Greg Brown
David Crotzer
Josh Ferrer
John FitzGerald
Parfait Mwamba
Kevin Pickerel
Doug Rodgers
Bob Whitworth
Gary Wilson
Deacons Qualifications, Appointment, & Job Description
“Deacons” are referred to only in Paul’s letter to the Philippians (1:1) and his first letter to Timothy (3:8-13). Neither reference gives a job description, although 1 Timothy gives a list of qualifications for the appointment of deacons. It is clear that the seven men appointed in Acts 6:1-6 were the first deacons. Though the word “deacon” (diakonos) is not mentioned, they are said to serve or minister (diakoneo). Tradition from the time of Irenaeus has always held these men to be the first deacons.
The process of selection is not specified in Acts 6 in detail, but it is clear that the elders, the deacons, and the congregation should all have a voice.
- Men worthy of respect and dignity, men of serious outlook.
- Not double-tongued, sincere, straightforward, not shifty.
- Not given to excessive drinking.
- Not pursuing dishonest gain or questionable money-making.
- Holding to the faithful with a clear conscience.
- Tested and found beyond reproach.
- Men whose wives are also dignified and worthy of respect.
- Men whose wives are not malicious gossips or slanderers.
- Men whose wives are temperate and self-controlled.
- Men whose wives are trustworthy in every way.
- Husbands of only one wife.
- One who manages his own family household well.
Qualifications for deacons are identical with that of elders in 1 Timothy 3, except deacons need not be able to teach.
We believe that a practical approach to the appointment of deacons, within the bounds of Scripture, is as follows:
- Each year the elders will circulate a paper which gives opportunity to deacons, elders, and others, asking for prayerful suggestions for candidates.
- These suggestions are to be submitted to the elders before the annual congregational meeting.
- The elders will then compile a list for consideration at the meeting. Then the congregation can indicate those it wishes to serve as deacons or assistants during the coming year.
Acts 6 gives us a job description. These men were co-laborers with the apostles (elders), taking over the practical ministries to people (distribution of food and ministry to physical needs) in order to free the apostles (elders) to concentrate on prayer and the ministry of the Word. Deacons are required to minister to the needs of people and as “load lifters” to the elders of the church.
As a church, let us be faithful in praying for these men and their families as they seek to serve the Lord and His people.