Charge to a Deacon Candidate

Charge to a Deacon Candidate
1 Timothy 3:8-10, 12-13
Acts 6:3
Richard S. Dickson

The call to serve in the biblical office of deacon is a special one:
- it is an honor to be called, but the call bestows no special honor
- it is a privilege to serve, but it is not a position of privilege

To be called to serve as deacon is that
- a call to serve
- the word itself, "diakonos" means servant (used by other writers of the period for those who wait tables - see Acts 6:2)

So what character qualifications are there: 1 Timothy 3:8-10, 12-13
1. grave
  - gravity & dignity combined
  - recognize the seriousness of purpose & the effects of one's conduct
  - don't take the service lightly
2. not doubletongued
  - not insincere, but sincere
  - not one thing to one & something else to another
  - not a people pleaser
3. not given to much wine (tipsy)
  - avoid addictive substances
  - not escapism - face reality squarely
4. not greedy of filthy lucre
  - not dishonest gain
  - but work honestly
5. holding the mystery of the faith
  - sound doctrine with a pure conscience
6. husband of one wife
  - literally a one woman man
  - faithful
7. ruling children & house well
  - manage, lead
  - Ephesians 6:4 - fathers provoke not your children to wrath, but bring them up in nurture and admonition of the Lord
8. full of wisdom
  - practical knowledge
9. full of the Spirit
  - spiritual dependency
I charge you (name of candidate) to be serious of purpose & high of character, sincere, facing reality head on; to be honest in work & finances; to be sound in doctrine; to be faithful to your wife, your church, & your Lord; to manage your household well; and to be both practical and spiritual in your service to the church of our Lord Jesus Christ. May God be with you.