Their Qualifications and Appointment

"Deacons" are referred to only in Paul's letter to the Philippians (1:1) and his first letter to Timothy (3:8-13). Neither reference gives a job description though 1 Timothy gives a list of qualifications for the appointment of deacons.  

The process of selection is not specified in Acts 6 in detail, but it is clear that the elders, the deacons and the congregation should all have a voice.

A. Appointments

We believe that a practical approach to the appointment of deacons, within the bounds of  Scripture, is as follows:

1. Each year, the elders will circulate a paper which gives opportunity to deacons, elders and others, asking for prayerful suggestions for candidates.

2. These suggestions are to be submitted to the elders before the annual congregational meeting.

3. The elders will then compile a list for consideration at the meeting. Then the congregation can indicate those it wishes to serve as deacons or assistants during the coming year.

Please bear the following in mind:

1. It is desirable to give some of our younger leaders, if qualified, an opportunity to serve in this ministry.

2. It is desirable to give a deacon who has served faithfully for six years a sabbatical on the seventh. This can be waived by the congregation in special circumstances.

3. Giving an existing deacon rest after even one year of service does not necessarily imply misconduct, incompetence, or lack of integrity.

B. Qualifications From 1 Timothy 3:8-13

1. "Men worthy of respect and dignity, men of serious outlook."

2. "Not double-tongued, sincere, straightforward, not shifty."

3. "Not given to excessive drinking."

4. "Not pursuing dishonest gain or questionable Money-making."

5. "Holding to the faith with a clear conscience."

6. "Tested and found beyond reproach."

7. "Men whose wives are also dignified and worthy of respect."

8. "Men whose wives are not malicious gossips or slanderers."

9. "Men whose wives are temperate and self-controlled."

10. "Men whose wives are trustworthy in every way."

11. "Husbands of only one wife."

12. "One who manages his own family and household well."

It is clear that the seven men appointed in Acts 6: 1-6 were the first deacons. Though the word deacon (diakonos) is not mentioned, they are said to serve or minister (diakoneo). Tradition from the time of Irenaeus has always held these men to be the first deacons. Qualifications for deacons are identical with that of elders in 1Timothy 3 except deacons need not be Aable to teach."

C.  Job Description

In addition, Acts 6 gives us a job description. These men were co-laborers with the apostles (elders) taking over the practical ministries to people (distribution of food and ministry to physical needs) in order to free the apostles (elders) to concentrate on prayer and the ministry of the Word. Deacons are required to minister to the needs of people and as load lifters" to the elders of the church.

As a church, let us be faithful in praying for these men and their families as they seek to serve the Lord and His people.

THE FAIRHAVEN ELDERS