Qualifications for Deacons
From the Introductory Study Guide: Understanding Ministry
By Dennis
McCallum and Gary
DeLashmutt
What Deacons Do
The role of deacon in the New Testament is ambiguous.
The word literally means "servant", but no further elaboration of
the office is given. This word can also be translated "minister."
Some argue that the deacons administrated the physical needs of the church because
of the example of the six men selected in Acts 6:1-6. While the word "deacon"
is used in vs. 1 ("ministry" or "distribution"), and the
verb form is used in vs. 2, ("to serve") the noun form is also used
in vs. 4 to refer to the apostles proclamation ("ministry of the word").
Therefore, we have no reason to believe that the usage of diakonia in Acts 6
is a technical usage, or that the ministry of the deacon is limited to administration.
We think of deacons as "under-shepherds" who were
responsible for shepherding a smaller sphere of the local church or other tasks
as assigned, while the elders were responsible for the overall leadership of
the church. Deacons appear to be under the authority of the elders. This is
evident from the fact that they are always mentioned after the elders, and also
because the requirements for deacons are slightly less strict than for elders.
Gender
Deacons were both male and female. While some say the "women"
in 1 Tim. 3:11 are deacons' wives, this seems very unlikely. If Paul was concerned
that deacons' wives be dignified so as to avoid reproaching deacons, it is unimaginable
that he would not make the same point to the wives of elders. In addition, in
Rom. 16:1,2, Paul tells us that Phoebe was a "deaconess" of the church
in Cenchrea, and that she held a position of considerable influence.
Differences From Elders
The qualifications for deacons are very similar to those for elders, but
omit certain requirements which are expected of elders. Evidently, deacons could
be very young Christians (there is no "not a new convert" requirement).
However, they were still to be "tested" to ascertain that their character
and service were genuine and consistent. They do not seem to need as much scriptural
knowledge as the elders. They are to "hold to the mystery of the faith
with a clear conscience," which stresses obedience to what they know more
than a sophisticated knowledge of the Word. They are not required to be able
to "refute those who contradict" as were elders.
Qualifications for Deacons
1 Tim. 3:8-12
The following qualifications are all of a subjective nature, and therefore
must be understood as comparatively true for deacons, never as absolutely
true. Also, we recognize that this is our particular interpretation, applicable
to Xenos Fellowship. The English is taken from the NASB.
- Dignity. "Likewise" means the foregoing
description regarding elders applies in principle. Dignity speaks of a respectable
reputation especially in spiritual matters.
- Not double tongued means not insincere--not saying
one thing to one and something different to another. Not a liar. Straight
forward.
- Not addicted to much wine means no abuse or dependence
on any drug--may include regular use of alcohol even though not getting drunk,
if inappropriate dependence is demonstrated. There should be a demonstrated
freedom not to drink.
- Not fond of sordid gain. Not willing to manipulate
or resort to illegitimate means for personal gain, either for money or recognition,
especially in the area of ministry. The person demonstrates a proper values
system, including a willingness to give up money making opportunities for
the sake of the gospel. This also implies that the deacon should be giving
consistently and sacrificially of his/her money.
- Holding fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear
conscience. "Holding fast" speaks of knowing the Word,
and "clear conscience" speaks of doing the Word. This includes
having a clear conscience with regard to the service being rendered to the
church (i.e. sins of omission are also wrong).
- Tested first and beyond reproach. Deacons must have
a proven ability to do the work of shepherding and service effectively and
without any grounds of accusation. In other words, we don't decide that someone
is a deacon, we recognize that someone already is a deacon.
- Not malicious gossips. They demonstrate care not to
exaggerate or to abusively speak of others. This implies the ability to keep
a secret where appropriate. If the failings of others are shared, it is only
with those in a responsible position and for proper reasons.
- Temperate comes from a word meaning serious, not given
to excess, self-controlled and emotionally stable.
- Faithful in all things indicates reliability. It implies
that we don't have to worry when this person is given a job to do--the deacon
will do his/her best.
- Husband of one wife. Literally a "one-woman man,"
this means specifically that there is at most one person of the other sex
in the deacon's life. It means in principle that the deacon has his/her sexuality
resolved and under control.
- One who manages his own household well. The primary
application is to married men meaning that their family life is good. In the
case of the unmarried, it means that they have close relationships and that
those relationships are generally healthy and stable. A pattern of broken
relationships suggests an inability to get along with others (especially your
own family and friends) and disqualifies a would-be deacon
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