A congregation set in scriptural order includes qualified men to serve in the office of deacon. It is our desire for the church to seek out men who meet the Biblical qualifications for this office. A candidate for deacon is a faithful, tested, trusted servant who has served God long enough for people to know his character traits. His qualifications, though they may seem stringent, are really nothing more than should be the goals of any serious Christian man. Unlike the elder, who is supposed to be "able to teach," the deacon does not necessarily need to have a special gift of teaching. Willingness to serve backed up with good moral character and steady family life should be his forte.

There are three passages that mention deacons in the New Testament: Acts 6:1-7, Philippians 1:1, and 1 Timothy 3:8-13. These passages contain eleven qualifications for deacons. In addition, there are four qualifications for deacon’s wives. (Note: Two sermons were preached recently regarding the selection of deacons in the church that elaborate on these issues. If you were not present to hear them, please obtain either taped or printed copies and listen to them or read them before completing this form.)

Deacons must be:

1. Of good reputation (Acts 6:3)
2. Full of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 6:3)
3. Full of wisdom. (Acts 6:3)
4. Men of dignity (1 Timothy 3:8)
5. Not double-tongued (1 Timothy 3:8)
6. Not addicted to much wine (1 Timothy 3:8)
7. Not fond of sorid gain (1 Timothy 3:8)
8. Holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience (1 Timothy 3:9)
9. Tested and found above reproach (1 Timothy 3:10)
10. Husband of one wife (1 Timothy 3:12)
11. Good manager of his children and household (1 Timothy 3:12)

Deacon’s wives must be:

1. Dignified (1 Timothy 3:11)
2. Not malicious gossips (1 Timothy 3:11)
3. Temperate (1 Timothy 3:11)
4. Faithful in all things (1 Timothy 3:11)

A deacon is a faithful and trusted servant. He can be called upon to carry responsibilities of service in order that evangelists and elders may devote themselves to the ministry of the word and prayer. Deacons are not overseers of the congregation but may exercise delegated oversight in areas requested by the elders, so the qualifications are necessary.

In your estimation, do we have men in our congregation who would meet the above qualifications and could serve as deacons? If you believe we do, please write their names in the space below. A composite list of names will be compiled and church leaders will confidentially consider each of them. Each of the men on the list will be asked privately to determine if he wishes to be considered for the office. Names of those who desire to serve will then be submitted to the congregation for approval.

Please write the names of the men you believe would be qualified to serve as deacons in the space below:

Signed __________________________________________ Date___________________

 

 

Note: Only members of this congregation can nominate or be nominated. Unsigned forms will be discarded. You may make additional copies if you need them.

 

Dave Redick is Minister of the Hwy 20 Church of Christ in Sweet Home, Oregon and Editor of The Preacher's Study. He may be reached at pstudysupport@comcast.net.

Copyright © 1996-2008 by The Preacher's Study. Permission is granted to subscribers to use this document in total or in sermon preparation in the context of the local congregation only. Publishing it in a book, on the Internet, or anyplace beyond the local congregation is prohibited.

All Scripture quotations and references are from the New American Standard Version unless otherwise stated.

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