Church Leader Qualifications

During the announcements we recommended Stephen Shirley as potential deacon here at Calvary Baptist. As you pray over this for the month, what I want to make sure is that your prayer and thoughts on Stephen are based on Biblical standards.

I would also like to suggest, if there are others in our assembly who would like to serve in leadership to please come and talk to me. I am a firm believer, that as a body we need to make sure we are working together and leading in a way that would be honoring to the Lord.

Read 1 Tim. 3:1-13.

The formulaic phrase “the saying is trustworthy” used here is also found in 1 Tim 1:15; 4:9; 2 Tim 2:11; and Titus 3:8. Paul states that desiring to occupy this position is appropriate; however, he will go on to explain that not many meet the qualifications.

deacon n. — a person in the office of deacon who cares for the needs and livelihood of an assembly of believers.

The Greek word for “deacon” is diakonos which literally means servant or one who serves. In context we see a deacon who is entrusted to serve the needs of believers.

Let’s take a moment and look at the meaning of the Biblical Requirements for a Deacon.

1 Timothy 3:8 (NASB95)

Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain,

Dignity - dignified adj. — being worthy of esteem or respect; especially on account of one’s behavior. (worthy of respect)

double-talking adjs. — hypocritical or insincere speech on account of equivocation or duplicitousness. (insincere)

Addicted to wine - I think we all understand this concept. We are to be controlled by the Holy Spirit and not by any substance that would hinder us from right thinking.

Fond of sordid gain - shamefully greedy adj. — being so desirous of acquiring wealth that it brings disgrace and shame on a person. (found of dishonest gain)

1 Timothy 3:9 (NASB95)

but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.

Holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience – clearly understand the gospel

1 Timothy 3:10 (NASB95)

These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach.

Tested – to be scrutinized (At Calvary we want to see evidence of Godliness as listed here before one becomes a Deacon).

Beyond reproach – unaccusable - are there those in the church or in the community that would think of them in a wrong way.

1 Timothy 3:12 (NASB95)

Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households.

Husband of one wife – be faithful to the wife you have.

Manage you home well

1 Timothy 3:13 (NASB95)

For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

The act of serving has a twofold benefit for the one doing it, as most people will attest. It not only increases one’s reputation among people, but also it transforms the self to thinking more about other people, thus fulfilling Jesus’s command to love one’s neighbor.

While I personally would like to see more men step up in leadership here at Calvary I will say there is a warning that must be taken very seriously.

James 3:1 (NASB95)

Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment.

This morning I would ask that you pray for Stephen, pray for our current leadership, and pray and ask God if He would want you to become a part of the leadership here at Calvary.