20130317
Church Deacons like Church Elders are appointed to serve the Church. They are required to possess similar character qualities as those of the Elders. They should be persons of integrity, sincerity and well respected. There does not seem to be a requirement for Deacons to have the ability to teach the Church.
In the early Jerusalem Church, seven men were selected to “wait on tables” (Acts 6) when the practical needs of widowsof the Grecian Jews were overlooked. There were complains of food distribution between Hebraic and Grecian Jews. To reduce the burden of administrative task on the Apostles, these Seven were appointed. The prerequisites are for those who are full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit was given to those who were appointed to carry out specific tasks – craft skills to create implements for use in the Jerusalem Temple (Bezaliel), to lead and govern as Judges (Othniel, Samson) and to prophesy and deliver God’s message (Prophets). In the New Testament, the early Jerusalem Church sought those who were full of the Holy Spirit to do God’s work, in all kinds of general service like the distribution of food (waiting on table).
The Apostle Paul spells out the need for Church Deacons to be proven and these believers have to be tested and found fit. Their lives have probably gone through trials and the testing of their faith have produced the character suitable and be-fitting their appointed role as “diakonos” (servant). Paul encouraged the Roman Christians in Rom. 5:4-5 to have a proven faith – where “suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” With this tested faith and refined character, the Deacons will be able to uphold the truths against falsehood and false teachings with a clear conscience and serve with the love put into them by the Holy Spirit. Women Deacons have a special requirement: “the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything” (1 Tim. 3:11). Such good standing for them is essential for the honour and repute of the Church Deacons serving God’s household of faith. It is good work they are doing for God, “worthy of respect” and the people they serve appreciates this service.