Deacons in the Church: More Essential Personal Qualities
Truths to Discover
As churches multiplied, the need for a more specific list of deacon qualifications developed, since the qualities portrayed in Acts 6:3-5 were admittedly vague. So, in a letter to Timothy that provided instructions for proper church protocol, Paul provided such a list. This list continues to serve as a standard set of essential testimony qualifications for deacons today, enabling congregations to recognize qualified men in an objective manner. These qualifications do not replace the initial qualities given to the church at Jerusalem, but they elucidate and expand them instead.
A Man
Men certainly qualify to hold this office (Acts 6:3; 1 Tim 3:8-9). However, some propose that women may also do so and not without warrant. For instance, Paul names a lady, Phoebe, as a “a servant of the church at Cenchrea” and uses the word that sometimes means “a deacon” (Rom 16:1). Furthermore, the word that our English translations render as the “wives” of deacons may easily be translated as “women in general” (1 Tim 3:11).
On this basis, some churches appoint both men and women as deacons. Nevertheless, it seems more probable that the office of deacon may be occupied only by men. They must be the “husbands of one wife” and they must “rule their children and household affairs well” (1 Tim 3:12). Moreover, if Paul intended to distinguish female deacons in 1 Timothy 3, he could have used the word for a deacon, diakonos, accompanied by a feminine article (tas), which would translate as “female deacons.” But Paul used the generic word for women and wives instead (gynaikos). So like pastors, deacons must also be men.
Reverent
This qualification suggests that a prospective deacon must be a serious-minded man who approaches life and ministry in a dignified, purposeful way. He should be neither frivolous nor aloof, but earnest and winsome in his interaction with others. His lifestyle should be worthy of respect and emulation. His worship should be wholehearted and sincere.
Not Double-Tongued
Deacons interact with people throughout a church and community, in homes and elsewhere. In doing so, they intercept many opinions and perspectives from people. Therefore, it is important that they do not say one thing to one person and another thing to someone else. They must be counted on to relay accurate information between parties and to sincerely express their own perspective. A “single-tongued” deacon strengthens the unity of a church, while a double-tongued deacon spreads discord and division.
Not Given to Much Wine
Deacons must be men who no longer give serious attention to intoxicating beverages. This principle applies to other mind-altering substances as well. Deacons must be disciplined men who think in a clear and rational way. In fact, Paul says that being governed by intoxicating drink is the direct opposite of being filled with the Spirit, which you already know is a necessary quality for deacons (Eph 5:18). This commitment to abstinence (or at least maximum restraint) guards a man’s public reputation and his ability to make sound decisions on behalf of the church (Eph 5:17).
Questions to Discuss
- What is the relationship between the qualities in Acts 6 and in 1 Timothy 3?
- Why do some people believe that men and women may be deacons?
- How does 1 Timothy 3:12 indicate that only men may be deacons?
- Describe how a reverent man conducts his life?
- What does a “double-tongued” person do? A “single-tongued” person?
- How would the influence of mind-altering substances prevent a deacon from serving well?
