Qualifications for Deacons
The Loop is like a bulletin, but cooler. See what’s going on!
1 Timothy 3:8-13
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[b] 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.
Questions
Read Acts 6:1-7. Here we read of what many say are the first deacons in the early church. How do deacon qualifications equip them for service?
Two of the men chosen in Acts 6 (Stephen and Philip) are mentioned again throughout the book of Acts.
Read about Stephen in Acts 6:8-15, then fast forward to Acts 7:54-60. In what ways would you say Stephen “served well” as a deacon?
Read about Philip in Acts 8:4-8, then find him again in Acts 8:26-40. How does Philip exemplify being a servant leader?
How is serving the church different from volunteering? Compare your heart in service to the church to Christ’s. How does serving worship the Lord?
Spend time in prayer
• Pray for our deacons and all servants of Christ to honor him in regard to meeting the needs of God’s people in the church.
• Pray for our Church Staff, Team Leaders and Group Leaders as they faithfully serve Christ and his church.