Deacons Likewise (1 Timothy 3:8-9)

All Christians are called to be servants, but what qualifies a man to serve in an official deacon role? 

This is extremely important, because qualified deacons will be a huge blessing to your church but unqualified deacons can do great damage. They can destroy the reputation, unity, and holiness of your congregation. So, let’s give this some thought.

We’ll start with one positive and three negatives.  

Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. (1 Timothy 3:8)

Positively, deacons, like overseers, must be dignified. This is that same root word from verse four, which can mean esteem, respect, veneration, and honor. It’s the idea we use the word “gravitas” to capture. An undignified, dishonorable man may not serve as deacon.

Negatively, deacons, like overseers, must not be:

  • Double-tongued: Literally twice speaking. Saying one thing to one person and a different thing to another person. You want straightforward people who speak with integrity.
  • Addicted to much wine: A drunkard or addict. Such people need help to repent and be freed from these things. They do not need to be put in official ministry positions.
  • Greedy for dishonest gain: Hungry enough for money that they’re willing to get it by disgraceful means. You want people who work hard but hold money lightly and with integrity.

These are character issues. Next comes a faith issue.

They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. (1 Timothy 3:9)

Obviously, overseers need to have a good grip on the gospel; but so do deacons.

Several in the Ephesian church had let go of the faith as revealed by God through Jesus and the apostles. They were grabbing hold of falsehoods instead. Such folks may not serve as deacons.

Deacons need a firm hold on the mystery of the faith “with clear conscience.” Paul doesn’t elaborate about the conscience here, but it’s the third time in the letter he’s brought it up. It seems like some people in the Ephesian church were rejecting the faith and, in the process, their inner sense of right and wrong was contaminated. Deacons need to love the gospel and hold on to it with pure, uncontaminated consciences.  

Based on these verses, let me leave you with three encouragements:

  1. Make these qualifications explicit when your church chooses deacons.
  2. Share these qualifications with your deacons regularly.
  3. Evaluate your deacons by these qualifications and, if one or more falls short, consider asking them to step down while they grow in these areas.