Deacons

According to Acts Chapter Six, Deacons were selected because the people were being neglected in the daily ministration. Therefore, Deacons were chosen to “serve tables” or to minister to the material needs of the flock. Deacons see to the physical matters of the church, that facilities are available and equipped, that property is maintained, and that none of the congregation suffers lack in any area.

Warren W. Wiersbe defines ministry as when Divine resources; meet human needs, through loving channels -- to the Glory of God.  Technically, we are all ministers (servants) in the body of Christ, but operationally, we have different levels of involvement and responsibility.  The following outlines the qualifications of Deacons and the requirements for Ordination at Anointed Remnant International Ministries-Europe (ARIM-E)

The Meaning of the Word Deacon

The word deacon comes from the Greek word diakonos.  Diakonos means servant, minister, waiter, or attendant.  When used in an official way it describes what we call deacons of the church.  In Acts chapter six, the apostles instructed the congregation to select seven men who were to be appointed to the task of daily serving the needs of the congregation.  They waited upon the people. They served the widows. They rendered active service toward solving a problem and they freed up the Elders to give themselves continually to prayer and to the Ministry of the Word. 

For a person to be considered to be a Deacon-in-Training (DIT) at ARIM-E they must first meet the following qualifications:

John 3:6
Salvation:  A Deacon must be a Born-Again believer. 

1 Tim. 3:8
Dignity (NIV) — A Deacon must be worthy of respect (Acts. 6:3 – “honest report”).  This is a person whose moral and spiritual character evokes esteem from others.  A person considered honorable and noble.

1 Tim. 3:8
Not Double-Tongued — A Deacon must be sincere, truthful and trustworthy.  Deacons should not practice any manipulative, insincere or deceitful speech.

1 Tim. 3; 8
(Not) Addicted to Much Wine — A Deacon must not preoccupied or overindulgent with wine, i.e. alcoholism or drunkenness, (Other references:  Prov. 20:1; 23:30-35; 31:4-5; Isa. 5:11, 22; Hos. 4:11; 1 Cor. 5:11; 6:9-10; Gal. 5:21; Eph. 5:18; 1 Pet. 4:3).

1 Tim. 3:8
(Not) Fond of Sordid Gain — A Deacon must not be consumed with the love with money or greedy.  Deacons are also not in the ministry for the money (Dangers of money:  1 Ti. 6:10), but should rather be content with God's provisions (Heb. 13:5; 1 Ti. 6:7-9).  The person who is controlled by wine or money is not controlled by the Spirit.

1 Tim. 3:9
Holding to the Mystery of the Faith with a Clear Conscience — A Deacons life must be consistent with Christian doctrine; this is the connection between faith and practice.  A Deacon’s conscience should be clear as they live in harmony with the revelation of Scripture. 

1 Tim 3:10
Tested — A Deacon must be examined and approved (like elders-"these also"-3:10) before ("first"-3:10) they can fully operate in this office (Other ref:  1 Tim. 5:22-25).  Ultimately, elders are responsible for the examination/appointing/ordaining of Deacons, with the Pastor having the overall authority. 

1 Tim. 3:10
Beyond Reproach — A Deacon must be a person of high moral character.  The word in this text translated “beyond reproach” or “blameless (KJV)” is the Greek word Anegkletos, which literally means “un-accused ones" whose character or conduct is free from damaging moral or spiritual accusations.

1 Tim. 3:12
Husbands of One Wife — Literally, a “one woman man” or a “one man woman.” A Deacon must not be a person who practices fornication, adultery, polygamy, or homosexuality.  This person must be pure in thought and in life towards their spouse.

1 Tim. 3:12
Good Managers of Their Children and Their Own Households — A Deacons must act as a responsible Christian parent, spouse, and household manager (emphasis in the text is on the word "good").  This person provides for their family financially, emotionally, and spiritually in an active ever-present role through example and service.

The reasons for qualifications

The qualifications for deacons that are given in 1 Timothy 3:8-12 and Acts Chapter Six” are our guidelines for those who are to be responsible for the material aspects of God’s people.  Every member of the Body of Christ should give the time and prayerful consideration necessary to carefully study God’s Word. 

Those selected to serve in the Deaconate should fully understand the qualifications outlined in God’s Word.