Deacons and the Local Church - 1 Timothy 3:8-13
What makes a great teammate? Perhaps you’ve been watching March Madness (an admittedly unfitting term for this year’s NCAA tournament) and witnessed the on-court chemistry of the nation’s best basketball teams. At a fundamental level, great teams work well together. Their players accept their distinct roles, each contributing uniquely to the success of the team as a whole.
This concept is not so different than the biblical model for Christian ministry. Not all Christians possess the same abilities, but all are to steward their gifts in ways that build one another up and help the church be faithful in its mission of making disciples.
On Sunday, Pastor Michael preached on 1 Timothy 3:8-13, helping us see the unique role of deacons in the church. Deacons are to serve the church by meeting needs in the church, promoting the unity of the church, and supporting the ministry of the word.
In the passage, we read the qualities required of deacons. What’s perhaps most striking about these qualities is their ordinariness. Deacons are, for instance, to be “dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain” (see 1 Timothy 3:8, ESV). All Christians should desire to possess these qualities. All Christians should be honorable, honest, self-controlled, and content.
When selecting deacons, however, it is often our tendency to first consider which church members possess the technical skills required for different ministry areas. This makes sense to us. Biblically, though, it is clear that one’s character matters more than one’s skillset. Deacons are lead servants, and those who occupy this office are to walk in a way that matches their profession of faith. Giftedness is never a substitute for godliness.
Do you display the qualities of a deacon? Consider asking a trusted friend to honestly evaluate your life in light of the requirements in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. Which of the qualities provided stands out to you most as an area for growth, and how might you pursue growth in it?
Resources:
What Do Deacons Do? — Matt Smethurst
5 Myths about Deacons — Matt Smethurst
Reflection Questions:
How might you pursue growth in the character qualities provided in 1 Timothy 3:8-13?
Why do you think one’s character matters more than one’s skillset?
Is your service to the church marked by joy?
Listen to the Sermon: