T HE N EW T ESTAMENT C HURCH D EACONS

I NTRODUCTION Meaning of the term: – General—deacon means “waiter, attendant, servant, minister.” – Derived from the word “ diako ” which means to run or hasten. – Radical idea of the words—” active service.” – A servant of the church.

G ENERAL U SES Evangelists “But that you also may know my affairs and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all things known to you.” {Ephesians 6:21}

G ENERAL U SES Evangelists “As you also learned from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf.” {Colossians 1:7}

G ENERAL U SES Evangelists “If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.” {1 Timothy 4:6}

G ENERAL U SES Any and every faithful servant of Christ. “"If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.” {John 12:26}

S PECIAL U SE From the association of the word with office and work of bishops, elders, also used in an official sense. “Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons.” {Philippines 1:1}

S PECIAL U SE Association of an especially qualified group with the elders constituted or established office. “Likewise deacons must be...” {1 Timothy 3:8}

T HEIR P OSITION AND W ORK S EEN F ROM : The meaning of the word “helper” or “minister.” In contrast to the word “bishop” which means “overseer.” The deacon is a helper or servant of the church, working as does every other member of the body, under the oversight and in assistance to the bishops of the church.

I MPORTANT T EXT : “Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.”{Acts 6:1,2}

I MPORTANT T EXT : “Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word”.{Acts 6:3,4}

I MPORTANT T EXT : “And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them”.{Acts 6:5,6}

F ROM T HESE P ASSAGES W E O BSERVE : These men were selected to relieve the apostles of secular duties and responsibilities in order that they might give themselves more fully to spiritual matters. These men were selected by the congregation and then appointed by the apostles.

F ROM T HESE P ASSAGES W E O BSERVE : The performance of the work for which they were selected constituted the full measure of special responsibility.

T HEIR Q UALIFICATIONS : Grave Not doubled tongued Not given to much wine “Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine,…” {1 Timothy 3:8}

T HEIR Q UALIFICATIONS : Not greedy for money Holding the faith in a pure conscience Proved “… not greedy for money, holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. But let these also first be tested ; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless.” {1 Timothy 3:8-10}

T HEIR Q UALIFICATIONS : Husband of one wife Ruling their children and homes well Wives have qualifications “Likewise their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.” {1 Timothy 3:11,12}

T HEIR Q UALIFICATIONS : Obtain a good standing—those who serve well. “For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.” {1 Timothy 3:13}

T HEIR Q UALIFICATIONS : Re-exam Acts 6:1- 6 …some additional thoughts. “A man of honest report,” a good reputation both within and without the church

T HEIR Q UALIFICATIONS : Re-exam Acts 6:1- 6 …some additional thoughts. “ Full of the Holy Spirit.” Bearing the fruits of the spirit in their lives – Galatians 5:22-24

T HEIR Q UALIFICATIONS : Re-exam Acts 6:1- 6 …some additional thoughts… “ Full of wisdom.” Man of prudence and sound judgment.

C ONCLUDING T HOUGHTS In general a deacon owes the same service and bears same responsibility as does every Christian. Yet, he also has been given some special responsibility. Outstanding men who can help in the everyday affairs of a local church. Showing outstanding degree of true Christian character.