8 Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, 9 holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. 10 But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. 11 Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

1 Timothy 3:8-12

Qualifications

Deacons are equally qualified with elders in terms of character and spiritual life. The one difference between their qualifications is that an elder must be able to teach, but the deacon does not need to have this ability. The elders oversee the work of those who serve the Lord, and they are assisted in their work by deacons. The qualifications for deacons can be divided into two categories: personal character and spiritual character.

Personal Character
  • He must be a man of dignity.
  • He must not be double-tongued.
  • He must not be addicted to much wine.
  • He must not be fond of gain.
Spiritual Character
  • He must be doctrinally sound.
  • He must be active in spiritual service. 
  • He must be morally pure. 
  • He must lead a godly family. 
Duties

The role of the deacon is to provide pastoral care and serve the local body of believers. The church needs deacons to provide ecclesiastic and logistical support and duties so that the pastors and elders can focus on the word of God and prayer (Acts 6:3-4).

The office of deacon is a servant-leader ministry. Decaons are individuals nominated by elders and presented to the church body for approval, and if they accept the role they commit to:

  • Sharing their time and energy with church pastors and elders to plan, coordinate, and learn church logistics, discipleship, and ways to serve
  • Edifying one another with prayer, encouragement, and patience
  • Reaching out to members at church, making at home/hospital visits and phone calls, sending emails and texts.
  • Virtuous character-building, leading by example, and a testimony above reproach
  • Ecclesiastic support for communion, church events, and pastoral care

Deacons follow Christ's example of service by serving the church body; in doing so, they are not only serving one another, but serving Christ Himself.

“42...You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Mark 10:42-45