If the Church is going to make disciples of all nations and bear one another’s burdens, we must have Deacons who assist the Pastors in serving the body. Yet Deacons must be qualified.

INTRO: SIX FOUNDATIONAL TRUTHS CONCERNING DEACONS

I) The word deacon means simply means “servant”

II) Every Christian is to be a “servant” but there are some appointed as “Servants” of local churches

III) Deacons are not the same thing as Elders, Pastors, Overseers

IV) The pastors of Ekklesia Muskogee believe both men and women can be appointed as a Deacon/Deaconess

V) Churches approve Deacons, and Pastors appoint them

VI) The job description of Deacons is simply to serve and care for the church in ways that enable the Pastors to care for the church through the Word and prayer

I. DEACONS MUST BE GENERALLY QUALIFIED (vv.8-10)

I) Deacons must be dignified

II) Deacons must not be double-tongued

III) Deacons must not be addicted to much wine

IV) Deacons must not be greedy for dishonest gain

V) Deacons must have good doctrine and a clear conscience

VI) Deacons must be tested and proved to be blameless

II. DEACONESSES MUST BE SPECIFICALLY QUALIFIED (v.11)

I) Deaconesses specifically must not be slanderers

II) Deaconesses specifically must be sober-minded

III) Deaconesses specifically must be faithful in all things

III. DEACONS MUST BE SPECIFICALLY QUALIFIED (v.12)

I) Deacons specifically must a one-women man

II) Deacons specifically must manage their children

III) Deacons specifically must manage their own household well

IV. DEACONS AND DEACONESSES WHO SERVE WELL ARE HONORABLE AND CONFIDENT (v.13)

I) Deacons and Deaconesses who serve well are to be honored

II) Deacons and Deaconesses who serve well have great confidence in the faith

If the Church is going to make disciples of all nations and bear one another’s burdens, we must have Deacons who assist the Pastors in serving the body. Yet deacons must be qualified.

Q. Do you want disciples made and saints cared for? A. Then we must have qualified deacons.