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.
The Biblical Qualifications of a Deacon
as listed in Act 6:1-7 and 1 Timothy 3:8-13
Acts 6:1–7
Seven Chosen to Serve
[1] Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. [2] And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. [3] Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. [4] But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” [5] And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. [6] These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.
[7] And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith. (ESV)
1 Timothy 3:8–13
Qualifications for Deacons
[8] Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. [9] They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. [10] And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. [11] Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. [12] Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. [13] 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. (ESV)
(These qualifications are taken word for word from the English Standard Version)
- Acts 6:3 - Men of good repute.
- Acts 6:3 - Full of the Spirit and of wisdom.
- 1 Timothy 3:8 - Must be dignified.
- 1 Timothy 3:8 - Not double-tongued.
- 1 Timothy 3:8 - Not addicted to much wine.
- 1 Timothy 3:8 - Not greedy for dishonest gain.
- 1 Timothy 3:9 - They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
- 1 Timothy 3:10 - Prove themselves blameless.
- 1 Timothy 3:11 - Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things.
- 1 Timothy 3:12 - Let deacons each be the husband of one wife.
- 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.
- The deacons serve as spiritual encouragers and ambassadors for our pastor in matters dealing with the general direction of our church.
- 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.
- Our deacons meet on the second Thursday night of each month at 7:00 PM. Active deacons are encouraged to attend the meetings.