“Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.” (Acts 6:2-3)
There is no greater blessing to a pastor, than godly deacons. Not only are they a blessing to their pastor, but they are also a blessing to their church. On the other hand, no one has done more damage to pastors and churches than carnal deacons.
Many people do not understand what a deacon is and what their purpose is. Notice the characteristics that the apostles said were necessary when choosing good, godly deacons.
FIRST—They were to be SAVED.
(v.2) says these men were to be called out from among “the multitude of the disciples” which means they were to be a disciple, themselves. So, the first qualification of a deacon is that he is to be saved.
SECOND—They were to be SERVANTS.
The word deacon means “servant.” The whole reason deacons were needed in the first place was because the widows were being neglected and the apostles said, “It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.” The apostles’ duties were to pray and study the Word of God in order to feed the people of God, spiritually. So, in order to free them up for that task, they needed other men who had a servant’s heart who would come and take care of the business of meeting the widow’s needs.
Contrast that with the idea in many churches that deacons are to sit on some “Board” and run the church and pastor, and in some cases tell the pastor what he can and cannot preach. No, a true biblical deacon is a servant, not a master. If some man wants to become a deacon because of some perceived power he will have, then he misunderstands the ministry of a deacon.
I am thankful for the deacons we have at Community Baptist Church. They are true servants and are a blessing to both me and our church.
THIRD—They were to be SINCERE.
Next, (v.3) says they were to look for “men of honest report.” These were to be sincere men; men of honesty and integrity. Remember, they were going to be working closely with widows. Therefore, they were to be men of impeccable character and with a pure testimony lest rumors start of inappropriate behavior that could hurt them and the cause of Christ.
FOURTH—They were to be SPIRITUAL.
(v.3) says they were also to be men “full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom.” There would never be a deacon who was a problem to a pastor or church if they were truly “full of the Holy Ghost.” Another reason deacons were needed was because (v.1) says there was beginning to be murmuring in the church. Deacons were called to help put down the murmuring.
This morning, pray for the deacons in your church. Call them by name. Thank God for them and encourage them as they encourage your pastor. Pray for God to help them be the serving, sincere, spiritual men God called them to be.