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The office of the deacon is not an honorary one. Rather, deacons are set apart to serve. In fact, when we see deacons first introduced in Acts 6, this was precisely their function. The deacons served widows so that Apostles would be free for prayer and the ministry of the word. The office of the deacon is not a position of leadership, but deacons often find themselves leading. Their leadership is a derived authority, earning such through godly character and sacrificial service. Such leadership is fitting and right.” 

Jason K. Allen

 

Who is a deacon? The apostles in the early church were faced with a conflict between two groups within the church in Acts 6. This specific conflict was focused on an administrative issue, the daily service of food. It was not beneath the apostles to help in these matters, but in order to take care of these matters they would be neglecting their call to administer the Word of God.

 

Their solution was to have the congregation select seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, to put in charge of this need. This solution pleased the church and because of the seven’s faithful service, the Word of God spread and the number of followers grew. These seven men were the first deacons in the church.

 

The apostles had the responsibility of serving the Word to the congregation. This is a high calling that pastors and elders share today. The deacon has the responsibility to serve the table. Taking burdens off of the pastor so that he can focus on administering the Word.

 

The apostle Paul gives the qualifications of deacons in 1 Timothy 3. They must be dignified, not double-tongued, not indulging in much wine, not fond of dishonest gain, but they are to hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. They must be beyond reproach, faithful to their wife, and lead their family well.

 

I have heard many horror stories of unqualified men who held the title “deacon” in their church and sowed chaos and discord among the brethren. I have also witnessed many faithful men who were not allowed to serve as deacons because of the interpretation of “the man of only one wife” as prescribed in 1 Timothy 3:12. The Scripture is not saying that he cannot have a previous marriage, Paul would have used different language. The usage of “the husband of only one wife” is used in a positive sense, meaning a qualified deacon is faithful to his wife. 

 

I am so thankful for the qualified men in my life who have been faithful to the call of serving the Lord and His church as deacons. I have been blessed with many men who have stood by the side of their pastor through thick and thin. A faithful qualified deacon is a treasure to the local church.

 

Northside Baptist Church has been blessed with men who have served in this vital office over the years. I am grateful for the deacons that I have had the pleasure to serve with in my short time here, Kenneth Stanley, Troy King, and Steven Lee.  

 

Next Sunday, November 9th following our morning service, we have the privilege of posthumously honoring a deacon who exemplified these biblical qualities, Bro. Kenneth Stanley, as we dedicate our new playground. We hope that you will join us as we pack the pews and pack the playground on the 9th!

 

Keep on!