Years ago, when I was working in the secular world, there was an opening to a position in the company. With this opening I decided to apply for the job. When I made the decision to apply the first thing that I needed to find out was the qualifications. The job that I was looking to earn was no different then the jobs that there are in the church. They both have qualifications.

When we look at different jobs in the world we find that there are different qualifications. For example if I were looking for a job as a lawyer the qualifications would be different then the qualifications for a school teacher. The church is the same. Within every job qualifications have been set. The great thing about the word of God is that the qualifications have not and will not ever change whereas in the world they may.

The qualification for the role of the deacon has been set for us. There is no wondering that has to be done. Contained in 1st Timothy 3:8-13 we will clearly see what is required of a deacon. Now, before we get too far into this study we need to understand that the requirements that God has set for the deacon is to be taken both seriously and upheld to the letter. This is not a suggestion from God but rather a command.

In some churches people are sought out from among fellow believers and it is our job to make sure that they fit the qualifications that have been set before us. The point at which a person is selected merely on friendship is the point at which we as a body step outside the guidelines that God the Father has set for us. This is dangerous territory to be in. Anytime we operate on our own is when we fall away from God. He has given us the qualifications in order for us to follow them not just for us to review them. These requirements are expected to be followed…no matter what.

1st Timothy 3:8-13, “8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; 9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. 11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. 12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.”

These verses give us a birds eye view as to what a deacon is to look like. Verse eight starts out by saying that a deacon (servant) is to be grave. Grave means to worthy of respect, noble, and honest. This character trait is one that should be infectious. The upright honesty demands others around them to follow suite. Notice that the next requirement is that the deacon must not be double-tongued. Double-tongued means that the person shouldn’t be insincere.

The verse continues by stating that they should not be given to much wine. This would indicate that the person should not have much fermented wine. Verse one is completed by indicating that the deacon should not be greedy for filthy lucre. In other words they should not be pursuing dishonest gain. You see, there is a contrast between being grave (respectful, noble, and honest) and double-tongued (insincere), drinking, and pursuit of dishonest gain. If you are a respectful, honest, and noble person then you can not be the opposite as well.

Verse nine tells us what the deacon should be doing. He should be holding the mystery of faith in a pure conscience. This tells us that he must have the faith or belief in Christ but it must be done in a pure conscience. It can not be a show and it must be real. The question is, how do we know if this person is real about who they say they are? The answer is time.

Verse ten indicates that before someone is thrust into a position of a deacon he must first be proved. The word proved means to be tested, tried, or examined. This can only be achieved through time. When we look at a person to be out into the position of a deacon we have to see how they handle themselves through time. Do they prove themselves as God fearing men? Once they have proven themselves blameless then they may be placed into the position of deacon.

To the deacon that is married we find that there are some further stipulations. Their wife and household must also be examined. (Note: before we go any further, we have to take time and mention that the role of a deacon is much like the preacher in regards to marriage. They are to be married to a woman. This means two things. First, the deacon can not be a homosexual. Second, the role of a deacon is reserved for a man not a woman.) The wife must also be respected, noble, and honest. They also must not be slanderers (devilish or malicious) but rather sober and faithful in all things. This means if the wife is not a God fearing person then the role of a deacon isn’t for their husband.

In the twelfth verse we see that the deacon is to be married to one woman. They are to rule their children and house well. Again, without these qualifications being met they are unsuitable for the position of deacon.

As we have looked at the qualifications of a deacon we see that they are laid before our very eyes. With the word of God we need not wonder what a deacon would look like. The specifications, requirements, and qualifications are clear.

In the word of God we find that the deacon is the one that meets the needs of the people. They are the ones that take the work load off of the preacher in order that they may continue in prayer and ministering of the word (read “The Role of a Deacon”).