1 Timothy 3:8-13 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.

INTRODUCTION: CHURCH NEEDS

The Church is the organizational response to the Gospel. As an organization, the church needs leaders. The NT makes it clear that pastors (elders) and deacons are to be the God-ordained, recognized leaders of each local congregation (see Phil 1:1).

RMLBC needs strong, godly deacons!

ORIGIN OF THE OFFICE OF DEACON

Acts 6:1-7 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. And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem.

THE QUALIFICATIONS OF A DEACON

• Honorable attitude – “Diginified”
• Godly Speech habits – “Not double-tongued”
• Clear mind – “Not addicted to much wine”
• Right motive – “Not greedy for dishonest gain”
• Genuine believer – “Hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience”
• Tested and proven – “First be tested…let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless”
• Godly husband and father – “Their wives likewise must…Managing their children”

DUTIES OF A DEACON

• Generally: “Serve tables.”
• At RMLBC: Serve tables, general oversight of all ministries, pastoral advisory and support group, and member family care.

THE JOY OF DEACONS

1 Tim 3:13 Those who do well as deacons will be rewarded with respect from others and will have increased confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus (NLT).

CONCLUSION: CHALLENGE TO THE CHURCH

• Take deacon ministry seriously
• Pray for Brad and Lori