DEACONS

The role of deacon does not qualify a man for service, rather a man’s service qualifies the man for the role of deacon. Therefore, not every man is qualified to serve as a deacon.

The New Testament outlines certain criteria that must be present in man’s life in order to be considered for deacon ordination. We take these criteria very serious at First Baptist.

Nominate a Deacon

The Biblical Qualifications of a Deacon

as listed in Act 6:1-7 and 1 Timothy 3:8-13

(These qualifications are taken word for word from the English Standard Version)

  1. Acts 6:3 - Men of good repute.
  2. Acts 6:3 - Full of the Spirit and of wisdom.
  3. 1 Timothy 3:8 - Must be dignified.
  4. 1 Timothy 3:8 - Not double-tongued.
  5. 1 Timothy 3:8 - Not addicted to much wine.
  6. 1 Timothy 3:8 - Not greedy for dishonest gain.
  7. 1 Timothy 3:9 - They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
  8. 1 Timothy 3:10 - Prove themselves blameless.
  9. 1 Timothy 3:11 - Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things.
  10. 1 Timothy 3:12 - Let deacons each be the husband of one wife.
  11. 1 Timothy 3:12 - Managing their children and their own households well.  

Other Important Criteria

  • Nominee must have been a member of First Baptist for at least 1 Year.
  • Nominee must be actively involved in the life and ministry of First Baptist (serving, attending, giving, etc).
  • Men who have been ordained by another church are welcome to serve but must be nominated as well. They will not need to be ordained again but must be nominated. Please indicate if you know your nominee has been ordained as a deacon at another church.

The Practical Role of a Deacon at First Baptist Rockwall

The word ‘deacon’ in the New Testament literally means ‘servant’.

First Rockwall deacons are servants, and their special service is vital to the ministry of our church.

  1. The deacons serve as spiritual encouragers and ambassadors for our pastor in matters dealing with the general direction of our church.
  2. The deacons serve in the following ministries - all on a volunteer basis:
    • Hospital Visitation -A different deacon is assigned each week to visit those in the hospitals - usually this is done with another deacon partner.
    • Widows Ministry - Each deacon is given a list of widows in our church, and they call or visit to check on them.
    • Lord's Supper - The deacons both prepare and help in serving the Lord's Supper for the congregation.
  3. Our deacons meet on the second Thursday night of each month at 7:00 PM. Active deacons are encouraged to attend the meetings.  
Nominate a Deacon