Note 16 at 1 Tim. 3:4: The Greek verb PROISTEMI (ruleth) is translated eight times in the New Testament in the following ways: "rule" five times, "maintain" two times, and "be over" one time.

PROISTEMI literally means "to stand before in rank, to preside, lead, or attend to." The Today's English Version, New International and Revised Standard Version all translate this verb by our English term "to manage." Spiritual leadership must begin in the home and with the family. If a man cannot manage his family life how can he manage, discipline and care for the church?

What makes a good manager? Is it the absence of problems? On the contrary; every manager has employee problems, but a good manager will deal with the problems. Not every employee problem is resolved positively. Sometimes a good manager has to make hard decisions and may have to dismiss a person. That doesn't make them a bad manager.

Likewise, a bishop or pastor who has problems with his children isn't necessarily a bad manager. It depends on how he handles it. All parents have problems with their children. Certainly, this is not demanding that pastors and their children live perfect lives.

The NIV says, "He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect." Paul is saying that a pastor has to deal with his children in a way that demands their obedience and respect.