Church Leadership
Deacons

Roots of Confusion About Deacons

1. Modern Experience

Roots of Confusion About Deacons

2. Translation vs Transliteration
diakonous (Διακόνους) -> Deacon

Roots of Confusion About Deacons

Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power. Ephesians 3:7

It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant.
Matthew 20:26

Roots of Confusion About Deacons

3. Woman vs Wife- 1 Timothy 3:11
Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things.
English Standard Version

Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
King James Version

Roots of Confusion About Deacons
3. Woman vs Wife- 1 Timothy 3:11

In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.
New International Version

Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate,
faithful in all things.
New American Standard Version

Three Main Views

1. Women can serve as Deacons

2. Women cannot serve as Deacons

3. Women can serve as deacons in partnership with their husbands.

Qualifications of a Deacon

1. There is no job description

2. There is only a character description

What a deacon does is not as important as who a deacon is!

Marks of a Qualified Deacon

1. They must have a godly character and reputation.

Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain.
1 Timothy 3:8

Marks of a Qualified Deacon

2. They must have a sincere faith.

They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
1 Timothy 3:9

Marks of a Qualified Deacon

3. They must be tested and approved.

and let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.
1 Timothy 3:10

Marks of a Qualified Deacon

4. They must lead and serve their family well.

Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well.
1 Timothy 3:12

How Should We Respond?

1. Pray for God to raise up Godly Servants.

2. Aspire to meet the qualifications of a Deacon