Preparing to work as a Deacon
Men's Class Lesson 24 August 27, 2002

What a Deacon is not….
1. An "honorary' office
2. A popularity election
3. A "Junior Elder"
4. Special duties (Deacon's Work)

Special Rewards? I Pet 5:4, I Tim 3:13
1. Honor and respect from brethren
2. Boldness in the faith I Tim 3:13
3. Crown of Glory I Pet. 5:4 (Elders)

What a Deacon is…

Qualifications (I Tim. 3: 8-13)
1. Must be grave (serious character)
2. Not double-tongued (not a gossiper, not two faced)
3. Not given to much wine (drunkenness, excess)
4. Not greedy to filthy lucre (not consumed by greed)
5. Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience (knows what he believes)
6. First be proved, and found blameless (completes what has been given him)
7. Must have grave wives, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things
8. Husband of one wife (not a bigamist or a bachelor)
9. Ruling their children and their own houses well (demonstrate ability to manage)
10. Is a desire for the office a qualification?

The Duties of Deacons:
1. Not as clear-cut as Elders
2. Helpers and servants
3. Review Acts 6:1-6 Are these Deacons?
7 men chosen to serve tables
Not identified as deacons
They did the work of helpers and servants

Deacons vs. Elders
1. Do the Deacons "work for the Elders"?
Spirit of Helpers and Servants
Showing the Elders respect as overseers
2. Elders are Overseers. Deacons are Helpers
3. Is the Elder's work Spiritual, while Deacon's work Physical?
Acts 11:29-30 Finances. Contributions sent to the Elders
Stephen and Philip (2 of the 7) preached the gospel with force

Deacons vs. Members Why have Deacons?
1. Many of same qualifications / qualities of good members
2. Making sure the work gets done
3. Assuring order and decency
4. Managing special needs

Qualifications of Deacons

1. Must be grave
2. Not double-tongued
3. Not given to much wine
4. Not greedy
5. Holding the mystery of faith
6. Proved and found blameless
7. Grave wives
8. Husband of one wife
9. Ruling their homes well