Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 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.

INTRO

Recap - Church Leadership: Part 1 - Elders

• Episkopos (overseers, bishops)
• Presbuteros (elders)
• Poimen/poimaino (shepherds)

What is a Deacon?

Acts 6:1-6

     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. 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. 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. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 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. These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.

Matthew 23:11–12

      The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Mark 9:35

     And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.”

John 12:26

     If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.

Mark 10:45

      For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

II. What Deacons must BE

“Negative” Requirements

• Not double-tongued
• Not addicted to much wine
• Not greedy for dishonest gain

Exodus 18:21

     Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.

“Positive” Requirements

• Holds the mystery of faith with a clear conscience
• Tested and proved
• Faithful family life

Acts 6:3

     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.

III. What Deacons must DO

Elders serve the church by leading her.
Deacons lead the church by serving her.

Elders need deacons to serve practically.
Deacons need elders to serve spiritually.

IV. Can Women serve as Deacons?

5 Views on v. 11

1. All Christian women in general
2. Women deacons
3. Deaconesses
4. Women helpers or assistants to the deacons
5. The deacons’ wives

Why this does not mean wives of deacons:

There are no instructions for the wives of elders.
• The word ‘likewise’ indicates a new category here just as it indicates a new category in verse 8.
• There is no greek word for deaconesses (compare Phoebe in Romans 16)
• Paul could have said “their women”, but he just said women (gunikos).

V. Establishing Deacons at Cross+Crown Church

Deacons: Leadership roles, tested and approved

• CG Coaches
• Service Leads (Operations, Kids Ministry)
• Worship Leaders
• Ministry Leaders
• Operations Leaders

1 Timothy 3:13

     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.