🕊️ The Didache – Chapter 15: Bishops and Deacons; Christian Reproof

Appoint for yourselves bishops and deacons… men meek, truthful, and proven.”

Chapter 15 calls the Church to appoint local leaders—bishops and deacons—who are humble, not lovers of money, and grounded in truth. These leaders serve as shepherds, not lords, and their role is to guide the flock alongside prophets and teachers. The chapter also encourages mutual reproof within the body, but never in anger—always in peace. Correction is seen as a loving responsibility, not as judgment or control. And when someone does wrong, no one is to speak with them until they repent—a practice meant not for punishment, but restoration. The goal is always love, truth, and unity, grounded in the Gospel.

Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture

Leadership in My Church is not about position—it is about posture. I raise up those who walk low. Those who serve from love. Those whose hearts are soft toward Me and toward others. The leaders I appoint are shepherds, not celebrities. Watchmen, not masters. Their lives must reflect Mine.

If I’ve placed you in a role of oversight, let Me lead through you. And if I’ve placed others above you, honor them as those I’ve entrusted to serve you in love.

When someone strays, do not rush to rebuke in frustration. Come to them with the gentleness that I show you every day. Speak truth in peace. Wait for repentance with hope. And always aim to restore, never to shame.

The Church is not held together by policies, but by My Spirit and the love poured into hearts yielded to Me.

(1 Timothy 3:1–10, Galatians 6:1, Ephesians 4:11–13, 2 Thessalonians 3:14–15)

Prayer of Trust and Confidence

Lord, thank You for the leaders You’ve placed in Your Church. I trust that You raise up those who are yielded to You and filled with Your Spirit. Whether I lead or follow, I do it as unto You. Teach me to speak truth with gentleness, to wait patiently for repentance, and to live in peace with others. I rest in Your wisdom to guide Your people—and I yield to You, trusting that You are the Head of the Church. Amen.

Source: The Didache: The Lord's Teaching Through the Twelve Apostles to the Nations
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