calls His people to live and serve with purpose. Some are called to shepherd as Overseers (ἐπίσκοποι)—guiding and teaching the flock. Others are called to serve as Deacons (διάκονοι)—caring for needs and strengthening the body.

In 1 Timothy 3, Paul outlines the Spirit-shaped qualities for these roles. The cards below highlight each trait with its Greek meaning and a short explanation. Use them to reflect, pray, and ask:

Where is God shaping my life?
Am I called to shepherd or to serve?

Overseers

(ἐπίσκοποι)

“Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers (ἐπισκοποῦντες), not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly.” — 1 Peter 5:2

Elders, Pastors, Shepherds, Bishops

Above Reproach

1 Tim 3:2; Titus 1:6–7

ἀνεπίλημπτος (anepílēptos)

Blameless, not open to accusation; a life lived with integrity.

Faithful to One Wife

1 Tim 3:2; Titus 1:6

μιᾶς γυναικὸς ἄνδρα (mias gynaikos andra)

Literally “a one-woman man”; faithful in marriage and purity.

Temperate

1 Tim 3:2; Titus 1:8

νηφάλιος (nēphálios)

Sober-minded, clear-thinking, not given to extremes.

Self-Controlled

1 Tim 3:2; Titus 1:8

σώφρων (sṓphrōn)

Disciplined, sound judgment, balanced in desires and decisions.

Deacons

(διάκονοι)

“Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business -Acts 6:3

Servants, Ministers, Helpers, Stewards

Worthy of Respect

1 Tim 3:8

σεμνούς (semnoús)

Dignified, honorable, and reverent in character.

Not Double-Tongued

1 Tim 3:8

μὴ διλόγους (mē dilógous)

Honest and sincere; not hypocritical or deceitful in speech.

Not Indulging in Much Wine

1 Tim 3:8

μὴ οἴνῳ πολλῷ προσέχοντας (mē oínō pollōi proséchontas)

Not addicted to or preoccupied with wine; sober and disciplined

Not Greedy

1 Tim 3:8

μὴ αἰσχροκερδεῖς (mē aischrokerdeís)

Not pursuing money or ministry for selfish profit.