Deacon

 

When discussing the need and requirements for a local church Deacon it is a serious matter, one that should be made with humility and sobriety. The decan is a help meet to the ministry and the Pastor, in many ways a Deacon should be held to the same standards as the Pastor. Although the qualifications are very similar the jobs are quite different.

The Role of a Deacon in a local Church.

a. Why is there a need for a Deacon.

Acts 6:1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

b. The people are involved.

3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

These are not to be appointees of the Pastor. They are to be men of good report that are nominated by the people to the Pastor. The Pastor will then choose from those men.

c. The result was the furtherance of the ministry

7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith

Requirements of a Deacon

1 Timothy 3:8 Likewise must the Deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;

9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.

10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a Deacon, being found blameless.

11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.

12 Let the Deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

13 For they that have used the office of a Deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Protection

In many was a Deacon is the first face that the congregation will see, as it should be. Not to say that a Pastor should be unreachable… just that there are some things that shouldn’t reach the Pastor. I liken a Deacon to a Non-Commissioned Officer in the military (NCO), he was the eyes, ears and voice of the officer, making sure things were taken care of so that his officer could concentrate on his job; rather than the daily needs of the soldiers.

2 Corinthians 6:3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:

This role is not one to be handled lightly, the requirements make that very clear. Having a face to your ministry to deal with the daily administration will free up the Pastor to do those things needed to keep the church moving forward, rather than having to spend the time dealing with the little things that take up time and keep him away from God’s work.

Submission.

A Deacon MUST be submissive to the needs of the Pastor. If he cannot square this spiritually, then he should respectfully decline the position.

Reasoning: In my ministry I have worked with over 80 churches as to the needs of the congregation in the field as a Chaplain, I have seen a few things. The “good ‘ol boy network in churches was alive and well I assure you; so much to the detriment of the church. It appeared like Deacons had a lifetime appointment that, in several cases, seemed like the Pastor worked for them, rather than the other way around; especially a new or younger Pastor. If a Deacon has been in that position for many years and a new Pastor is hired, it is my opinion that the selection process should be redone.

Additional Resource information

Ephesians 4:11     And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, Pastors and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

 Ephesians 4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

1Thessalonians 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

 

Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

 

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:

So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;

Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;

Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

16  Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

 

1Corinthians 16:14 Let all your things be done with charity.

15 I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)

16 That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.