The Biblical / Historical Background of a Deacon
Acts 6:1-7 is the passage often cited for the beginning of the office of deacon in the early Christian church. Though the seven who were elected were not specifically called "deacons" in the technical sense, they nonetheless functioned as deacons. The role of deacon probably grew out of this experience.
One reason they were chosen was to solve a problem that arose among the church fellowship. They were called upon to preserve the harmony of the church. Another reason was to free the apostles to give full attention to prayer and the ministry of the Word (v. 4).
The position of deacon in Acts 6 is an elected one. A deacon should certainly feel led to serve in that position; however the initiation of that commitment rests in the hands of the local church. It is not a position to which one appoints oneself.
The Deacon Ministry at Life Church can be summarized in one word, service. Our main priority is to follow the Biblical mandate to take care of the widows & orphans in our church community. Deacons do not guide our Pastor in what to preach, we do not oversee the Pastors of the church, we do not pick out carpet colors, and we do not govern the church. We are not a board of managers - we have no authority - we simply SERVE.
Qualifications of a Deacon
A deacon at Life Church lives a life that is consistent with the scriptures found in 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1: 5-9. Please give prayerful consideration to these passages, “examining yourselves, whether you be in the faith,” (II Corinthians 13:5) as you pray about the Lord’s will.
Man of character worthy of respect
Sincere
Sober-minded
Not pursuing dishonest gain
Man who keeps hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience
Man who is tested (examined by the Pastors of Life Church)
The husband of one wife
Man whose wife has similar qualifications
Man whose family is well cared for and family relationships are healthy and growing
Generous in spirit
Participates in the services and ministries of the church
Faithful Life Groups Member
Will participate in deacons activities and perform the deacon responsibilities
Requirements of a Deacon
Deacons at Life Church serve a 3 year rotating term and then must take a 1 year break before going through the nomination process to serve another term.
In order for a candidate for deacon to be considered they must first meet the following qualifications:
1. The candidate must be a member of Life Church for one year or longer (unless an exception is made by the Pastors of Life Church).
2. The candidate must be 21 years old or older.
3. The man must be a man of integrity, a man of character, who is living above reproach.