Pauls Qualifications For Deacons

According to the Pastoral Epistle from Paul to Timothy, Pauls qualifications for deacons need to come into account.

There are several qualifications that need to be met in order for someone to become and hold the office of church Deacon outlined in 1 Timothy 3:8-13

The Greek word "Diakonos" meaning “Servant” is translated in English language bibles as "Deacon".

In the New Testament there are both appointed servants elected by the church and unelected servants who generally serve the Lord in the church.

In the New Testament the first servants or deacons were seven men (Stephen, Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas) selected to assist with the charitable work of the early church and appears in Acts 6:1-7.

The original intent was to help with the daily distribution of food to Widows who were often overlooked. So the disciples said "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables” so they decided to “Choose seven men“ who were “Known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom” and then they would turn their “Responsibility over to them” so that they were able to devote their time to “Prayer and the ministry of the word."

Qualifications for Deacons

1 Timothy 3:8-13 – NIV

Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

Therefore Deacons must be:

• Dignified
• Not double-tongued (Devious in speech)
• Not addicted to much wine
• Not greedy for dishonest gain
• Must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience
• Tested first
• Prove themselves blameless
• Must have dignified, not slanderers, sober-minded and faithful wives
• Must be married or the husband of one wife
• Manage their children and household well

In the King James Version, verse 12 is written as:

Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. Ruling here does not mean to rule over them like a cruel master does over a slave it means that he is to manage them with love and compassion in order to lead them and to protect them.

The qualifications for a deacon as they read in 1 Timothy 3:8-13 are not leadership qualifications like that expected of a Pastor but are character traits suited to being elected servants to the church congregation.

Baptists recognize two ordained positions in the church: Elders or Pastors and Servants or Deacons and Deacons like Pastors can be ordained.

According to Wikipedia, the free Internet encyclopedia:

“Most often the deacon or deacon candidate is a long-standing member of the church, being middle aged, but younger deacons are often members of a family that has had several generations in the same church. They are elected by quorum vote annually. Their roles are semi-pastoral in that they fill in for the pastor on occasion, or lead a prayer service. Their main roles are to accompany the pastor during Communion to hand out the remembrances of bread and wine (or grape juice) and to set a good example for others to follow.”