A few days ago I was thinking about the two scriptural offices of the church–pastors and deacons. I decided that I would start a new series of blogs about these two positions in the church. So, I began by dealing with the qualifications of someone who seeks to be a pastor. In that post, I addressed why I believe that there are only two scriptural offices in the church, as well as give an overview of what the qualifications are for those who seek the office of pastor.
In this post, I will introduce the office of deacon and the qualifications for someone who fills that office.
Interestingly, the word used for deacon (διάκονος or diakonos) literally means “servant.” This church office was established in Acts 6:1-6 when the church was growing rapidly and the “Pastors” of the church were unable to keep up with all of the requests that were being made. Some of those who were in need were being overlooked and they realized that they couldn’t take care of that as well as all the other responsibilities they held, namely devoting themselves “to prayer and to the ministry of the word” (v. 4). Thus, they chose seven men to handle more ‘practical matters’ of the church, in order to allow the apostles the freedom to continue with their work.
The distinction between “apostle and deacon” is similar to that of “pastor and deacon.” Like the apostles, the pastors’ primary role is one of preaching the Word of God. Like the seven chosen in Acts 6, deacons serve the congregation in whatever practical needs may arise. As such the Bible outlines a specific set of qualifications that must be met in order for a person to become a deacon. This list is found in 1 Timothy 3:8-13.
8 Deacons, likewise, should be worthy of respect, not hypocritical, not drinking a lot of wine, not greedy for money, 9 holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 They must also be tested first; if they prove blameless, then they can serve as deacons. 11 Wives, too, must be worthy of respect, not slanderers, self-controlled, faithful in everything. 12 Deacons are to be husbands of one wife, managing their children and their own households competently. 13 For those who have served well as deacons acquire a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
Qualifications
Paul identifies nine qualifications for deacons in 1 Timothy 3:8-12. Note that there are many similarities between the qualifications of pastors and deacons.
Worthy of respect.
This term normally refers to something that is honorable or esteemed and is closely related to “respectable,” which is given as a qualification for pastors (1 Tim. 3:2). This type of person acts in such a way that others would not consider questionable.
Not hypocritical.
Also translated “sincere” this literally means that they are not “double-tongued” or “two-faced.” Those who are double-tongued say one thing to certain people but then say something else to others, or say one thing but mean something else altogether. They are two-faced and, as another translator says, “insincere.” They have tried to please both sides for so long that their words cannot be trusted, so they lack credibility with others.
Not addicted to much wine.
Similarly to the office of pastor, a man is disqualified for the office of deacon if he is addicted to wine or other strong drink. Such a person lacks self-control and is undisciplined. J. Vernon McGee describes the main issue related to this attribute this way:
The problem we encounter with alcohol in our day is the way it is used as a beverage, and I feel that the church should teach total abstinence because the abuse of alcohol is so prevalent. I do not believe that a Christian should use alcohol as a refreshment or a drink.” [1]
Not greedy for money.
If a person is a lover of money, he is disqualified from the office of deacon, especially since deacons often deal with financial matters for the church. This also speaks to the need for people of high integrity for this position of service.
Sound in faith and life.
Paul also indicates that a deacon must “hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.” The phrase “the mystery of the faith” is Paul’s way of referring to the (cf. 1 Tim. 3:16). Thus, when Paul says “the faith” he is not speaking of the abstract quality of faith, but of the doctrines of the faith. As such, deacons must hold firm to the true gospel without wavering. The phrase “with a clear conscience” indicates that the behavior of a deacon must be consistent with his beliefs.
Blameless.
Deacons “must also be tested first; if they prove blameless, then they can serve as deacons.” (v. 10). “Blameless” is a general term referring to a person’s overall character. Sadly Paul does not give specifics about what type of testing needs to be given. Thus we must take cues from scripture and apply a test that is consistent with other biblical practices. This would likely include looking at a candidates background, reputation, and theological positions–making sure that they are consistent with the churches’. Additionally, as this is a position of service, the church ought to look at the track record of service to the local church of the individual being considered.
“Godly wife.”
There is a debate about verse 11 regarding whether it refers to a deacon’s wife or to a deaconess (women deacons). I will deal with this particular facet in a later post, so, for now, I will leave it alone.
Husband of one wife.
As with the qualifications for the pastor, this attribute is in reference to the faithfulness of a husband toward his wife–both physically and emotionally.
Manage children and household competently.
This is a very clear expectation, a candidate for the office of deacon must be the spiritual leader of his wife and children.
This is the conclusion of Paul’s list of qualifications for deacons. Clearly, there are other expectations of them as well (i.e. any expectation that we would have for other believers). However, these are specific qualities that the church should use when considering someone for this office.
It is important to note that the “able to teach” is not a qualification for the deacon. It would sure be a bonus, but not necessary, as teaching is not a principal function of the deacon.
[1] J. Vernon McGee, Thru the Bible Commentary: The Epistles (1 and 2 Timothy/Titus/Philemon), electronic ed., vol. 50 (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1991), 53.
Pastor Chris Bass 