Office of Deacon

At the end of the service this morning we will close by praying over the deacon we voted in last Sunday.

-So this sermon is a charge to brother Aaron Trefftzs as he begins fulfilling the position he has been elected to

-A second challenge is for us as a church to support him in this ministry…not only him but all of the deacons

-And thirdly to know that the deacons are more than servents, more than trustees, more than a part of the advisory board of the church

They are examples…so as much as they are to strive to meet the qualifications they are qualifications we all should strive to live by.

If the qualifications are beneficial to the life of a deacon they are beneficial to the church as a whole.

*As far as the reward of deacons there is some parallel there as well

*Some of the benefits will come when the church as a whole strives for these qualifications.

-I thought this morning that it would be beneficial to go over a few reminders about the function of deacons as we have just gone through the process of electing a man into the position of deacon.

To also look at the rewards of the office of deacon

Our understanding of the office of deacon will have a large influence on this church.

What is the main driving point (CPS)?

Friends, for Waunakee Baptist to function biblically we must have a biblical foundation for the function and qualifications of a deacon.

Why does the CPS matter, what is the consequence?

That being said, if we misunderstand or misuse the role of deacon it has the potential to be detrimental to the health, unity, and continuance of the church.

This morning I want us to see three areas where it is essential for us to have a proper biblical understanding of the deacon

A. Its nature implied in the name

1. "Deacon" means "servant." He is to be a servant of the Church.

2. This contrasts to the work of an Elder (Bishop or Overseer) who is to be a spiritual teacher and guide to the Church.

B. In Acts 6, these men were made responsible for material needs of the Church.

1. To free others for prayer, ministry of Word.

2. Their function is to minister to material needs of the Church.

3. Their Church had more than 5000 members. They could not do it all themselves. They accepted the responsibility to see it done.

4. Our Deacons help with many material, physical tasks including taking Communion to the sick and shut ins.

C. The Deacons attend to the property needs of the congregation:

1. Things like painting, repairing, cutting grass, cleaning, etc., fall into their province.

2. This is vital work. We are often judged by the appearance of our property.

3. These "little" tasks may go undone if someone is not responsible.

II. The qualifications of a Deacon are summed up in Acts 6:3 and expanded in I Timothy 3:8-13.

Acts 6:1-7

Of honest report- Well thought of

Full of the Holy Ghost- Not only a man who is saved but one who walks with the Spirit

Full of wisdom- Knows how to apply biblical truth

Whom we may appoint over this business- able to be a servant, similar to what we saw in 1 Tim. 3:13 …He ought to have the mind of Christ when it comes to being a servant

1 Timothy 3

I believe that we have a pretty good understanding of these so we will not belabor them…

Grave- “Worthy of respect”… Someone of good moral character.

Not doubletounged- “Hypocritical in speech”

-Often thought of as not a gossip..and he ought no to be

-Also thought of as not saying one thing to one person and something else to another

-I think the above are absolutely true but the wording can be a simple as being sincere

-Don’t be dishonest with with our feeling by way of our speech

Not given to much wine- Without going into another complete message on alcohol I would suffice to say for today that due to the cultural differences the deacon ought to abstain from alcohol

Not greedy of filthy lucre- not desiring dishonest gain.

Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience- Doctrinally sound

Proven- this implies that there has been time for the man to display growth and fruit in his life.

-Unlike the qualification the deacon doesn’t not have the warning of not being a novice (new convert) most likely because the position of deacon is one of servanthood not power and prestige

Nevertheless he needs to be proven

Blameless- without accusation, an overarching term

Husband of one wife- This is referring to his marital status, which could be a whole separate message, but the deacon is not to be divorced. In the biblical definition, if he is a widower and is remarried to a widow or one who has never been married he is qualified

Ruling their children well- How he leads his children will display how he will be a leader in the church

Ruling their houses well- How he cares for his home, in the same way the church is not this body the home is more than just a roof and siding. We care for the building structure and ALL that is entailed with it

Willing to work- He is to use the position not just fill the position. If a man is not willing to be a servant now he is no more likely to be a good and faithful servant just because he has a title.

Before we get to the final point it needs to be pointed out that there are expectations on the wife of a deacon

Grave- again, as with the deacon, this refers to one that is worthy of respect. Someone of good moral character.

Not slanderers- Not one that is known for attacking others reputation with their conversations

Sober- Not given to extremes… in our current vernacular we would say it would be someone who is level headed, self-controlled, lives with restraint

Faithful in all things- This is someone who is trustworthy, someone you can take at their word…if they say they will do something or be somewhere they will do it

-The deacon and his wife are to be dependable!

III. The reward of a Deacon:

A. He will see his Church blessed: Acts 6:7

1. In the early Church, the results were spectacular because each did his job.

2. We can turn crises into opportunities if everyone is faithful in his place.

B. He will gain an excellent standing: I Tim. 3:13. Of course, this is conditioned on serving well.

1. Skill in the Word of God will grow.

2. Standing with the people he serves will be enhanced.

3. He will be blessed by God for faithfulness.

C. Great assurance in their faith:

1. Boldness comes from being able to use God’s Word and having confidence in oneself as the servant of God.

2. It wasn’t long after becoming a Deacon that Stephen began to demonstrate these qualities. Acts 6:8-10

3. Phillip, another of the first 7 also provides an example of the development of assurance. Acts 8:26ff.

There is a place of service for anyone in the Lord’s Kingdom who will give himself in surrender to the Lord and allow himself to be used.

If the Lord gives us a task to perform, He will make us able to do it as well.

If God can give us tongues, hands, etc. He can surely make them useful to Him.

To some he has given greater accountability

Biblically, there are two offices that are held to a higher accountability

Pastor

Deacon

The office of deacon is not just a title to hold

It is a position of great responsibility and great accountability

It is also more than just a servant, more than a part of the leadership of the church

They are examples

Examples of faith

Examples of service

Examples of Jesus Christ

As we close in prayer I am going to ask Aaron and the other two deacons to come forward

We are going to close in prayer with a dedication to Aaron and his family

I want you all to commit to praying for them as well