Deacon Recognition

Choose from Among You

Today we recognize our past and present Deacons. We will also be having an ordination today for one of our new Deacons. This will happen during the second service and you are welcome to join us. I want to start by thanking each Deacon and their wives for their commitment and dedication to our church. Would all past and present Deacon and wives please stand so we can recognize you.

What is the purpose of having Deacons? Let’s look in Act 6 for the answer.

Acts 6:1-7 “Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them. Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the…”

PRAY - PRAY - PRAY

DEACON (διάκονος, diakonos, “servant”)

Deacon were chosen to take care of the business of the church to allow the Overseers, Elders, or Pastors to attend to the Spiritual needs of the church, specifically preaching and prayer or shepherding. This leaves a tremendous about of work left for them to take care of and our Deacons do a wonderful job of taking care of these duties. Let’s look closer at scripture to gleam further insight into position of Deacon.

Acts 6:3-7 “Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them. Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.”

1 Timothy 3:8-10 “Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless.”

Let’s look at the qualifications for Deacon.

Of good reputation - a man with a sound reputation for doing and acting upright. Should not be known for being disorderly, quarrelsome, or generally unfriendly.

2. Full of the Spirit - someone who lives out their life in a matter that reflects the inward dwelling of the Holy Spirit.

3. Full of Wisdom - a man characterized by knowledge and deed for the things of God and the ability to tell the difference between Godly and ungodly things.

4. Reverent - a person characterized by worship and service to God. A mind toward the things of God.

5. Not double-tongued - (The word means to say the same thing twice). Better way is to say “don’t say something to someone and says something else to someone else on the same matter. Plus his “yes must be “yes” and his “no” must be “no”.

6. Not given to wine - not a drunk or someone who misuses alcohol.

7. Not greedy for money - pursuing dishonest gain (from the church or in their personals dealings)

8. Holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience - knows and respects the Word of God. Rightly upholds the God’s doctrine.

9. Tested and blameless - must meet all the qualifications now and as long as they are called Deacon and hold the position of Deacon.

10. Husband of one wife - no having more than one wife.

11. Manage his household and children well - If his own house is in disorder how can he be expected to keep God’s house in order.

We see the qualifications for our Deacons and these men must meet and continue to meet these qualifications to remain as a Deacon. It’s a tremendous task we ask of them, but I feel very confident they will continue to carry themselves in an upright matter.

Deacon Wives have qualifications also

1 Timothy 3:11 “Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things.”

Reverent - An attitude of deep respect, honor and difference - Implied are not only a reverent attitude, but also the obedient actions that naturally flow from from a reverent person.

2. Not Slanderers - not a gossip.

3. Temperate - Not given to any extreme in behavior; perhaps especially in terms of alcohol.

4. faith in all things - Living out their lives in a fashion that shows the dwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Deacon if married don’t serve alone. Thank you wives for being such an instrumental part of your husbands success.

The final thing I want to look at is the benefit of being a Deacon.

1 Timothy 3:13 “For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.”

Deacons who serve well obtain for themselves a good standing or a good reputation with believers and God.

Deacons who serve well obtain great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. Those of such character and obedient leadership attain a confidence in their prayers and service as they keep expanding their ministries.

Deacons you a charged with a great deal of responsibility and I know that you will continue to lead this church with immense dedication, and Godly insight. Thank you again on behave of the whole congregation.