Ministerial Association

Ministerial Association
Biblical Qualifications SLIDE 1 Biblical Qualifications Ministerial Association

Bible References SLIDE 2 Bible References

Two passages in the Bible—Acts 6:3 and 1 Timothy 3:8- 12—show us the characteristics and qualities of deacons and deaconesses. These are as relevant and important to us in modern times as they were in ancient times.

Three Basic Characteristics
SLIDE 4 Three Basic Characteristics

“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” 1 Peter 1:22 (NKJV) SLIDE 5 When the apostles called for the first deacons to be elected by the community of believers, they asked for seven men embodying (living by) three basic characteristics. Acts 6:3 records this for us: “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” (NKJV). These basic characteristics are:

Having a good reputation, both inside and outside of the church community Full of the Holy Spirit Full of wisdom

SLIDE 7 A Good Reputation
Because the Hellenistic Jewish widows were being neglected by the Hebraic Jews who dispensed the daily resources and food allocations, the first deacons faced an internal cultural division. To handle this situation peacefully, effectively, and for everyone’s benefit, the deacons needed to be known and respected by everyone for their character and their actions. They needed to be people whose presence, decisions, and actions would be fair and not suspected of any bias.

“The enemy [Satan] succeeded in arousing the suspicions of some who had formerly been in the habit of looking with jealousy...” Acts of the Apostles SLIDE 8 In The Acts of the Apostles, Ellen G. White explains why it was important for deacons and deaconesses to have good reputations: “The enemy [Satan] succeeded in arousing the suspicions of some who had formerly been in the habit of looking with jealousy...

“...on their brethren in the faith and of finding fault with their spiritual leaders.”
Acts of the Apostles SLIDE 9 ...on their brethren in the faith and of finding fault with their spiritual leaders.” The apostles were aware of this when they asked for seven men to be selected by the growing number of believers. They sought men who would not be swayed from serving as Christ would and would not be turned away from serving Christ.

1 Timothy 3:7 (NIV) “He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap” SLIDE 10 Paul echoes this thought in 1 Timothy 3:7: “He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap” (NIV). Even though Paul was describing the characteristics of an elder or overseer in the new and growing church, this requirement can naturally be applied to deacons and deaconesses.

Full of the Holy Spirit SLIDE 11 Full of the Holy Spirit

Ephesians 5:19-20 (NIV) “Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord,...” SLIDE 12 A person whose life is “full of the Spirit” or “full of the Holy Spirit” is someone who is connected to God through Jesus. Through faith in Jesus, this person has become a man or woman of God, inspired and moved by the Holy Spirit and serving as Jesus served. He or she is able to take the spiritual inspiration of the Holy Spirit and use it to help others. Ephesians 5:19-20 explains how being filled with the Holy Spirit can be expressed: “speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord,...

Ephesians 5:19-20 (NIV) “...always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” SLIDE 13 ...always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (NIV).

Full of Wisdom SLIDE 14 Full of Wisdom

Acts 6:3 (NIV) “... gleaned wisdom from the Word of God—learned from it, applied it, practiced it.” “Deacons: Servants of the House of God” SLIDE 15 Acts 6:3 talks of spiritual wisdom blended with wisdom gained through experiences in day-to-day situations. Through their lives of faith, deacons and deaconesses have “gleaned wisdom from the Word of God—learned from it, applied it, practiced it.” “Deacons: Servants of the House of God,” They have read God’s Word and learned from Jesus’ example how to be a living servant, and now they can take this knowledge into the world and serve their churches and the people beyond their church communities. This quality of wisdom goes beyond applying the lessons, examples, and guidance in the Bible. Wisdom also includes learning from past experiences and applying this information to challenges in the present.

In a church environment, deacons and deaconesses have the responsibility (and authority) to handle problems as they occur without having to turn to pastors or elders for guidance or direction. Deacons and deaconesses make sure the church’s physical operations to run smoothly, allowing pastors and elders to focus on the church’s spiritual needs. Through these three qualities, the Christian church’s first seven deacons served the church, allowing the apostles to pray, study the Word, and share the gospel with others.

Acts 6:7 (NIV) “So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith” SLIDE 17 God blessed this balance of physical and spiritual care: “So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith” (Acts 6:7, NIV).

For Seventh-day Adventist churches in our modern world, deacons and deaconesses must have these three qualities as their personal foundation for this ministry. Their care for the physical needs of their churches will allow pastors and elders to focus on the spiritual care of their church communities. God will bless our churches today as He did at the beginning of Christianity.

Nine (9) Qualities SLIDE 19 Nine Qualities
In 1 Timothy 3:8-10, 12, Paul outlines nine personal qualities of deacons and deaconesses. These qualities can be divided into two areas of a person’s life: personality traits (how a person is seen by the community, verses 8-10) and characteristics of a person’s home life (verse 12).

Timothy 3:8-10,12 (NIV) “In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain...” SLIDE 20 Before we outline these nine qualities, let’s review 1 Timothy 3:8-10, 12: “In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain...

Timothy 3:8-10,12 (NIV) “...and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons...” SLIDE 21 ...and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. . .

Timothy 3:8-10,12 (NIV) “A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well” SLIDE 22 A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well”. (NIV).

These nine qualities can be summarized in this manner:
1. Worthy of respect 2. Not double-tongued 3. Not indulging in too much wine (temperance) SLIDE 23 These nine qualities can be summarized in this manner: i. Worthy of respect ii. Not double-tongued iii. Not indulging in too much wine (temperance)

4. Not pursuing dishonest gain 5. Hold the truths of faith with a clear conscience 6. Beyond reproach or question SLIDE 24 i. Not pursuing dishonest gain ii. Hold the truths of faith with a clear conscience iii. Beyond reproach or question

7. Having only one wife and is faithful to her 8. Good manager of his children 9. Good manager of his household SLIDE 25 i. Having only one wife and is faithful to her ii. Good manager of his children iii. Good manager of his household

Worthy of Respect SLIDE 26 Worthy of Respect
The word describing this quality has been translated many different ways in different applications. In the King James translation, the word used is “grace.” In the New King James translation, the word is translated as “reverent.” The words “worthy of respect” are used in the New International Version. Other authors have used the term “dignified” to describe this characteristic. This quality shows that, in and beyond their church communities, deacons and deaconesses are known for being fair, trustworthy, and wise in all situations. In the same manner, the first seven deacons were called to their ministry to be fair in caring for the brethren. Modern deacons and deaconesses are also called to be fair and also to be understanding of the spiritual aspects of ministry. This has its basis in their words, actions, and attitudes—physically and spiritually. Deacons and deaconesses who live in this way know that their actions and words have not only physical implications but spiritual ones as well.

Alexander Strauch “The church is not simply a matter of life and death; the church is a matter of eternal life and eternal death.” SLIDE 27 They recognize that “the church is not simply a matter of life and death; the church is a matter of eternal life and eternal death.” Alexander Strauch, The New Testament Deacon: The Church’s Minister of Mercy (Littleton, CO: Lewis & Roth Publishers, 1992), 97.

Not Double-Tongued SLIDE 28 Not Double-Tongued

“Whatever its exact meaning, the term plainly prohibits any kind of manipulative, insincere, or deceitful speech. Behind a deceitful tongue is a deceitful mind. Positively, the term emphasizes integrity of speech, sincerity, and truthfulness.” SLIDE 29 In the King James and New King James translations of the Bible, the word “double-tongued” is used, while the word “sincere” is used in the New International Version. In ancient Greek, the phrase “double-tongued” means “two-worded.” As one modern author explains, “Whatever its exact meaning, the term plainly prohibits any kind of manipulative, insincere, or deceitful speech. Behind a deceitful tongue is a deceitful mind. Positively, the term emphasizes integrity of speech, sincerity, and truthfulness.” This quality emphasizes how deacons and deaconesses must stay true to their word, maintain their integrity, keep the peace within their church communities, and prevent gossip or sin from taking root. Deacons and deaconesses preserve the integrity of their churches through truthful speech and by being accountable for what they say.

“You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor”
Exodus 20:16 (NIV) “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor” SLIDE 30 In Exodus 20:16, God’s law is also present in this characteristic: “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor” (NIV).

Not Indulging in Too Much Wine (Temperance)
SLIDE 31 Not Indulging in Too Much Wine (Temperance)

This personal quality can also be summarized in the word “temperance.” This applies not just to drinking too much wine or alcohol; it also applies to any addiction that takes our attention away from God, our families, and our service in ministry. Any addiction that takes our attention away from God creates an opening for sin to take root in a deacon’s or deaconesses’ life, which impacts his or her ministry and the integrity of the church. In our modern era, there are many other forms of addiction besides overindulging in wine. Modern addictions include food, hobbies, sports (playing or watching), the Internet, mind-altering drugs—anything that takes a person’s mental focus and heart away from God.

Not Pursuing Dishonest Gain
SLIDE 33 Not Pursuing Dishonest Gain Not Pursuing Dishonest Gain

Exodus 20:15 (NIV) “You shall not steal” SLIDE 34
This quality helps to protect the church’s financial stability and integrity, reinforcing one of the Ten Commandments: “You shall not steal” (Exod. 20:15, NIV). This refers to people who seek to benefit themselves financially through immoral or illegal methods. People serving in any church ministry must not have an opening for sin in their hearts and should not use their ministry work or operations for personal gain. This type of action does not benefit the church or God.

Any misuse or abuse of the church’s finances puts both the church and ministry operations in jeopardy. SLIDE 35 The finances of the church are God’s finances and should be used to further His work, inside and outside of the church. Any misuse or abuse of the church’s finances puts both the church and ministry operations in jeopardy. If the first seven deacons had been open to the temptation of mishandling their financial and material resources, they would not have been problem-solvers; they would have been problem-creators, and the early church would have suffered. Ministry work today requires a high level of integrity for anyone handling the church’s finances—whether it is deacons or deaconesses collecting the tithes and offerings or the church treasurer managing the church’s accounts.

Holding Truths with a Clear Conscience
SLIDE 36 Holding Truths with a Clear Conscience Holding Truths with a Clear Conscience

“Hold to the faith with a pure conscience and live in sexual immorality, pilfer money, hate a brother, divorce a Christian spouse, or mix falsehood with the gospel.” SLIDE 37 Simply put, this quality means believing in Christ’s message, His living example of service, and His sacrifice for mankind while living a lifestyle where sin has no entry. Given the slightest opportunity, sin will take hold and destroy a person’s life, family, church, and ministry work. Sin has no place in the life of a deacon or deaconess. Having a clear conscience means knowing that our lives, lifestyle, and actions follow God’s laws as set forth in the Bible. Christians, whether or not they are called to serve in ministry as a deacon or deaconess, cannot “hold to the faith with a pure conscience and live in sexual immorality, pilfer money, hate a brother, divorce a Christian spouse, or mix falsehood with the gospel.

The New Testament never allows people to separate life and doctrine
SLIDE 38 The New Testament never allows people to separate life and doctrine

When we are strong in our faith, living a morally-correct, God-focused life, we can share Christ and His message with others—inside and outside the church. We become better servants in His name. We become better witnesses for His work. This quality requires a level of spiritual maturity not found in a person who is new to the faith. The first deacons studied the Word, lived godly lives, and gained spiritual maturity to handle their assigned tasks effectively. Today’s deacons and deaconesses must also spend time in the Word and in service to others to gain the spiritual maturity needed to serve their congregations. Spiritual maturity begins when a person is restored through baptism and whose life is fueled by the presence of the Holy Spirit; this continues to develop as the person studies the Word and serves as Christ directed.

Beyond Reproach SLIDE 40 Beyond Reproach
This quality shows that a deacon or deaconess has fulfilled (through some form of review or examination by the church body or deacon ministry) the standards of the previous characteristic and is approved to serve in this ministry. People who are beyond reproach are qualified to serve in this ministry, following the biblical examples of Noah, Job, and Daniel in the Old Testament and Stephen in the New Testament. They have shown themselves to be free of sin or sinful influences; have a good standing in their church; have a strong, faith-filled connection with Christ; and will serve as effective servants for the church and as witnesses to others.

In Daniel 6:4, Daniel’s opponents sought to find fault with him, his integrity, and his work, but they could not. They then manipulated the king to issue a royal decree which Daniel, because of his faithfulness to God, could not follow, causing him to be punished. In their eyes, Daniel’s faith was grounds for punishment, but in God’s eyes, his faith was his salvation.

Acts 6:8 (NIV) “Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people” SLIDE 42 Stephen was one of the first seven deacons selected by the community of believers in Acts 6:5. He eventually moved on to a higher role: “Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people” (Acts 6:8, NIV). Like Daniel’s unflawed life and work ethic, Stephen’s words caused people to seek to silence him through false accusations and blasphemy (Acts 6:11-15). The false accusations against Stephen succeeded, and he was stoned to death, but his faith and integrity as a follower of Christ shone through his death

Acts 7:60 (NIV) “Then he fell on his knees and cried out, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ When he had said this, he fell asleep” SLIDE 43 (Acts 7:60): “Then he fell on his knees and cried out, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ When he had said this, he fell asleep” (NIV).

The Home Acts 6:12 SLIDE 44 Deacons and deaconesses are to have lives without blame or opening for sin. They are to maintain integrity through word, action, and attitude, which has been tested and shown to be true. They are to be beyond reproach, which helps support and protect their churches and their ministry. These six qualities of deacons and deaconesses relate to their churches and the world outside their churches. The next three qualities (Acts 6:12) focus on the foundation of the Christian family—the home.

Having Only One Wife and Being Faithful to Her
SLIDE 45 Having Only One Wife and Being Faithful to Her This family-based quality can be controversial. Many scholars have viewed this Bible passage as a statement against the ancient practice of polygamy. Some scholars use the statement in 1 Timothy 3:12 to argue that single people are not qualified to serve in this ministry, while others argue that being married and having a family serve as distractions to the work of this ministry. Some people claim that this text disqualifies any man or woman who is unmarried—whether he or she has yet to married or is divorced—from serving as a deacon or deaconess. The issue here is not a deacon’s or deaconesses’ marital status. A single person or a window/widower can serve in this ministry as well and as effectively as a married person. The issue is the character and the moral status of a deacon or deaconess. The intent is clear: to prevent sin from entering the married relationship of a husband and wife, destroying the family structure, and negatively impacting the church.

”There is no place in the life and service of any Christian, let alone a deacon or deaconess, for improper relations with the opposite sex, including flirting with or lusting after others. SLIDE 46 In referring to a deacon in the ancient Christian church, the Greek translation of this scripture mentions the phrase “one-woman man.” In modern times, a deaconess could be referred to as a “one-man woman. ”There is no place in the life and service of any Christian, let alone a deacon or deaconess, for improper relations with the opposite sex, including flirting with or lusting after others. The foundation of marriage must be built on Christ, love, mutual trust, integrity, and teamwork. This also requires husbands and wives—not just deacons and deaconesses but any Christian couple—to honor, respect, and affirm each other at all times through words, attitudes, and actions to their partner, in front of their children, and in front of people they encounter on a daily basis.

The lives of deacons and deaconesses prove to others that they are dedicated to serving Christ and completely devoted to their spouses. People in the church and with whom they interact with daily will know of their love and devotion through their words, attitudes, and actions. The strength of their relationship will be known to many people, serving as an example for others to embody in their marriages and relationships. This example of a godly, Christian marriage will also be seen by the children in the family, helping them to grow in Christ, showing them how to be servants in life, and demonstrating how to respect other people, carrying these lessons forward for future generations.

Good Manager of His Children
SLIDE 48 Good Manager of His Children

The example deacons and deaconesses set for their children is evident not only in their homes and churches but everywhere they go. Parents are the primary role models for their children. Children learn through observation and example. The example deacons and deaconesses show through their loving, Christ-centered marriages will serve as an important lesson for their children’s self-esteem, self-image, and future, as well as developing their relationship with Christ. To achieve this, Christian parents must balance love, boundaries, support, regular affirmation, necessary discipline, and attention to their children’s lives and needs. All of these elements combine to build the relationship between parents and children, creating an environment where children can turn to their parents during challenging times. This also creates a relationship where children will feel safe enough to turn to their parents when temptations and sinful actions or behaviors are presented.

Deacons and deaconesses also lead their households in spiritual integrity and growth. They read the Bible together as a family. They pray and worship as a family in their homes on a regular basis. They honor the Sabbath command of rest and worship with their church communities. All of this helps family members to grow in Christ and prevents sin from entering and taking root.

Adventist Home “Home should be made all that the word implies. It should be a little heaven upon earth, a place where the affections are cultivated instead of being studiously repressed.” SLIDE 51 Ellen G. White spoke of these foundations for the two previous characteristics: “Home should be made all that the word implies. It should be a little heaven upon earth, a place where the affections are cultivated instead of being studiously repressed.”

Adventist Home “Our happiness depends upon this cultivation of love, sympathy, and true courtesy to one another.” SLIDE 52 Our happiness depends upon this cultivation of love, sympathy, and true courtesy to one another.” 8

Adventist Home “Every Christian home should have rules; and parents should, in their words and deportment toward each other, give to the children a precious, living example of what they desire them to be.” SLIDE 53 “Every Christian home should have rules; and parents should, in their words and deportment toward each other, give to the children a precious, living example of what they desire them to be.”

Adventist Home “Purity in speech and true Christian courtesy should be constantly practiced. Teach the children and youth to respect themselves, to be true to God, true to principle;...” SLIDE 54 Purity in speech and true Christian courtesy should be constantly practiced. Teach the children and youth to respect themselves, to be true to God, true to principle;...

Adventist Home “... teach them to respect and obey the law of God. These principles will control their lives and will be carried out in their associations with others.” SLIDE 55 ... teach them to respect and obey the law of God. These principles will control their lives and will be carried out in their associations with others.” 9

Adventist Home “The home that is beautified by love, sympathy, and tenderness is a place that angels love to visit, and where God is glorified.” SLIDE 56 “The home that is beautified by love, sympathy, and tenderness is a place that angels love to visit, and where God is glorified.

Adventist Home “The influence of a carefully guarded Christian home in the years of childhood and youth is the surest safeguard against the corruptions of the world.” SLIDE 57 The influence of a carefully guarded Christian home in the years of childhood and youth is the surest safeguard against the corruptions of the world.

Adventist Home “In the atmosphere of such a home the children will learn to love both their earthly parents and their heavenly Father.” SLIDE 58 In the atmosphere of such a home the children will learn to love both their earthly parents and their heavenly Father.” 10 As with the previous quality, deacons and deaconesses are not required to be parents in order to be elected for this ministry.

Good Manager of His Household
SLIDE 59 Good Manager of His Household This quality moves from marital integrity and family relationships into the realm of financial resource management for the household. Deacons and deaconesses are living the example set by the first seven deacons in Acts 6:1-6, not only in their churches but also in their households. The care and management deacons and deaconesses show in their households will be reflected in the management of their ministry’s finances and resources. When deacons and deaconesses show they are not wasting their home resources, they show they are capable of effectively managing the church’s resources. If deacons or deaconesses are single—through the death of a spouse or not yet married—this characteristic is still important, showing that they are just as capable as couples in managing their finances, resources, and households.

Women in 1 Timothy 3 SLIDE 60 Women in 1 Timothy 3

1 Timothy 3:11 (NIV) “In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything” SLIDE 61 In 1 Timothy 3:11, Paul mentions women not as deaconesses but as wives of male deacons. He says that women are to have the same personal qualities and outward public stature as men: “In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything” (NIV). There has been much scholarly debate about whether this Bible passage supports women as deaconesses or speaks only of women as wives of deacons. The debate on this issue continues. Let’s look at this Bible passage through a modern perspective, as if we are discussing the qualities of the spouse of a deacon or deaconess where the spouse is not serving in this ministry.

There are four basic elements required of spouses of deacons and deaconesses:
1. Respected for their personal integrity and devotion to Christ 2. Do not speak hurtful words or spread gossip SLIDE 62 There are four basic elements required of spouses of deacons and deaconesses: 1. Respected for their personal integrity and devotion to Christ 2. Do not speak hurtful words or spread gossip

There are four basic elements required of spouses of deacons and deaconesses:
3. Practice temperance by avoiding any addiction that would take their attention away from God 4. Are known by others to be trustworthy through their accountability in actions and words SLIDE 63 3. Practice temperance by avoiding any addiction that would take their attention away from God 4. Are known by others to be trustworthy through their accountability in actions and words

The spouse of a deacon or deaconess must live by the same physical and spiritual qualities as the spouse who serves in this ministry. If he or she does not, there is no solid, firm foundation in their marriage or their household; there is no place for Christ. This may create an opening for sin and division, which may negatively impact the deacon’s or deaconess’ ministry, which impacts the church—both the internal and external ministries—and affects Christ’s presence in the home and in the church.

CONCLUSION SLIDE 65 Conclusion

Acts 6:3 gives us the qualities required of deacons and deaconess to create a strong foundation for their service in ministry. First Timothy 3:8-12 outlines the characteristics needed by deacons and deaconesses, both in their person and in their households, as well as the qualities required in their spouses who are not called to serve in this ministry. These words of biblical guidance, along with a strong relationship with Christ, will serve to strengthen deacons and deaconesses. With their foundation reinforced through Christ, they will benefit the church as physical servants, allowing pastors and elders to serve the spiritual needs of the church community as shepherds through the Word and prayer. Strong deacons and deaconesses lead to strong pastors and elders, which lead to a strong church.

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