RECOGNIZING DEACONS IN BIBLICAL CHURCH LEADERSHIP

There are two Biblical Church Leadership Offices: Elders & Deacons. DEACONS ARE NOT A REQUIRED OFFICE OF LEADERSHIP FOR ALL CHURCHES.  DEACONS HOLD A BIBLICALLY QUALIFIED OFFICE OF LEADERSHIP IN THE CHURCH. THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF BIBLICAL ELDERS, THE OVERSEERS From Alexander Strauch’s book -Paul's Vision for the Deacons: Assisting the Elders with the Care of God's Church . · Lead the church of God (1 Tim. 5:17) · Exercise oversight: manage, supervise (1 Peter 5:2) · Teach the people God’s Word (1 Tim. 3:2; 2 Tim. 2:2; Titus 1:9) · Equip and prepare the saints for Christian ministry (Eph. 4:11–12) · Labor in preaching and teaching (1 Tim. 5:17) · Model Christian leadership (1 Peter 5:3) · Shepherd, that is, pastor the whole church (1 Peter 5:2): feed, protect, lead, and heal (Acts 20:28) · Judge doctrinal disputes (Acts 15:2–30; 16:4; 21:20–25) · Guard the church from false teachers (Acts 20:28–31; Titus 1:9–10) · Care for the church of God (1 Tim. 3:5) · Help those within the church who are weak (Acts 20:35) · Pray for the sick and anoint them with oil (James 5:14–15) · Lay hands on certain gifted individuals (1 Tim. 4:14) · Handle church finances (Acts 11:29–30; 1 Peter 5:2) · Represent their local church to other churches (Acts 11:30; 15:4, 22–23; 21:18–19) · Held accountable by God the Father (Heb. 13:17) 1 TIMOTHY 3:8–13 (ESV) 8Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. 11Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 13 For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. Deacons are qualified like Elders v8 - 1 Timothy 3:1-7 Deacons are qualified by character v8 - Dignified - Not double tongued - Not addicted to much wine - Not greedy for dishonest gain Deacons are qualified by their confession v9 - Holding the faith with a clear conscience Deacons are qualified in community v12 - Qualified in the church - Qualified in his  family DEACONS HOLD A GOOD STANDING AND GREAT CONFIDENCE IN THE FAITH. 13 For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.