In the previous chapters of our Set-Apart Communities series, we covered what the qualifications are for selecting elders. (If you would like to know more on that topic, please view “Selecting Elders Part 1” and “Selecting Elders Part 2“.)
In this eleventh chapter, we are going to cover the qualifications for selecting deacons. In “Selecting Deacons”, we want to talk about the selection requirements that congregational elders use to select deacons, and how deacons in turn, help serve the people.
It is vitally important for you to know these requirements so that you and your family can be certain you are being led in the original, first-century faith once for all delivered to the saints, and not some other similar, lookalike faith. (And there are many lookalike faiths out there).
Leadership partnership.
Primarily in this chapter we are going to take a look at the relationship between the congregational elders and the deacons. And then, in another place, we will look at the relationship between the priesthood and the deacons.
Definition of deacon
Strong’s Greek Concordance: Deacon
G/NT:1249, διάκονος, diakonos (dee-ak’-on-os), probably from διάκω diakō (obsolete,
to run on errands; compare G1377); an attendant, that is, (generally) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specifically a Christian teacher and pastor (technically a deacon or deaconess): – deacon, minister, servant.
Hebrew: shamash (a servant).
Deaconship: a support role
What we see is that the deacons serve both the congregational elders and the people, they serve all the way around. A deacon is a very humble, very important, service-oriented position. And this is basically the first position that anyone interested in serving should begin in. Whether he would like to serve one day as a congregational elder or perhaps in the priesthood, he should first begin in the position of a deacon. We will also see why the deacon role is an important support role for the congregational elders, so that the congregational elders are able to remain focused on their primary functions.
Ma’asei (Acts) 6:1-2
1 Now in those days [after Yeshua’s ascension], when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews [against the more Hebraically oriented, devout disciples] by the Hellenists [the reformed Jews], because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.
2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of Elohim and serve tables…”
And we will see how Scripture directs the priesthood and elders in selecting deacons, so that only qualifed individuals are placed in leadership positions.
TimaTheus Aleph (1 Timothy) 3:8
8 Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued [his yes is yes, his no is no, he is not going to say different things to different people], not given to much wine [no substance, pornography, or gambling addictions. They are going to draw close to Yahweh and be healed of such things], not greedy for money [not covetous]…
TimaTheus Aleph (1 Timothy) 3:9
9 Holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience.
Selecting deacons: why it matters for you!
Similar to having the right elder leading a congregation, it is equally important to have the right, qualified deacons. Because deaconship is a support role, the deacons will often have direct contact with members of the congregation. Therefore, it is important for leadership to select qualified deacons only, so that the flock is protected from harmful influence.
If you and your family want to make sure that you are being led in the original first-century faith, please continue reading about the selection requirements for deacons.
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We thank Yahweh Elohim for your love for His kingdom.
