Qualifications for Deacons

Biblical Qualifications for Deacons

  • What are a deacon’s responsibilities?
    • Called to serve
      • Called to assist the elders (Acts 6:2-6
        • In meeting the physical needs of widows and orphans
        • To serve the physical needs of the church
      • Called to go out and minister for Jesus in any way they can
        • Phillip shared the Bible with the eunuch (Acts 8:5,6; 12:26-40)
        • Stephen stood up and preached to a multitude (Acts 6:7)
    • Called to be full of faith
      • To be a true deacon must walk in faith (Acts 6:5)
        • Cannot be a weak Christian
        • Cannot be an immature Christian
      • Must be faithful to the church
        • Should be available when needed
        • Should be self-motivated in service
  • Are both male and females called to be deacons?
    • Is there a restriction on who is allowed to serve?
      • Phillip-male (Acts 6:5)
      • Stephen-male (Acts 6:5)
      • Pheobe-female (Romans 16:1)
    • Does the sex of the applicant restrict the type of service?
      • Everyone can help widows and orphans
      • Everyone can be full of faith (Romans 10:17)
      • Everyone can be faithful
  • How do we qualify for the calling?
    • Be available to God
      • Always keep an open ear to the Lord’s call to serve
      • Be faithful in serving where you are now, no matter how small the job may seem
      • Be sincere in service, not looking for praise from those you served
    • Be available to the pastor
      • Keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities to help others around you
      • Do the work given to you with joy unto the Lord
      • Be faithful in being on time to services, attending as often as possible
      • Be willing to do what needs to be done, not just seeking your favorite chores
      • Be discreet in all your dealings with the needs of the people you serve
      • Use the gifts and talents God has gifted you with by faith, allowing the Holy Spirit to use you in ministering His gifts
      • Be willing to stay in that position in faith until the Lord moves you to another position