Called to Serve

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Meditations on the Qualifications of a Deacon

A Deacon is a Servant

Scriptures: I Timothy 3:8-13, Philippians 2:5-7

Main Point: He must have the role and reputation of being a servant

While it is certainly an honor to be chosen for a position of leadership in God’s church, we should remember that every role or ministry in the kingdom is just a way of serving. In fact, the word deacon literally means “a servant.” When we start selecting deacons, we need to be looking for people who have a heart (and a reputation) for serving. Take a look at your heart and reputation today. Are you famous for being a servant? More than that, do you truly see yourself as having the identity of “just a servant”?

A Deacon is Full of the Spirit

Scriptures: Acts 6:3, Romans 8:5-17

Main Point: God’s servant must be a spiritual person

When we seek someone for a role of responsibility, we may tend to look only at a person’s outward qualifications like education, experience or worldly success. To be chosen as a deacon, one should first be known as a spiritual person. Read the above verses from Romans and you will see some helpful insights into what marks someone as being “spiritual” or led by the Spirit. Ask yourself if you are spiritually-minded, peaceful, submissive and intimate with God the way Paul describes life in the Spirit in Romans 8.

A Deacon is Full of Wisdom

Scriptures: Acts 6:3, James 3:17-18

Main Point: It takes wisdom to be an effective servant

Young Christians can have spirituality without experience, while older Christians can sometimes have experience without spirituality. Wisdom comes when (over time) we can combine spirituality with experience. This wisdom is one of the primary qualities God desires in a deacon… or in any of us, for that matter! It is the ability to discern, not only what is right, but what is best. This will help a deacon (or anyone else) to work effectively and peacefully with others. Are you learning and growing in your wisdom?

A Deacon is Worthy of Respect

Scriptures: I Timothy 3:8, Titus 2:7-8

Main Point: God’s special servant is respected by others

A lot of people are fun to be with, witty and crazy, but God says a deacon must be “worthy of respect.” The word here can be literally translated as “grave or serious” and describes the quality of being mature and level-headed. While this doesn’t mean a deacon can’t have a good sense of humor, since Jesus (the greatest servant of all) was known for joy, wit and being the life of the party. The word does imply that a deacon must be known as solid and disciplined. Are you worthy of respect in this sense?

A Deacon is Sincere

Scriptures: I Timothy 3:8, Matthew 23:25-28

Main Point: God’s servant can’t be a phony or a hypocrite

As we are bombarded every day with a ton of commercials, advertising and sales pitches, most of us have learned to take it all with a grain of salt. How refreshing it is when occasionally we meet someone who is actually honest and real! The Bible says a deacon must be “sincere,” a word that literally means “not double-tongued.” The person that leads, organizes and equips God’s people must be easily trusted and understood. How do people look at you? Are you known for being a phony or do people see you as the real thing?

A Deacon is Not an Addict

Scriptures: I Timothy 3:8, Ephesians 5:15-20

Main Point: An effective servant is self-controlled, not addicted

When the Bible says a deacon must not be “given to much wine,” it uses the term for addiction. While the word here refers specifically to chemical addiction to a liquid drug, it describes a characteristic that goes beyond alcohol – it’s the quality of self-control. Those who serve and minister in God’s church must be orderly and not “out-of-control” in their life. As we will see, this applies to their family, their finances and almost every other area of activity. Are any areas of your life “intoxicating” you right now?

A Deacon is Not Greedy

Scriptures: I Timothy 3:8, I Timothy 6:6-10

Main Point: God’s servant must stay free from greed

As a great philosopher once said, “We are living in a material world.” (OK, it was Madonna), but most of us have to deal with financial pressure or temptation in one form or another. A deacon must be a person who has successfully mastered the temptations of greed and materialism, both in the inner and outer man. He is “not pursuing dishonest gain,” which can literally be translated as “not fond of unrighteous wealth.” This is a man who is wise, honest and content in his financial dealings. Is your heart righteous in how you see and pursue money?

A Deacon has Strong Doctrinal Convictions

Scriptures: I Timothy 3:9, Hebrews 5:11-14

Main Point: God’s servant must be grounded in the word of God

We would expect that a deacon should have certain personal abilities to motivate and equip others, but God underscores the need for them also to be men of sound doctrine. It’s therefore clear that being a servant-leader involves more than talent and enthusiasm, it requires a foundational knowledge of Bible principles. In the end, people’s service to God can’t be built on mere human motivations. People need to serve for spiritual reasons, guided by scriptural standards. Keep studying the word so you’ll be equipped to serve in an effective way.

A Deacon Keeps a Clear Conscience

Scriptures: I Timothy 3:9, Acts 23:1, 24:16

Main Point: God’s servant must strive to keep a clear conscience

The conscience resides in the deepest regions of our heart and soul. It is stirred when we feel we’ve done wrong and it rests at peace when we have tried to do what is good and right. Through all the ups and downs of serving, a deacon must try to maintain a pure heart toward God and others. Successful service in God’s kingdom involves more than “getting a lot done.” It is a spiritual matter, carried out by people who strive to be “right on the inside.” All of us should ask the same thing of our deacons and ourselves: Are we staying clear and pure in our conscience?

A Deacon Must be Tested

Scriptures: I Timothy 3:10, I Timothy 5:19-22

Main Point: A deacon’s life must be reviewed by the church

Not many of us like tests, but God says a person should successfully undergo a process of review before they can serve as a deacon. This is not a popularity contest, but is a chance for the congregation to evaluate whether a candidate fits the biblical qualifications for the office. The responsibility for doing this falls, not on the nominee but on the members of the church. An unqualified deacon will hurt himself, his family and the whole congregation. It’s important for us to look at the scriptural qualities and decide if the prospective deacon “passes the test.”

A Deacon Must be Blameless

Scriptures: I Timothy 3:10, Philippians 2:12-16

Main Point: A deacon must be blameless

As we saw in the previous section, a candidate for deacon must go through a period of evaluation by the church. When all is said and done, there should be no valid accusations that would disqualify him. The Greek word used here literally means “blameless,” and there’s more at stake here than just passing a momentary test. The quality of being above reproach is what continues to qualify a man to serve as an effective deacon. In a sense, he keeps on being tested every day he serves the church. Think about “blameless” people who are trusted by others. Decide to strive toward the goal of being personally blameless.

A Deacon Must be a Faithful Husband

Scriptures: I Timothy 3:11-12, Ephesians 5:22-33

Main Point: A deacon should have an exemplary marriage

Since a deacon is continually involved with motivating, equipping, and caring for people, it’s important for him to be a great example in his closest relationship – that with his wife. You will notice that his wife is to be a respected, spiritual woman… and he should have just one of them! This does not happen by luck or accident. God’s special servant must have the ability to serve and bring out the best in others. He must be able to nurture their God-given gifts and help them to use their talents effectively. Are you growing in your ability to inspire, support and help those you are closest to?

A Deacon Manages his Children Well

Scriptures: I Timothy 3:12, Ephesians 6:1-4

Main Point: A deacon must be raising respectful children

We live in a world where many children are unruly and disrespectful. The problem is not so much that they are raised to be that way, but that many parents are not raising their children at all. While all children are unique (and none are perfect!), the Bible teaches that the deacon’s kids must be “well managed.” Think about what that means… and what it doesn’t mean. The children’s behavior must be orderly and respectful, yet it does not mean they have to be “over-managed” and exasperated (Eph. 6:4). Their dad must have shown God, and the church, that he knows how to love, organize and develop people into happy, obedient disciples.

A Deacon Manages His Household Well

Scriptures: I Timothy 3:12, I Timothy 4:7-8

Main Point: A deacon is the leader of a well-run household

Just as deacons are to be examples of effective “child management,” they are also to preside over well-run households. What would you expect to see in a household like this? How clean would it look? What kind of shape would his finances be in? How well-planned would his schedule be? His hospitality? His savings? His physical health? All in all we would want to see a happy, yet orderly place which glorifies God by its excellence. Isn’t this also the kind of atmosphere we would like to see in the service ministries of the church?