| ARTICLE IX. DEACONS |
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The New Testament scripture teaches that deacons were set apart by the church
as servants to minister to the needs of the Body of Christ. This ministry
allowed the elders (pastors) to devote themselves to prayer and to the ministry
of the Word *(1). The office of deacon is one of a servant to the Body of
Christ. Any other concept does injustice to the New Testament record found
in Acts 6 and 1Timothy 3. It is not a position or office to give a man in
order to honor him.
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| References |
| (1) Acts 6:1-7 |
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| SECTION 1. PURPOSE OF DEACONS |
The purpose of deacons in the church is as follows:
- To work and serve alongside the elders and staff to support, encourage, promote, and uphold their ministry *(1).
- To exemplify spiritual leadership in the fellowship of the church, in their family, personal, and business relationships*(2).
- To be men of prayer and students of the Word of God *(3).
- To seek to lead the lost to the Lord Jesus Christ *(4).
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| References |
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(1) Acts 6:3,
(2) 1 Timothy 3:8-16,
(3) 1 Timothy 2:8; 2 Timothy 2:14-15,
(4) Matthew 28:19-20
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| SECTION 2. QUALIFICATIONS OF DEACONS |
| A. ACTIVE CHURCH MEMBERSHIP |
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A man must be an active member of this church for one year
prior to the time of election to the deacon body unless the elder body approves
a shorter time *(1).
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| B. BIBLICAL QUALIFICATIONS |
A deacon must possess the qualifications described in scripture. He shall be:
- A man of good reputation *(2).
- A man full of the Spirit and wisdom *(3).
- A man of dignity, not doubled tongued, not addicted to wine, or fond of sordid gain *(4).
- A man who holds the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience *(5).
- A man beyond reproach *(6).
- A man who is the husband of only one wife. He must have never been divorced *(7).
- A man whose wife has never been divorced *(8).
- A man who is a good manager of his children and his own household *(9).
- A man whose wife does not have a malicious tongue *(10).
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| References |
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(1) 1 Timothy 3:10,
(2) Acts 6:3,
(3) Acts 6:3,
(4) 1 Timothy 3:8,
(5) 1 Timothy 3:9,
(6) 1 Timothy 3:10,
(7) 1 Timothy 3:12,
(8) Matthew 5:31-32,
(9) 1 Timothy 3:12,
(10) 1 Timothy 3:11
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| SECTION 3. DEACON SELECTION PROCESS |
The process by which deacons are selected is as follows:
- The elder body shall determine if there is a need for additional deacons for the church *(1).
- When the elder body determines that there is a need for additional deacons, it shall direct the church to nominate from among the active membership men that it feels meet the qualifications of the office of deacon *(1).
- Upon nomination by the church the elder body shall prayerfully consider each man nominated and appoint those men that it determines are qualified for the office of deacon *(1).
- A special service shall be held so that the elders may present those men that they have appointed to the office of deacon and that the men may be formally ordained to the office of deacon by the laying on of hands *(1).
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| References |
| (1) Acts 6:1-7 |
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| SECTION 4. DEACON OFFICERS |
The deacon body shall choose from among themselves men to serve in the leadership
positions noted below. These men shall serve for a period of two years at
a time. They are not to serve more than two consecutive terms in the same position.
- Chairman of deacons.
- Vice-chairman of deacons.
- Secretary.
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| SECTION 5. DEACON MEETINGS |
| The deacon body shall meet as needed for the carrying out of its ministry in
the church. The chairman of deacons or the elder body may call a meeting
of the deacons.
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| SECTION 6. TERM OF OFFICE |
| The term of office for a deacon shall be as long as he is qualified, capable, and desirous of fulfilling the office and duties of a deacon. |
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| SECTION 7. REMOVAL OF DEACONS |
| Any deacon may be removed from office if he becomes physically incapacitated, spiritually unqualified, or his inability to serve is established by the elders of the church. |
