Deacons

The office of deacon is one of two offices authorized for the local church. 1 Timothy 3:8-13. The other office is that of pastor-teacher. 1 Timothy 3:1-7. The office (selected by the local church, Acts 6) of deacon is not to be confused with whatever spiritual gifts (bestowed sovereignly by the Holy Spirit at salvation) a particular candidate may possess.

“Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 3:8-13, NASB)

“It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money. He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.” (1 Timothy 3:1-7, NASB)

A deacon may possess any number of spiritual gifts, except for the gift of pastor-teacher. However, it would seem necessary for a deacon to possess an administrative gift. 1 Corinthians 12:28. Additional gifts that would be beneficial would be helps, exhortation and evangelism. The mere possession of a specific spiritual gift does not automatically qualify a man to become a deacon.

“And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues.” (1 Corinthians 12:28, NASB)

New Testament Terms Used to Describe the Office of Deacon

DIAKONOS – from which we get the term “deacon.” It is only used three times with reference to this office (Philippians 1; 1 Timothy 3:8, 12). The verb DIAKONEO is used two times in relationship to the function of the deacon. 1 Timothy 3:10, 13. These two Greek words are used in their general connotation for every Christian in full-time ministry, the pastor-teacher’s function, and the function of political leadership within a nation.

“Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain,” (1 Timothy 3:8, NASB)

“Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households.” (1 Timothy 3:12, NASB)

“These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach.” (1 Timothy 3:10, NASB)

“For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 3:13, NASB)

PRESBUTEROS – translated “elder” has a Hebrew origin and denotes that a candidate should possess a measure of spiritual age. The candidate for deacon should be within the adulthood phases of the spiritual life. This word refers specifically to the pastor-teacher (Acts 14:23; 15:2; 4, 6, 22, 23; 16:4; 20:17, 21:18; Titus 1:5). Although this word refers specifically to the pastor, it also applies to the deacons from the standpoint of spiritual age and leadership. The word refers to the authority of the pastor.

“When they had appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.” (Acts 14:23, NASB)

“For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you,” (Titus 1:5, NASB)

“Now while they were passing through the cities, they were delivering the decrees which had been decided upon by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem, for them to observe.” (Acts 16:4, NASB)

EPISKOPOS – means “overseer” and is used for the function of the pastor-teacher. Titus 1:7. It is associated with the office of pastor (Acts 20:28; Philippians 1:1, “with the overseers and deacons”; 1 Timothy 3:1-2, where it is distinguished from “deacon in the chapter). Titus 1:5 and following lumps together the qualifications of pastors and deacons. We will note from other passages related to the qualifications of pastors and deacons, that there is no double standard within God’s Word, and the qualifications of the deacons also relates to their wives, i.e., if their wives are saved and positive to doctrine.

“For the overseer must be above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain,” (Titus 1:7, NASB)

The Origin of the Office of Deacon

The office came about as the result of a need. The twelve apostles were administering the spiritual gift of helps within the church at Jerusalem. They were involved in an important ministry but it was removing them from their primary objective, namely, the ministry of the Word. From all of this came the origin of the office. Acts 6:1-6.

“Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food. So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables. “Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. “But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” The statement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch. And these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them.” (Acts 6:1-6, NASB)

The apostles brought the need before the congregation. They stated that an undesirable situation had arisen. They gave them a directive to select seven men to cover this ministry. This they noted would free them up to devote themselves to the ministry of prayer and the study of the Word. They outlined the qualifications the seven deacons should possess.

The church responded to the leadership of the apostles. They recognized the spiritual issue at stake and responded immediately. They sought out men who were qualified to become deacons. They picked seven men who were Greeks (Gentile deacons for a predominately Hebrew group) to diffuse the complaint of the Greeks (spiritual wisdom of the congregation). They then brought the seven to the twelve for final approval. The seven were then ordained. The result is stated in Acts 6:7.

“The word of God kept on spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith.” (Acts 6:7, NASB)

The qualifications specified were: A good reputation (a deacon must have credibility with those he serves). The filling of the Holy Spirit. (He must maintain the Spirit-controlled life which gives him a spiritual dynamic. The first qualification above by itself is not enough). Wisdom (a high level of divine viewpoint not only to know God’s will on a wide range of issues and subjects but also to possess the spiritual discernment necessary to apply it to any given situation).

Choose deacons according to the needs as they arise in the local church. The rationale for the office of deacon is to free up the pastor-teacher so his time can be devoted to studying and teaching. The spiritual leadership, as well as the general congregation, should have a role in the selection process.

Qualification For Men Seeking The Office of Deacon

The qualifications for the deacons and their wives are the same as those for the pastor-teacher and his wife.

A good reputation among those in and out of the church (Acts 6:3).

Living the Spirit-filled life (especially when serving, Acts 6:3).

Regular attendance in Bible class (I Timothy 3:9; Titus 1:1).

Dignity of the Royal Family of God in taking his work seriously (I Timothy 3:8).

Not given to excess in drinking (I Timothy 3:8; Titus 1:6).

Not an anti-establishment type (Titus 1:6).

Faithful to one wife (I Timothy 3:12; Titus 1:6).

Maintaining control of their children (I Timothy 3:12; Titus 1:6).

Not involved in dishonest monetary and business schemes (I Timothy 3:8; Titus 1:7).

Having a wife who possess self-control and is not involved in the perpetuation of the sins of the tongue; i.e., they are faithful to the doctrine of Sarah’s daughters (Timothy 3:11).

Deacons should be hospitable (I Titus 1:8).

They should possess a sense of fairness (Titus 1:8).

Having control of his temper (Titus 1:7).

Having control of his emotions (Titus 1:8).

He should not be a physical brawler (Titus 1:7).

He should associate with the right people (Titus 1:8).

Deacon Candidates Should be Tested Before Being Elected

“These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach.” (1 Timothy 3:10, NASB)

Those who desire to be deacons should let the local church know. 1 Timothy 3:1. In other words, they should inform the chairman of the deacon board and/or the pastor-teacher. Then they should undergo a period of observation and testing in which: They will be assigned duties in their area of interest, expertise and particular gifts. They will be examined to see that they conform to the qualifications of the local church for the Office of deacon.

“It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do.” (1 Timothy 3:1, NASB)

When an opening on the board of deacons exists, each man will be contacted to see if he is interested in filling the position. If interested, he will be subject to the formal approval of the pastor, deacons, and congregation, in that order. Each party should accept or reject him, based strictly on biblical principles and not personality. Where two or more men are interested and qualified for the same opening, the congregation will vote to determine the new deacon. He will then be formally ordained and assigned his new duties by the board.

Each deacon will continue to serve until: He resigns, or is re-elected, or dies, or is disqualified due to violation of oath. In disqualification due to violation of oath, he loses the confidence of the congregation.

The Promise Relative to Faithful Service

“For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 3:13, NASB)

High position in God’s Plan. This position comes to those who have served well (KANOS) during their tenure of office. This position comes after so much time and time-in-grade. This position includes temporal promotion in his personal life (c.p. III John 2). This position especially relates to heaven and heavenly blessings and rewards.

Great confidence (in the fact that Bible Truth really works). This involves the mental attitude dynamics of the deacon who applies Bible Truth in his decisions on the board.

Each deacon will be put under pressure to apply in the face of opposition and contrary circumstances. As he continues to mature spiritually and lives out grace orientation and divine viewpoint over the years, he will develop a mental attitude of great confidence. Rather than being tentative and doubtful, he will exude confidence (not arrogant brashness). This becomes evident only after time served as a deacon.

CONCLUSION AND SUMMARY

The congregation’s attitude toward the board of deacons is stated in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 (familiarize yourself with the needs of your congregation). The deacons are to remember that they are servants of the congregation so that all can pursue spiritual maturity and execute the royal imperatives in an orderly way. Deacons’ wives are to be supportive of their husbands. Obviously, this refers to wives who are born again and positive to Bible Truth. Deacons are to see that the pastor is free to study and teach. Deacons are to set an example in attendance at church and in Bible class, in divine good, in the frustration of the old sin nature, in patience and in dignity, to the rest of the congregation.

“But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another.” (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, NASB)

Believers should pray continually for the Board of Deacons in their local church so that they discern and act on the needs of the congregation.