Qualifications for Deacons
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
Crosswinds International. 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.
