Should a relatively new convert be allowed to serve as a deacon? What are the qualifications required of a deacon?

 

In considering this issue, the elders take direction from Acts 6:1-4 which describes the circumstances surrounding the creation of the diaconate, and to 1 Timothy 3:1-13 which describes their qualifications.

If read carefully, it will be noted that the qualification of “not a new convert”[1] applies to the elders and not to deacons. This goes along with another qualification that is required of an elder and not a deacon – that of being “an able teacher”.[2] It is the elders who must correctly teach the word of truth.[3] The elders, not the deacons, are referred to as “overseers”.[4] This is why not many should become teachers, knowing that they will receive a stricter judgment.[5]

Historically, this agrees with the description of deacons the Twelve Apostles gave, stating that the deacons were to “wait on tables”[6] while the Apostles would devote themselves to the prayer and preaching ministry.

This is the same type of structure and division of labor that we see in the Old Testament when the people of Israel had two types of officers: elders who served as both judges and teachers; and officers who managed the finances and mustered the warriors in time of war.[7]

So, if you carefully consider 1 Timothy 3, you will see that the qualifications for deacons start at verse 8. Those qualifications, if you include Acts 6 are:

  1. Of good reputation[8]
  2. Full of the Spirit[9] (in other words saved – we are inhabited and become the temples of the Holy Spirit upon conversion)
  3. Wise[10] (defined in its most basic form, this word means possessing an obedience to the Word motivated by a healthy fear of the Lord[11])
  4. Not a hypocrite[12]
  5. Not addicted[13]
  6. Not greedy[14]
  7. Holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience (in other words, obeying what they know)[15]
  8. Not bigamists or unfaithful[16]
  9. Properly caring for their families[17]

1 Timothy 3:10 says that if they are tested (by these standards) and found to be blameless, then they can serve as deacons.

 


[1] 1 Timothy 3:6

[2] 1 Timothy 3:2

[3] 2 Timothy 2:15

[4] 1 Timothy 3:1, 2; Titus 1:7

[5] James 3:1

[6] Acts 6:32

[7] Numbers 11:16; 31:14

[8] Acts 6:3; 1 Timothy 3:8

[9] Acts 6:3

[10] Acts 6:3

[11] Proverbs 1:7

[12] 1 Timothy 3:8

[13] 1 Timothy 3:8

[14] 1 Timothy 3:8

[15] 1 Timothy 3:9

[16] 1 Timothy 3:12

[17] 1 Timothy 3:12