Deacons

What is a deacon?

Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology Deacon, Deaconess

Deacon, Deaconess. The word “deacon” essentially means servant. The word group consists of diakoneō (occurring thirty-six times in the New Testament) meaning to serve or support; diakonia (occurring thirty-three times in the New Testament) meaning service, support, or ministry; and diakonos (occurring twenty-nine times in the New Testament), meaning server, servant, or deacon. The word group as a whole is scarce in the Septuagint, occurring approximately nine times. The word has both a general and technical sense in the New Testament. It may simply refer to any type of service or personal assistance performed for another. In the common usage of the day, the word meant to wait on tables or to assist or care for household needs. Eventually, the word came to mean “to serve” in any capacity.

A deacon is the exemplary __________ (Servant) of the church.

“In the common usage of the day, the word meant to wait on tables or to assist or care for household needs.” - Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology

One cannot help but think of where Jesus “laid aside His garments, and taking a towel, He girded Himself” to ______ (serve).

Of course ___________ (The cross) itself is the ultimate act of service. Just as Jesus is the ultimate Apostle, Prophet and Priest, He is also the ultimate Servant. As followers of Christ all Christian’s must serve (), but deacons are recognized as doing this particularly well and are given specific responsibilities. The role of deacon is thus no trivial role. In fact Paul says of deacons, “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.” -

What a deacon is not

(NASB95)

A deacon is not a lesser governing role (elder jr.), because it is not a governing role at all. Nor is it an inactive position of honor (merit badge). Nor is it a representative position (board member). It is an earned, respected position of service, concern, and care for the church. Deacons are highly trusted and can be responsible for the churches most valuable assets and responsible for the care of its most vulnerable members.

At the heart of a servant has to be genuine love for God and people. A good servant will do everything as unto the Lord (). They will constantly put others needs before there own ().

What does this look like at the Summit?

A deacon is someone of ________ (proven) character and _______ (proven) faithfulness assigned to officially serving the church. They will have specific responsibilities that can change from time to time. They will also be called on to serve as general needs arise. They will have an eye for those who need assistance and care.

13 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.

Qualifications for Deacons

Qualifications are similar to elders because the primary concern is ______ (character). Godly character should be evident in their life and particularly in their own home. Before they are made deacons they should be tested in serving the church. To quote Bryan McCrea, “The cream rises to the top.”

Can be men or women as it is not a governing or teaching role for the entire church. See , compared to Elders and other restrictions in

Should follow the ________ (example) of the first hint of this office in the New Testament Church in .

“good reputation”

“Full of the Spirit and of wisdom”

capable to completely own the task or job they are assigned to: “in charge of this task.”

The selection should find general support of the congregation: “and they chose”.

While their role as a deacon is to serve they are not limited from other godly activities in the church. Someone could be a home group leader and a deacon for example.

Dignity, honorable -

“Not double-tongued” -

“not… addicted to much wine” - . This would include any substance abuse.

“Not… fond of sordid gain.” - . Fiscal responsibility is a character issue in our day.

Clear, firm, non-hypocritical allegiance to the Gospel - .

Faithful to their spouse - (not talking about polygamy).

Manage their children and household well -

Women get a special call out:

Dignified (same as above) -

“not malicious gossips” -

Temperate - Essentially sober minded. Alert.

“faithful in all things” -

Questions for discussion!

Does anyone here want to or believe they are called to be a deacon?

Who should be a deacon at The Summit?