Qualification Demands Examination

Qualification Demands Examination

2005005

Topic # 1486 Deacons

Introduction:

A. On downhill side of our series on deacons.

1. Talked about how deacons are the key to church work and growth.

2. That church leadership is organized into two separate and distinct offices – overseers and deacons.

a) Overseers are in charge of watching over/protecting the congregation.

b) Deacons are servants who appt’d to special tasks and needs of the congregation.

3. Talked about the prototype for deacons in Acts 6.

4. Talked about the 5 character qualifications in 1 Tim. 3:8-9

B. 1 Tim. 3:10 requires the congregation to examine a candidates fitness for office.

1. 3:10 plainly states that no one to serve as deacon until first tested & approved.

C. Some have been mistaken in that testing is unnecessary because the office of deacon is subordinate to the eldership.

1. Some feel the biblical standards for deacons require less enforcement than the standards for elders.

2. 3:10 – word also should not go unnoticed.

a) HS emphasizes deacons should be tested in the same way overseers must be tested.

b) To neglect this = serious mistake.

3. It’s precisely where many congregations fail.

D. Confirmation requires time & effort.

1. While we are busy around here – we must not be too busy to thoroughly examine the men who wish to serve.

2. Unfit deacons can cause problems in the church & hurt innocent people.

I. A man cannot appoint himself to the Diaconate.

A. Every prospective deacon must be evaluated by others.

1. His character must be examined in light of God’s standards.

2. Idea: others are to officially examine, evaluate, and scrutinize the person’s character.

B. But, how is he to be examined?

1. What are the procedures? NT silent. (No Leviticus in NT)

2. Different congregations develop different procedures.

3. These procedures must take place under the following guidelines:

a) Deacon candidate must meet all biblical qualifications.

b) Must be examined as to these qualifications

c) 1 Tim. 5:22 – no deacon should be appt’d to office in hasty, careless manner.

C. Elders oversee this process. They direct the affairs of the church.

1. When it comes to vital matters – examining/appt deacons – they have responsibility to direct the entire process.

a) Otherwise, disorder & neglect will reign and little will be accomplished.

2. Overseeing this process is a way for the shepherds to use their authority, position, and knowledge to move the church forward.

D. The congregation must actively be involved.

1. Should and must not be left out by examination process.

2. Great opportunity for elders to listen to, consult with, and seek wisdom from the congregation.

a) Elders must desire an educated, involved congregation – therefore the people must have a voice in evaluating them.

b) Congregations must not misunderstand the importance of their role in the process.

3. Selection is crucial! Wisdom/time must be demanded!

4. All men qualified as deacons can grow into elders.

5. When deacons develop – we’ll have the future elders we need.

a) Deacons appt’d in haste hinder development of future elders – so congregations must be profoundly serious in their quest for deacons.

E. There is biblical precedent for this.

1. Acts 1:15-26 – Peter stood up with the “120.”

a) Successor to Judas to be chosen from biblical qualifications.

b) The “group” found 2 men – names put forward for God’s decision.

c) Much prayer/thought went into their selection. God made decision, but precedent set in that entire group involved in decision making process.

2. Acts 6 – problem involved entire congregation.

a) Here…members solved a problem involving members.

b) Qualifications given; members selected the “7” – apostles put them in charge of the task.

3. Acts 15 – when problems arose – apostles deferred their decision to the congregation.

a) Acts 15:22 – the entire congregation chose their delegates.

F. Congregational choice is a biblical principle.

II. A closer look at 1 Tim. 3:10.

A. The qualities required for Diaconate must be present at the time of their being placed into office.

B. Need men that we recognize as already busy in God’s work.

1. Already serving; already proving themselves to be qualified.

2. Diakonos: stresses “service.”

3. We need men who have demonstrated they are qualified servants.

C. We do not need men who wait for an appt. to start serving.

D. An appt. will not make an irreverent man reverent.

1. An inactive man active.

2. Of a husband will not make his wife faithful.

3. Of a father whose house is in disarray will not solve that problem.

E. Deacons are men who have proved they to be competent servants.

1. They are recognized to serve, in keeping w/the qualifications given by the Holy Spirit.

III. Handling Objections/Accusations.

A. 1 Tim. 2:1-3:16 – context deals with congregational instruction.

1. 2:1-8 – direction on public prayer in worship.

2. 2:9-15 – direction on role of women in public worship

3. 3:1-7 – qualifications for overseers

4. 3:8-13 – qualifications for deacons

5. 3:14-15 – This again instruction for entire congregation.

B. This teaches us that everyone in congregation should know the qualifications AND

1. That everyone has a responsibility to see that these biblical instructions are implemented.

C. What about objections? Accusations?

1. If questions arise on the candidate’s character – the objection must be scripturally based.

a) If not – the objection should be ignored.

2. No candidate should be refused office because of someone’s personal bias!

D. The evaluation process is not a popularity contest or a freewheeling election!

1. It is a testing of character to the light of Scripture.

2. If even one person in the congregation has a verified scriptural objection – the prospect should be declared unfit for office – even if everyone else approves.

E. God’s standards alone govern God’s house – not group popularity!

IV. Prospective Deacons may be installed if they are found blameless.

A. The standard for approving a deacon is that he is to be found beyond reproach.

1. Means he stands unaccused.

2. His character – even under examination – is found w/o accusation.

B. This does not mean that he does not have faults or imperfections. We all do.

C. Is he a man of dignity? Truthful? Self controlled? Live consistently? Is he a faithful husband? Father?

V. This process should be bathed in prayer. Acts 6:6

A. People must pray for insight, guidance, and unbiased judgment.

1. Encourage this congregation to strengthen its prayer life.

2. Start now with public prayer on this & other events w/in the congregation.

B. While praying about this – we must desire God’s will be done & not our own.

C. Some congregations expend little effort in examining prospective deacons or shepherds.

1. Thoughtless, lazy, and prayer less procedures weaken churches and demean the Diaconate and eldership.

2. Evaluating a deacons fitness for office should be done thoughtfully, patiently, and biblically.

Conclusion:

A. In every local church, there is an urgent need for men to prepare themselves for leadership.

1. For 75 + years – BBCOC has been in existence.

2. Those who started this work have long passed away…generations come and go…

3. Time is NOW for those who have the ability and desire to step up and take responsibility for their talents/abilities God has blessed them with.

B. Think of what God has blessed us w/here. Think of the potential/ability we have as a congregation!

C. Let’s go out & accomplish God’s purposes & plans for His work here!

D. I N V I T A T I O N



Qualification Demands Examination 2005005 Topic # 1486 Deacons Introduction: A. On downhill side of our series on deacons. 1. Talked about how deacons are the key to church work and growth. 2. That church leadership is organized into two separate and distinct offices – overseers and deacons. a) Overseers are in charge of watching over/protecting the congregation. b) Deacons are servants who appt’d to special tasks and needs of the congregation. 3. Talked about the prototype for deacons in Acts 6. 4. Talked about the 5 character qualifications in 1 Tim. 3:8-9 B. 1 Tim. 3:10 requires the congregation to examine a candidates fitness for office. 1. 3:10 plainly states that no one to serve as deacon until first tested & approved. C. Some have been mistaken in that testing is unnecessary because the office of deacon is subordinate to the eldership. 1. Some feel the biblical standards for deacons require less enforcement than the standards for elders. 2. 3:10 – word also should not go unnoticed. a) HS emphasizes deacons should be tested in the same way overseers must be tested. b) To neglect this = serious mistake. 3. It’s precisely where many congregations fail. D. Confirmation requires time & effort. 1. While we are busy around here – we must not be too busy to thoroughly examine the men who wish to serve. 2. Unfit deacons can cause problems in the church & hurt innocent people. I. A man cannot appoint himself to the Diaconate. A. Every prospective deacon must be evaluated by others. 1. His character must be examined in light of God’s standards. 2. Idea: others are to officially examine, evaluate, and scrutinize the person’s character. B. But, how is he to be examined? 1. What are the procedures? NT silent. (No Leviticus in NT) 2. Different congregations develop different procedures. 3. These procedures must take place under the following guidelines: a) Deacon candidate must meet all biblical qualifications. b) Must be examined as to these qualifications c) 1 Tim. 5:22 – no deacon should be appt’d to office in hasty, careless manner. C. Elders oversee this process. They direct the affairs of the church. 1. When it comes to vital matters – examining/appt deacons – they have responsibility to direct the entire process. a) Otherwise, disorder & neglect will reign and little will be accomplished. 2. Overseeing this process is a way for the shepherds to use their authority, position, and knowledge to move the church forward. D. The congregation must actively be involved. 1. Should and must not be left out by examination process. 2. Great opportunity for elders to listen to, consult with, and seek wisdom from the congregation. a) Elders must desire an educated, involved congregation – therefore the people must have a voice in evaluating them. b) Congregations must not misunderstand the importance of their role in the process. 3. Selection is crucial! Wisdom/time must be demanded! 4. All men qualified as deacons *can* grow into elders. 5. When deacons develop – we’ll have the future elders we need. a) Deacons appt’d in haste hinder development of future elders – so congregations must be profoundly serious in their quest for deacons. E. There is biblical precedent for this. 1. Acts 1:15-26 – Peter stood up with the “120.” a) Successor to Judas to be chosen from biblical qualifications. b) The “group” found 2 men – names put forward for God’s decision. c) Much prayer/thought went into their selection. God made decision, but precedent set in that entire group involved in decision making process. 2. Acts 6 – problem involved entire congregation. a) Here…members solved a problem involving members. b) Qualifications given; members selected the “7” – apostles put them in charge of the task. 3. Acts 15 – when problems arose – apostles deferred their decision to the congregation. a) Acts 15:22 – the entire congregation chose their delegates. F. Congregational choice is a biblical principle. II. A closer look at 1 Tim. 3:10. A. The qualities required for Diaconate must be present at the time of their being placed into office. B. Need men that we recognize as already busy in God’s work. 1. Already serving; already proving themselves to be qualified. 2. Diakonos: stresses “service.” 3. We need men who have demonstrated they are qualified servants. C. We do not need men who wait for an appt. to start serving. D. An appt. will not make an irreverent man reverent. 1. An inactive man active. 2. Of a husband will not make his wife faithful. 3. Of a father whose house is in disarray will not solve that problem. E. Deacons are men who have proved they to be competent servants. 1. They are recognized to serve, in keeping w/the qualifications given by the Holy Spirit. III. Handling Objections/Accusations. A. 1 Tim. 2:1-3:16 – context deals with congregational instruction. 1. 2:1-8 – direction on public prayer in worship. 2. 2:9-15 – direction on role of women in public worship 3. 3:1-7 – qualifications for overseers 4. 3:8-13 – qualifications for deacons 5. 3:14-15 – This again instruction for entire congregation. B. This teaches us that everyone in congregation should know the qualifications AND 1. That everyone has a responsibility to see that these biblical instructions are implemented. C. What about objections? Accusations? 1. If questions arise on the candidate’s character – the objection must be scripturally based. a) If not – the objection should be ignored. 2. No candidate should be refused office because of someone’s personal bias! D. The evaluation process is not a popularity contest or a freewheeling election! 1. It is a testing of character to the light of Scripture. 2. If even one person in the congregation has a verified scriptural objection – the prospect should be declared unfit for office – even if everyone else approves. E. God’s standards alone govern God’s house – not group popularity! IV. Prospective Deacons may be installed if they are found blameless. A. The standard for approving a deacon is that he is to be found beyond reproach. 1. Means he stands unaccused. 2. His character – even under examination – is found w/o accusation. B. This does not mean that he does not have faults or imperfections. We all do. C. Is he a man of dignity? Truthful? Self controlled? Live consistently? Is he a faithful husband? Father? V. This process should be bathed in prayer. Acts 6:6 A. People must pray for insight, guidance, and unbiased judgment. 1. Encourage this congregation to strengthen its prayer life. 2. Start now with public prayer on this & other events w/in the congregation. B. While praying about this – we must desire God’s will be done & not our own. C. Some congregations expend little effort in examining prospective deacons or shepherds. 1. Thoughtless, lazy, and prayer less procedures weaken churches and demean the Diaconate and eldership. 2. Evaluating a deacons fitness for office should be done thoughtfully, patiently, and biblically. Conclusion: A. In every local church, there is an urgent need for men to prepare themselves for leadership. 1. For 75 + years – BBCOC has been in existence. 2. Those who started this work have long passed away…generations come and go… 3. Time is NOW for those who have the ability and desire to step up and take responsibility for their talents/abilities God has blessed them with. B. Think of what God has blessed us w/here. Think of the potential/ability we have as a congregation! C. Let’s go out & accomplish God’s purposes & plans for His work here! D. I N V I T A T I O N