The Deacons of a Church: Qualifications

Prayer: For the deacons of our church, that they may use the office wisely.





II. DEACONS. The office of deacon originated in a state of things referred to in the sixth chapter of the Acts of the Apostles. It is said that "when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration" (Acts 6:1). The "Grecians" were Jews as well as the Hebrews, but they spoke the Greek language, and were probably not natives of Palestine.

The members of the church at Jerusalem "had all things in common," (Acts 2:44) and a distribution was made out of the common stock "as every man had need." (Acts 2:45) This seems to have been done at first under the immediate direction of the apostles; and the intimation is that the large increase of the church interfered with an impartial distribution of supplies. The apostles saw that, if they made it their personal business to "serve tables," it would greatly hinder their work in its spiritual aspects. They said: "It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables; wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, 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." (Acts 6:2-4).

Thus the creation of the office of deacon recognizes the fact that the duties of pastors are pre-eminently spiritual; and that they should not be burdened with the secular interests of the churches. The opinion has been entertained by some that the deaconship was designed to be temporary. The argument is that the office was created because the property of the church at Jerusalem had been thrown together into a common stock, and it was requisite to have officers to superintend and distribute it. Then the inference is drawn, that when the property of church members was no longer put into a common stock, the office of deacon was virtually abolished.

This reasoning is more plausible than conclusive. In proof of this it may be said, that the members of the church at Jerusalem were not required to put their property into a common stock. It was a voluntary matter. Nor is there an intimation in the New Testament that any church, except the one at Jerusalem, ever adopted the common-stock regulation. It was, doubtless, considered by that church a prudential arrangement, which involved temporary expediency rather than permanent principle. That the church at Antioch did not follow the example of the church at Jerusalem, in relation to this matter, is evident from Acts 11:29. "Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren who dwelt in Judea." This individual determination shows that the property of the church was not in "common stock." And Paul's direction to the church at Corinth (I Cor. 16:2) indicates that the Jerusalem policy had not been adopted. The same apostle too, in his letter to the Philippians, and to Timothy, refers to deacons. There was, therefore, a recognition of the deaconship when there was, so far as we know, no common property regulation. And more than this, the irresistible inference from Paul's first Epistle to Timothy, is that the office of deacon is as permanent as that of pastor. No one doubts that the office of pastor is to be perpetuated to the end of time. The conclusion is that the deaconship is permanent in the churches of Christ, and that pastors and deacons are the only permanent Scriptural church officers.

The words - "men of honest report, full of the Holy Spirit, and wisdom" - applied to the first deacons, indicates that they were men of unblemished reputation, ardent piety, and good common sense. These qualifications should be sought in all who are appointed to the office of deacon. The phrase, "full of the Holy Spirit," is an admirable description of fervent, elevated piety; and in the selection of deacons their spirituality must be regarded, for their duties are not exclusively secular. Their secular duties, however, should be performed in a spiritual frame of mind; and in this way "they purchase to themselves a good degree, and obtain great boldness mi the faith." I Tim. 3:13)

In visiting the pious poor, to distribute the charities of the church, deacons must not perform the duty in a formal manner, but must inquire into the spiritual as well as the worldly circumstances of the recipients of the church's bounty. They will often witness such an exhibition of faith, patience, gratitude, and resignation as will richly repay them for their labor of love. As occasion may require, they should report to the pastor such cases as need his special attention, and thus they will become a connecting link between the pastor and the needy ones of the church.





Discussion by Leader:

1. The importance of seeking the will of the Lord in the selection of deacons.

2. The deacons of this church. Name them and their service.





Parts for Assignment:

1. Why deacons were first elected.

2. Difference between work of pastor and work of deacon.

3. Proof that deacons are permanent officers in the church.

4. Qualifications of a deacon. Acts 6 and I Timothy 3.





Discussion Questions:

1. How many deacons can a church have Scripturally?

2. Can a divorced man be a deacon?

3. How can deacons help the pastor?

4. When a deacon moves his membership to another church, does he automatically become a deacon in that church?

5. What should a church do about a deacon that fails to carry out his duties of a deacon?

6. Are deacons to set the policies of a church? Elect the pastor? If not, why not?



 

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