Behind every body of elders, are deacons. Every church needs deacons. These deacons faithfully meet the practical needs of the church. God gifts his church with elders who teach well, and also gifts his church with deacons who serve well. Acts 6 describes their service as being “full of the Spirit and of wisdom.”
Are you ready to be a deacon? Here are eight characteristics we are looking for in our deacons. Can you and your friends say “Yes” to these about you?
1. Evident godliness
Paul lays out the qualifications for deacons in 1 Timothy 3:8–13. The standard is nothing short of blamelessness. Are you known for speaking a kind word? Or demonstrating patience in the midst of trials? Do you show discernment in media intake? In the midst of controversy, do you strive for unity?
Our deacons understand that personal holiness and faithfulness is paramount.
2. A high view of Scripture
The best deacons understand that their role is to free up elders to teach and shepherd. We are looking for deacons who are thrilled to see our members actively growing in the Word of God, and are themselves, growing in their understanding of Scripture. Do you ask honest, thought-provoking questions? Does talking about the sermon or Bible study excite you?
Our deacons have a high view of Scripture and love to see the Word taught.
3. A healthy respect for elders
Along with excitement over what is being taught, godly deacons will honor those who do the teaching. Christ—not the elders—is the head of the church. Yet, Christ has charged elders to oversee, and deacons to help their work to be a joy and not a burden (Hebrews 13:17). Do you pray regularly for the elders? Are you one who shows thanksgiving for the men God raised to be our pastors?
Our deacons deeply appreciate the ministry of Eldership.
4. Love of community
Great deacons long to foster unity in the local church. This is clearly seen in Acts 6 when Greek widows had been overlooked in the distribution of food. Deacons were appointed and stepped in to serve and preserve this gospel community. Are you faithfully present at the gatherings of the church? Do you support local outreach in the Chattahoochee Valley? Are you one to lend a hand to solve problems before they cause division? This is the stuff of deacons.
Our deacons model the “one another” passages of Scripture.
5. Concern for the overlooked
Deacons can help the elders by paying attention to the church body and helping everyone be involved. It’s easy in churches for people to fall through the cracks. Deacons are attentive to this danger. Are you welcoming visitors, engaging outsiders, and helping the lonely to feel at home?
Our deacons champion the phrase “serve and be served” at Calvary.
6. Track record of service
It’s not enough to want to serve; a deacon should have a record of serving well. Paul said, “let them also be tested first, then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless” (1 Timothy 3:10). Paul seems to address the character and the competency of the person. Are you already serving the church somewhere? Do you jump in when a need arises?
Our deacons serve out of love for Jesus, His church, and her members.
7. Gets others involved
The best deacons don’t do all the work themselves—they mobilize an army of volunteers. This requires the ability to delegate and work on a team. Are you able to empower others to serve? Do you disciple others by serving together? Do you recognize a need and take initiative to see it met?
Our deacons value serving with others.
8. Happy not to be recognized
It’s an honor to be recognized as an officer in a local church. We shouldn’t downplay this. Paul doesn’t. He said those deacons who serve well “gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 3:13). There is nothing wrong with wanting to be a deacon. And yet, the best deacons are those happy to serve without being recognized. Are you one who doesn’t seek the spotlight? Do you commend others for their service? Are you okay with not being recognized for something you do?
Our deacons are unusually humble and hungry to see others involved.
So, do you want to be a deacon? If you wish to continue this journey, complete the form below.