Qualifications of Deacons
Central church leadership • Sermon • Submitted
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· 24 viewsan examination of the qualifications for deacons
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Intro: Tonight, we discuss the qualifications that God finds necessary for deacons in a local church. We learn these from the only two passages that discuss the matter – & .
I) Reputation
Dignity (serious, venerable) – although there is nothing wrong with having fun, deacons must know how to handle serious duties
Not double-tongued (double word) – although this word is the root of dialog, in this context it speaks of one person speaking contradictory messages
Not addicted to much wine (not a drunkard) – self-explanatory
Not fond of sordid gain (shameful gain) – deacons cannot serve to benefit themselves, especially through embezzlement
Beyond reproach (not called to account) – their conduct is such that no one can successfully charge them with wrong-doing
II) Managerial ability
Holding the mystery of faith (weaker form of hold fast) – deacons must be able to use scriptural principles in the application of their duties
Husband of one wife (one-woman man) – bigamists cannot serve as deacons; it is an open question as to whether a widower could serve; some argue that a man who is already a deacon can continue to serve, even if his wife dies, while others argue that the qualifications are present tense
Good managers of children and household – although the language is slightly less restrictive than for elders, it is still necessary that prospective deacons demonstrate the ability to manage their families before they can serve the church
III) Deacons in
Good reputation
Full of Spirit and wisdom
IV) What about women in verse 11?
This can be quite controversial, so let me be very careful to say what I think I know and allow the church here to what to do about it
Term for “women” (gune) is also used for “wives”, the context must determine which is appropriate
Three possibilities – female deacons, wives of deacons, or wives of deacons and elders
“Likewise” suggests a new category from the previous discussion (ie. male deacons)
Phoebe – – is described as a servant of the church in Cenchrea who might have been sent to Rome on some unnamed duty (that may require their help), and it seems likely she delivered this letter from Paul
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well.
No woman is to have a position of authority over men –
I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet.
I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet.
Deacons have authority over assigned tasks – – not over the church as elders do
Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.
Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.
Concl: Consider these qualifications carefully. May God bless your efforts to organize this church according to His will.