Deacons

Deacon Ministry

QUALIFICATIONS OF A DEACON

The word “deacon” means servant or minister and came to be used by the church to designate a special position in the church. The deaconship, therefore, signifies a position of special Christian service. Both the Scripture and the dignity of the office demand a person of the highest spiritual, moral and practical qualifications:

I. SPIRITUAL QUALIFICATIONS (ACTS 6:1-6)

            A.        Full of the Holy Spirit
            B.        Full of wisdom
            C.        Full of faith

II. MORAL QUALIFICATIONS (I TIMOTHY 3: 8-10, 12-13)

            A.        Worthy of respect
            B.        Sincere
            C.        Not indulging in much wine
            D.        Not pursuing dishonest gain
            E.        The husband of one wife
            F.         Manages his children and household well

III. QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE WIFE OF A DEACON (I TIMOTHY 3:11)

            A.        Worthy of respect
            B.        Not malicious talker
            D.        Temperate
            F.         Trustworthy in everything

IV. PRACTICAL DUTIES

            A.        Loyal support of the pastor and staff
            B.        Faithful attendance at the services of the church
            C.        Encouragement of and participation in the organizations of the church -
                        Sunday School, Music, Church Training, Outreach, Prayer Room, etc.
            D.        "A consistent commitment to stewardship shall be attested by the
                        Deacon's example of tithing to the Church."
                        (from the Church Constitution)
            E.        Personal evangelism among the lost and visitation of the
                        sick, shut-ins and indifferent of the membership
            F. Regular attendance at the meetings of the deacons
            G.        Assistance with new member assimilation
            H.        Participation in the "Deacons of the Week" assignments