Deacon Ordination 2021

Deacon

The role of Deacon is that of a servant to the church.

The word deacon is translated from the greek word diakonos, which when literally translated means “servant.”

The title for the office of deacon is the job description.

This is also true for pastors. The words pastor, elder, shepherd, and overseer are used interchangeably for the same office that denotes both the office and the job description. God is good to us this way, to reveal the nature of our callings and work in the church.

Paul writes in 1 Timothy 3:8-13 to give instruction on the office of Deacon. As we ordain men tonight to the office tonight, let’s look to this passage for instruction and reminder for both the church and the deacons of the significance of the role of Deacon at New Union Baptist Church.

Characteristics of a Deacon (1 Timothy 3:8)

He is dignified, meaning “Worthy of respect.”

This suggests that deacons are to be serious minded men whose character merits respect. The term combines such ideas as dignity, earnestness of purpose, and winsome attractiveness.

The nature of ministering to others requires the deacon be consistent and Christ like in His speech. A deacon serves the church with his words.

The public nature of the role of deacon requires special care for the reputation, one way to guard both reputation and heart is to avoid alcohol. A deacon serves the Lord and not fleshly addictions. Any addiction and desire of the flesh is to be avoided to be dependent upon the Lord, His Word, and the Holy Spirit and not fleshly indulgences.

The deacon must be trusted to have God’s motives and intentions for his work in the church. Deacons don’t serve their own agenda’s or their own reputations, but the reputation of the Lord and the church. A greedy deacon isn’t a deacon at all. This heart attitude is inconsistent with a servant in both heart and action.

Requirements of a Deacon (comes with testing) (1 Timothy 3:9-10)

As a servant of God and His church 1 Timothy 3:9 reveals that the Deacon is both believe the Gospel and respond to it regularly. A clear conscience is the result of consistent repentance and the pursuit of obedience to God and His Word. Deacons must be men who serve the church as godly examples of faith and obedience. He must know the Word and serve God in obedience to the Word.

Know, Believe, and Respond Regularly To The Gospel

Serve his family

Deacons are men who have been tested, and found to be consistent with the description of the office in scripture. The men being brought forward tonight have been questioned, considered, and found faithful. Faithfulness doesn’t mean perfection, but repentant and obedient as described in 3:9.

Relationship of a Deacon’s wife to the ministry (1 Timothy 3:11)

A deacon does not perform his role alone. The wife of the deacon is a part of the ministry. In the first century men, especially Jewish men, did not come and go from the homes of single women or widows. One of the immediate roles the deacons seem to have undertaken is that of caring for those in need in the congregation. To do so, their wives are a necessary part of the ministry. Wives of Deacons are to follow the same categories of being dignified, filled and dependent upon the Lord, and faithful to the Gospel

Relationship of a Deacon to his church (1 Timothy 3:12)

Deacons are men who serve their homes faithfully as they serve the church faithfully. Faithful to their wives. Faithful to their children. Faithful to the Lord.

Servant

Ministry Leader

Result of being a Deacon (1 Timothy 3:13)

Gain a good standing for themselvesGain a great confidence in their faith

Deacons serve the church. As the pastors shepherd and equip the church through the ministry of preaching and teaching, the Deacons serve the church through the ministries of the church. Offices of leadership require good reputation. Deacons are no exception, faithful service yields a good standing with the congregation.

Deacons gain confidence in their faith through their obedience to God in serving. They also gain confidence on the front line of the churches ministry. They see the way God is working throughout the church. They pray and see the results of God’s answers to prayer. They serve and see God meet needs, heal homes, and save lives.

A good deacon is a gift to the church. He is part of a two sided coin of leadership in the church. Healthy churches have healthy pastors and healthy deacons. The men who serve our church as deacons have a great responsibility, and I feel confident that the 3 men joining the deacon body tonight are up for the task. I look forward to seeing how their gifts, talents, and personalities will be used by the Lord in this task.

I am blessed as a pastor by the faithfulness of our Deacons. Our church is blessed by the faithfulness of our Deacons. God is glorified and honored by the faithfulness of our Deacons.