Sermon Tone Analysis

I. The Initiation of Deacons

A. The New Testament “Deacons” were first called to an ACTION not an OFFICE!

B. The New Testament “Deacons’” roles were SERVICE oriented not SUPERVISORY oriented!

C. The New Testament “Deacons’” were both MALE and FEMALE!

1.

There are two views of Deaconess’ in the Church:

a.

The Deaconess is essentially a female (i.e., where the feminine form of the noun is comparable to increasingly obsolete gender distinctions, such as steward-stewardess, waiter-waitress, etc.)

As such, the deaconess possesses all the requisites, qualifications and training, carrying on all of the functions of a deacon.

b.

The Deaconess is different from the deacon.

Her duties vary from those of the deacon, and like the duties of those in the early centuries, are concentrated upon the needs of the women in the church.

In some traditions, churches will designate the wife of its male deaconess, a term that may function as a courtesy title or may entail a ministry partnership model within the marriage, where the husband (deacon) serves the men in the congregation and the wife (deaconess) serves the women.

II.

The Qualities of the Deacons

A. The Requisites (requirements)

1. Convicted & Redeemed

2. Baptized Believers

3. Steeped in Scripture

4. Faithful in Prayer

5. True Worshipers

6. Faithful Examples

B. The Qualifications

1. Be serious

2.

Not double-tongued

3.

Not indulge in much wine

4.

Not greedy for money

5. Hold fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience

6. Be tested first (if proven blameless, they may serve)

7. Be married to only one spouse at a time

8. Manage children and household well

III.

The Responsibilities (Assisting the Pastor)

A. The Ordinances/Sacraments

1. Baptism

a. Prayer

b. Preparation

c. Performance

2. The Lord’s Supper

a. Prayer

b. Preparation

c. Performance

B. The Order of Service

1. Attendance

2. Assignments

3. Application

C. The Outreach to the Sick

1. Assignments

2. Appropriation

3. Application