Phil 1:1; Timothy 3:8-13; Acts 6:1-7 What A Deacon Does Phil 1:1; Timothy 3:8-13; Acts 6:1-7

“Do” an important work “Deacon” (diakonos) means servant or minister (Phil 1:1; 1 Tim 3:8, 13) “The seven” servants (Acts 6:1-7; 21:8) Served widows on behalf of the church A temporary assignment

“Do” an important work Servants in the Jerusalem church: Selected by the “multitude” (Act 6:3, 5) Churches must care for their widows The apostles now free to pray & teach Two were preachers (6:8-7:60; 8:4-40; 21:8)

“Do” an important work God considers servant to be “great”! (Mark 9:33-35; Matt 23:11) Deacons are models of servanthood in a community of servants (2 Cor 12:15; 1 Cor 16:15; Heb 6:10)

What a Deacon does He serves “among” you (Acts 6:3-8) Stephen was “among” the widows daily Stephen was “among” the Jews to lead them to Christ (Acts 6:8-7:60)

What a Deacon does He serves as a unifier (Acts 6:1) He respects & enhances unity (Eph 4:3) He is a peacemaker, filled with love & goodwill

What a Deacon does He aspires to serve well (1 Tim 3:13a) He works “excellently, commendably, honorably, rightly, …no room for blame” He obtains a good standing or reputation

What a Deacon does He aspires to grow in faith (1 Tim 3:13b) He will develop greater boldness in the faith

A Deacon must be… Faithful to his charge (1 Cor 4:2) Fulfilling his tasks (Col 4:17) Serving with the ability God supplies (1 Pet 4:10- 11)

Deacons are Servant Leaders They model servanthood for a community of servants

Forgiveness of Sin: Salvation! Faith in Jesus Christ through the Gospel John 8:24; 20:30-31; Rom 1:16; 10:9-10; Mark 16:16; Heb 11:6 Repent or turn from sins Luke 24:46-47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30-31 Confess faith in Christ Matt 10:32-33; Acts 8:36-38; Rom 10:9-10 Be baptized (immersed) in water Matt 28:19; Mk 16:16; Acts 2:38; Rom 6:3-4; 1 Pet 3:21 Live in obedient faith Heb 5:8-9; 1 Peter 1:14; Rev 2:10