⁶and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. 1 Timothy 3:6

It is unwise to install a new convert into church leadership. While this man may be a firebrand for the gospel of Christ, he’s still a neophyte without a deeply formed root system. It takes time to mature to the point where God’s wisdom becomes second nature, as opposed to worldly conventional thinking.

It is also apparent from Paul’s warning that a new convert is more susceptible to pride (but aren’t we all!). You’ve seen those animal programs in HD where a pride of lions tracks down a young antelope who gets separated from the fleeing herd.

The devil is a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. It’s two-for-one when you can take out a budding “firebrand” and the church he leads.

If Paul spent three years in Arabia (Galations 1:17, Acts 9:23) consulting no “flesh and blood” preparing for his ministry, so should we allow even the called-out ones to become saturated with the word of God and seasoned in His service.

⁸Be of sober spirit, be on the alert Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. ⁹But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. 1 Peter 3:8-9