What is a Deacon?

I. Introduction: Defining the Office of Deacon

: Introduce deacons as one of two biblically ordained church offices (alongside elders/pastors), emphasizing their role as servants who handle practical needs to free elders for prayer and the ministry of the Word.Purpose

: Philippians 1:1 (CSB: "Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus: To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons."); 1 Timothy 3:8-13 (overview).Key Scriptures

: Chapter 26, Paragraph 8: "A local church, gathered and fully organized according to the mind of Christ, consists of officers and members. The officers appointed by Christ are overseers or elders, and deacons."LBCF Reference

: What distinguishes deacons from elders? Why does the church need deacons?Discussion Questions

: Encourage participants to pray for current deacons and consider if God is calling qualified men to serve.Application

II. Biblical Origin of Deacons

: Trace the establishment of the diaconate in the early church as a response to practical needs.Purpose

: Acts 6:1-7 (CSB):Key Scriptures

Verse 1: "In those days, as the disciples were increasing in number, there arose a complaint by the Hellenistic Jews against the Hebraic Jews that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution."

Verse 2: "The Twelve summoned the whole company of the disciples and said, 'It would not be right for us to give up preaching the word of God to wait on tables.'"

Verse 3: "Brothers and sisters, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom, whom we can appoint to this duty."

Verse 4: "But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.'"

Verse 5: "This proposal pleased the whole company. So they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a convert from Antioch."

Verse 6: "They had them stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them."

Verse 7: "So the word of God spread, the disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly in number, and a large group of priests became obedient to the faith."

: The Greek word for "deacons" (diakonoi) isn't used here, but the verb "to serve" (diakonein) describes their role. These seven men were selected for mercy ministry (e.g., caring for widows), highlighting deacons as Spirit-filled servants.Insights

: Chapter 26, Paragraph 9: "A deacon must be chosen by the same kind of vote and set apart by prayer and laying on of hands as well." (Citing Acts 6:3,5-6.)LBCF Reference

: How does Acts 6 model church unity and division of labor? What does it teach about qualifications for service?Discussion Questions

: Churches should appoint deacons to handle benevolence, facilities, and other tasks, allowing elders to focus on teaching and shepherding.Application

III. Qualifications for Deacons: A Breakdown of 1 Timothy 3:8-13

: Provide a verse-by-verse exegesis of the qualifications, emphasizing character over gifting, and noting the male-specific language.Purpose

: 1 Timothy 3:8-13 (CSB):Key Scriptures

Verse 8: "Deacons, likewise, should be worthy of respect, not hypocritical, not drinking a lot of wine, not greedy for money."

Breakdown: "Worthy of respect" (dignified); "not hypocritical" (sincere); sobriety and integrity in finances.

Verse 9: "holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience."

Breakdown: Doctrinal soundness; the "mystery" refers to the gospel revealed in Christ.

Verse 10: "They must also be tested first; if they prove blameless, then they can serve as deacons."

Breakdown: Probationary period; "blameless" means above reproach in conduct.

Verse 11: "Wives, too, must be worthy of respect, not slanderers, self-controlled, faithful in everything." (See Section V for detailed discussion.)

Verse 12: "Deacons are to be husbands of one wife, managing their children and their own households competently."

Breakdown: Marital fidelity ("husbands of one wife"); effective family leadership, as the home mirrors church service.

Verse 13: "For those who have served well as deacons acquire a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus."

Breakdown: Rewards include respect and spiritual growth.

: Parallels elder qualifications (1 Tim 3:1-7) but omits teaching ability, focusing on service. All qualifications assume male candidates ("husbands of one wife").Insights

: Implied in Chapter 26, Paragraph 8-9, which affirms biblical appointment of deacons.LBCF Reference

: How do these qualifications reflect Christ's servant-heart (Mark 10:45)? Why is family management emphasized?Discussion Questions

: Use as a checklist for nominating deacons; stress ongoing accountability.Application

IV. Role and Duties of Deacons

: Outline deacons' servant role in the church.Purpose

: Romans 12:7 (CSB: "if service, use it in service"); Acts 6:1-7 (practical mercy).Key Scriptures

: Chapter 26, Paragraph 8: Deacons administer "ordinances and for carrying out any other power or duty Christ entrusts them with."LBCF Reference

: Deacons handle mercy ministries (e.g., benevolence, visitation), church administration, and support elders without authoritative teaching or ruling.Insights

: How can deacons promote church unity today?Discussion Questions

: Encourage deacons to model humility; congregations to support them.Application

V. The Wives of Deacons

: Address 1 Timothy 3:11, interpreting "wives" (CSB: gynaikas) as deacons' spouses, not female deacons.Purpose

: 1 Timothy 3:11 (CSB: "Wives, too, must be worthy of respect, not slanderers, self-controlled, faithful in everything.")Key Scriptures

: No parallel for elders' wives suggests deacons' roles involve sensitive matters (e.g., finances, home visits) where wives assist informally. Qualifications mirror deacons': dignity, no gossip, sobriety, faithfulness. This protects the ministry from scandal.Insights

: Not explicit, but aligns with male-only officers in Chapter 26.LBCF Reference

: Why specify wives' qualifications? How can wives support deacon husbands?Discussion Questions

: Train deacons' wives in discretion; view marriage as a team in service.Application

VI. Common Errors in Churches: Appointing Women Deacons

: Critique egalitarian views from a complementarian Reformed Baptist perspective, affirming male-only deacons.Purpose

: 1 Timothy 2:12 (CSB: "I do not allow a woman to teach or to have authority over a man"); 1 Timothy 3:12 ("husbands of one wife").Key Scriptures

: Errors include:Insights

Misinterpreting "deaconess" (e.g., Phoebe in Romans 16:1 as "servant," not office).

Ignoring male pronouns and family qualifications in 1 Tim 3.

Cultural pressures leading to unbiblical ordination of women, blurring gender roles and potentially undermining elder authority.

Some churches (even Reformed) allow non-ordained "deaconesses" for mercy roles, but this risks confusion.

: Chapter 26 limits officers to elders and deacons, implying males per biblical pattern.LBCF Reference

: How does male headship (Eph 5:23) apply to church offices? What risks come from appointing women deacons?Discussion Questions

: Adhere to Scripture over culture; equip women for non-office service (e.g., Titus 2 ministries).Application

VII. Conclusion: The Blessing of Faithful Deacons

: Summarize and call to action.Purpose

: 1 Timothy 3:13 (rewards for service).Key Scriptures

: Chapter 26, Paragraph 10: Deacons enable pastoral focus.LBCF Reference

: How can our church better honor deacons?Discussion Questions

: Pray for deacons; aspire to servant-leadership in all areas.Application