Our

Deacons

Bill Marshall

Michael Payne

Kris Pumphrey

Al Sutton 

Deacons are “special servants” who assist the elders in special areas of ministry as requested by the elders and needed by the church.
For helpful passages concerning the function and responsibilities of deacons, see

1 Timothy 3:8-13; Philippians 1:1 and Acts 6:1-7 (although this last passage does NOT mention that the 7 were deacons, this is the very type of work especially fitting for such servants — and might be called something of a “prototype”).
 

8 Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, 9 holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. 10 But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. 11 Likewise their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. 1st Timothy 3

Qualities / Qualifications of Deacons

1. Reverent (1 Timothy 3:8). This has to do with “respectable, honorable, worthy of esteem.” The idea combines dignity and gravity of character with the influence that should thus follow.

2. Not double-tongued (1 Timothy 3:8). Deacons should not speak with “forked tongues.” The expression plainly prohibits any kind of manipulative, insincere, or deceitful speech. Positively, the idea is that of integrity of speech, sincerity, and truthfulness. Deacons must be men of their word!

3. Not addicted to much wine (1 Timothy 3:8). Deacons are to be above reproach as it concerns the use of alcohol. See Isaiah 5:11, 22; Proverbs 20:1, 23:30-35; 1 Corinthians 5:11; 6:9-10; Galatians 5:21; Ephesians 5:18; 1 Peter 4:3. Deacons are men who bend over backwards to help other brethren stand up straight!

4. Not greedy for money (1 Timothy 3:8). To put it positively, generous and hospitable men should serve as deacons. There is much to be said for financial integrity on the part of deacons (and of all Christians). Consider Nehemiah 5:14-18; 1 Timothy 6:5; Titus 1:11; 1 Timothy 6:10.

5. Holding the mystery of the faith in good conscience (1 Timothy 3:9). He maintains a clear conscience by living in harmony with the truth as revealed in God’s word. A deacon is not a man with an inconsistent, hypocritical life! Truth is translated into daily life by men who would serve as deacons (see Titus 2:10).

6. First proved (1 Timothy 3:10)! found blameless. Men who would serve as deacons are showing themselves to be qualified before they actually step into the specific position. Their lives show “exclamation points,” not “question marks” regarding the other qualities / qualifications. Their lives are open to examination and to scrutiny.

7. Husband of one wife (1 Timothy 3:12). He is devoted to his wife, and seeks to be an exemplary husband.

8. Ruling their children and their own houses well (1 Timothy 3:12). By indicating something about how a man handles his family, God’s word is indicating something about integrity, influence and experience in dealing with people. He also knows something of dealing with problems and difficulties. He has also learned that different people respond differently to different things. The emphasis in this verse is upon the word “well.” See Ephesians 6:4; Psalm 127:3; Job 1:5.