(The following is the September 28 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read 1 Timothy 3 and pay close attention to verses 8-13.)
The New Testament identifies the deacon’s role as practical service and ministry. While some personal characteristics overlap those of the spiritual shepherds in 1 Timothy 3:1-7, the deacon’s function is distinct, so the qualifications appear separately. Deacons should be:
- Worthy of respect
- Not hypocritical
- Not drinking a lot of wine
- Not greedy for money
- Holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience
- Tested first (If they prove blameless, then they can serve.)
- Husbands of one wife
- Managing their children and their households competently
- Wives (or women) must be worthy of respect, not slanderers, self-controlled, and faithful in everything. Scholars disagree on whether this refers to male deacons’ wives or female deacons.
Churches exercise leeway in the functions deacons perform. Congregations are wise, however, to adhere to the biblical model of separating spiritual leadership roles from practical service. This distinction is apparent when Paul mentions both overseers and deacons in Philippians 1:1. Likewise, the apostles distinguish between their purpose and those in other service roles in Acts 6:2. If a deacon body considers its function primarily administrative, policymaking, or oversight, it will likely neglect the practical daily ministry the biblical position exists to fulfill.
Next Step:
Does your church select elders for spiritual leadership and deacons for practical service? Search for the words “elder” and “deacon” at http://www.9marks.org and review the results. Discuss the matter privately with your pastor if your church doesn’t follow the biblical model.
