Today, we look at what Paul tells us about the role of deacons. We take a few minutes to talk about who deacons were, Biblically, and who deacons are today. We walk through what deacons do in some of our different traditions, and while it may look different in each one, there is one thing that is common across all. Deacons call us as Christians, over and over again, to serve. That’s our job as Christians. To serve. Jesus came to serve, and that is our mission as well. To serve.

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Good morning. It’s wonderful to be with you today as we continue our journey through First Timothy. I’m Andy Stoddard, the lead pastor at St. Matthew’s, and I’m grateful that you’ve chosen to join us in exploring First Timothy together. As we progress through Timothy, we’ll also delve into Paul’s pastoral letters to Titus and Philemon, so there’s much more ahead. I’m personally enjoying revisiting Paul’s words to his beloved son, Timothy.

Today, we’ll be focusing on Chapter 3, verses 8 through 13. Yesterday, we discussed the qualifications for bishops, delving into the responsibilities of spiritual leadership. Today, our focus shifts to the qualifications for deacons.

Let’s read the passage, starting with verse 8: “Deacons likewise must be serious, not double-tongued, not indulging in much wine, not greedy for money. They must hold fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience, and let them be tested. Then if they prove themselves blameless, let them serve as deacons. Women likewise must be serious, not slanderers, but temperate, faithful in all things. Let the deacons be married only once. Let them manage their children and their households well. Those who serve as deacons gain a good standing for themselves, and great boldness in the faith that is Christ Jesus.”

Let’s discuss the biblical concept of deacons and then examine their role in the modern church. Deacons were first introduced in Acts, where they were chosen to address a practical need in the growing church. As the church expanded, some widows were not receiving their fair share of food. The apostles, recognizing the importance of their teaching and preaching ministry, appointed deacons to ensure the equitable distribution of resources. Thus, deacons emerged as servant-leaders, called from within the community to serve.

The passage outlines the qualifications for deacons, emphasizing characteristics such as seriousness, integrity, and self-control. Deacons are expected to hold firmly to the faith and demonstrate their commitment through righteous living. They undergo testing to ensure their suitability for the role, which includes managing their households well.

In the modern church, the role of deacons varies across denominations. In some traditions, such as the Baptist and Presbyterian churches, deacons are lay leaders tasked with serving the congregation. In others, like the Methodist and Catholic churches, deacons are ordained clergy with a distinct ministry of word and service. Regardless of denominational differences, the central focus of deacons remains unchanged: to lead the church in service.

As Christians, we are all called to serve, whether in formal leadership roles or through acts of compassion and kindness. Jesus exemplified servanthood throughout His ministry, and we are called to follow in His footsteps. Therefore, let us pray for our leaders, support them in their service, and discern how we too can contribute to the mission of the church.

In conclusion, the role of deacons is essential in fostering a culture of service within the church. Their qualifications reflect the values of integrity, devotion, and accountability. As we reflect on the passage from First Timothy, let us renew our commitment to serving God and others, following the example set by Jesus Christ. Thank you for joining us today, and may you be inspired to embrace your call to service. Have a blessed day.