1 Tim 3:8-13
Deacons in the Church
Why the church needs deacons.
A kingdom of priests and servants.
- You also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Pet 2:5
- Mark 9:35 And sitting down, he called the twelve and said to them, "If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all."
The deacon, "servant" of the church.
- Acts 6:1-6
Restoration of the true diaconal office.
- To care for the needy in the congregation and help our neighbor
- To handle the funds for mercy
- To free the pastor and elders to devote their full attention to their ministry (service) of prayer, teaching and shepherding.
What sort of deacons does the church need?
Qualifications for office.
- 1 Tim 3:8-13
- Reverent (worthy of respect)
- Honest, trustworthy, sober
- Good home managers
What about deaconesses?
- 1 Tim 3:11
- Likewise... Likewise vv. 8, 11
- "women"
- Rom 16:1-2.
A heart for office.
- 1 Tim 3:10
- Rom 12:6-7
A call to office.
- Acts 6:5
From the Directory for Church Government, RPCNA
The Diaconate is a spiritual office responsible for the ministry of mercy and stewardship of the congregation. It is neither a ruling nor a teaching office. Its exercise, like the whole life of the church, is under the oversight of the session and its function is administrative.
Those eligible to be called as deacons must:
- 1. Be communicant members in good standing of the Reformed Presbyterian Church.
- 2. Evidence the standards of character and conduct consistent with those set forth in Acts 6:3; 1 Timothy 3:8-13 and 1 Corinthians 12:28.
- 3. Be knowledgeable in and committed to the subordinate doctrinal standards of the denomination as being consistent with Scriptures.