Appointing Deacons

The church is a family—a body of believers knit together by the gospel and called to grow in love, service, and unity. But like any family, there are practical needs that arise, and those needs don’t take care of themselves. Left unaddressed, even small issues can grow into distractions or divisions that pull the church away from its mission. That’s why God, in His wisdom, has given the church deacons.

Deacons are not a human invention or a practical convenience; they are part of God’s design for how His church should function. Their work may not always be visible, but it is indispensable. They are called to ensure that the practical needs of the body are met so that the church can stay focused on the work of the gospel.

This morning, we’re going to talk about deacons—what they are and how we should choose them. We’ll open God’s Word to see not only what these men are called to do but also what kind of men God calls to this role. And along the way, we’ll discover how their service reflects the heart of Christ and strengthens His church. Let’s dive in.

What Are Deacons?

Let’s turn to Acts 6:1–7 for a foundational understanding of what deacons are and why the church needs them. Here’s the scene: the early church is exploding with growth. Thousands of men and women are coming to Christ, but with growth comes challenges. The apostles were doing their best to preach the Word and shepherd this rapidly growing congregation, but something crucial was being overlooked—the daily distribution of food to the widows. This wasn’t just an administrative hiccup; it was a threat to the unity and mission of the church.

Acts 6:1–7 (ESV) — 1 Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. 7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

The text tells us that the Hellenistic widows were being neglected, and the Greek-speaking believers were feeling left out compared to the Hebraic Jews. This neglect wasn’t intentional, but it was real. And when practical needs go unmet, bitterness and division can creep in, threatening the witness of the church.

But instead of letting this problem fester, the apostles acted decisively. They summoned the disciples and said, "It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables" (Acts 6:2). Now, this statement isn’t a dismissal of the importance of serving tables; it’s a recognition that the apostles had a specific calling from God to focus on prayer and the ministry of the Word. They couldn’t let even the critical work of caring for the needy distract them from their primary mission.

So, they proposed a solution: "Brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty" (Acts 6:3). These men were chosen to address the practical needs of the church so the apostles could stay focused on their spiritual priorities. And here, we see the birth of what would later become the office of deacon—a role dedicated to serving the church by ensuring its practical needs are met.

Now, let’s pause and consider what this passage teaches us about deacons. First, deacons are servants, not rulers. They are appointed to serve, not to lead or govern. Now, you will notice that there are apostles in this text. Their work supported the ministry of the apostles, freeing them to focus on shepherding the flock and proclaiming the gospel. The text makes it clear that the apostles delegated this responsibility so they could remain devoted to their calling. In our congregations, deacons free up the elders to shepherd and the evangelist to proclaim the gospel.

Second, deacons are peacemakers. By addressing the practical problem of food distribution, the deacons in Acts 6 helped preserve the unity of the church. Their work wasn’t just about logistics; it was about ensuring that every member of the body was cared for and no one felt overlooked. Unity matters to God, and deacons play a vital role in protecting it.

Third, deacons are spiritually grounded. The apostles didn’t choose just anyone to serve tables. They required men of good reputation, full of the Spirit, and filled with wisdom. This wasn’t a popularity contest or a matter of mere competence; it was a spiritual appointment. The qualifications were rooted in godly character, because even the practical work of the church is a spiritual matter.

But here’s the beauty of this story: when the apostles appointed these seven men, the result wasn’t just a smoother food distribution system—it was a stronger church. Verse 7 says, “And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem.” By solving a practical problem in a godly way, the church’s light was strengthened, and its growth continued.

Therefore, what we see in Acts 6 is this: deacons are God’s gift to the church to meet practical needs, preserve unity, and support the ministry of the Word. They don’t compete with the elders; they complement them. Their work is not secondary but essential to the health and mission of the church.

When we think about deacons today, we must remember that they are not just “helpers” or “problem solvers.” They are spiritual servants, chosen to reflect Christ’s heart for His people and to ensure that the church thrives in every way. Their service reminds us all that no task is beneath a follower of Jesus, who came “not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).

This is the heartbeat of a deacon: humble service that glorifies God and blesses His church.

How Do We Choose Deacons? (1 Timothy 3:8-13)

Let’s now turn to 1 Timothy 3:8–13, where Paul lays out the qualifications for deacons so that Timothy can appoint them. If Acts 6 teaches us the purpose of deacons, 1 Timothy 3 teaches us the kind of men who are fit for this role. Paul doesn’t leave it up to personal preference or convenience; he provides a clear, Spirit-inspired standard. Why? Because the role of a deacon is sacred, and it requires men whose lives reflect the character of Christ.

1 Timothy 3:8–13 (ESV) — 8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. 11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 13 For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

Paul begins in verse 8, stating that deacons must be dignified. This isn’t about being stoic or stiff; it’s about being mature and worthy of respect. Deacons must live lives that reflect self-control, integrity, and a seriousness about their faith. They’re not to be flippant or careless in their words or actions. Their character should inspire confidence and trust within the church.

But Paul doesn’t stop there. He gives us a deeper look into what this dignity looks like. Deacons must not be double-tongued—they’re honest and consistent in what they say. They don’t twist words or speak one way to one person and another way to someone else. They aren’t playing both sides. A double-tongued man cannot be trusted with the needs of God’s people. Similarly, they are not to be addicted to much wine or greedy for dishonest gain (v. 8). These aren’t arbitrary rules; they’re markers of self-control, self-discipline, and freedom from worldly desires. A man who is mastered by his appetites—whether for alcohol, money, or anything else—cannot faithfully serve God’s church.

So, the first step in choosing deacons is to look at their personal character. Are they men who reflect Christ in how they speak, live, and lead their lives? Are they free from vices and marked by integrity? The church cannot afford to compromise here.

Next, Paul shifts to their spiritual maturity. In verse 9, he says deacons must “hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.” This is a beautiful phrase that reminds us of the depth of a deacon’s spirituality. Deacons must know the gospel, treasure it, and live it out in their daily lives. They’re not just chosen because they’re “good guys” or because they’re helpful around the church. They’re chosen because they deeply understand and hold fast to the truth of God’s Word. And they live in a way that reflects that truth, with a conscience that’s clear before God and man.

But how do we know if a man is truly ready to serve as a deacon? Paul addresses this in verse 10: “And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.” This means the church doesn’t rush into appointing deacons. The testing isn’t a formal exam but an observation of a man’s life and service. Has he already been serving faithfully in informal ways? Does he handle responsibility well? Is he a peacemaker? These are the questions we must ask.

Therefore, the second step in choosing deacons is to ensure they are proven and trustworthy. The church should look for men who are already living out the qualities of a deacon, even before they’re officially appointed. The role doesn’t make the man; the man is called to the role because of his demonstrated faithfulness.

Paul also addresses a deacon’s home life in verse 12: “Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their households well.” A man’s home is the testing ground for his leadership. If he’s faithful in leading his family with love, care, and godliness, he’s likely to be faithful in serving the church. But if his household is marked by chaos or neglect, it raises serious questions about his readiness to take on the responsibilities of a deacon.

Furthermore, he says, “Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things.” A deacon’s wife plays a crucial role in supporting his ministry. Her character matters because she can either strengthen or undermine his service. Like her husband, she must be worthy of respect, avoiding gossip or malicious speech. She must be sober-minded, exercising self-control and wisdom in her judgments. Above all, she must be faithful in every area of her life, dependable and trustworthy.

Finally, Paul ends this section with an encouragement in verse 13: “For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.” Serving as a deacon is not about status or recognition—it’s about faithfulness. But Paul reminds us that God honors those who serve well. Their faith is strengthened, and their light shines brightly, bringing glory to Christ.

But here’s the key: Choosing deacons is not just a practical decision; it’s a spiritual process. Therefore, the church must approach it prayerfully, with discernment and wisdom. Acts 6:3 reminds us that the early church sought men “full of the Spirit and of wisdom.” These are the same qualities we should look for today. The process must be saturated in prayer, seeking God’s guidance to identify the right men for this sacred task.

In summary, deacons are chosen based on their character, their faithfulness, and their spiritual maturity. The process is not rushed, and the standards are not lowered. These men are called to a high and holy task, and the church must recognize and honor the weight of this responsibility.

Why Become Deacons?

Let’s bring all of this together by turning to the words of Jesus in Matthew 23:11–12

Matthew 23:11–12 (ESV) — 11 The greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

These words cut straight to the heart of what it means to follow Christ. The world measures greatness by power, position, and prestige. But in the kingdom of God, greatness is measured by humility and service. Jesus flips the script and calls His followers to live radically different lives—lives of selfless, sacrificial service.

If we want to understand what Paul’s teaching about deacons means for us, we must start with this truth: every Christian is called to be a servant. Deacons are not the only ones expected to serve. They are simply examples of the servant-heartedness that should define the entire church. No task is beneath a follower of Christ because no task was beneath our Savior.

Think about the example Jesus gave in John 13:12–17 when He washed His disciples’ feet. In that moment, the King of kings—the One who holds the universe together—stooped to do the work of a household servant. It was a shocking display of humility and love. And when He finished, He said to His disciples, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you” (vv. 14–15).

But Jesus wasn’t just washing feet; He was showing us the heart of the gospel. He was pointing to the ultimate act of service: His death on the cross. On that cross, Jesus humbled Himself to the point of death, taking on our sin and shame so that we could be forgiven and made new. His entire mission was one of servanthood. He came, not to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28).

Therefore, if Jesus, our Lord and Savior, was willing to serve in such extraordinary ways, how can we not follow His example? How can we refuse to serve one another in love? This is the calling for every believer. Whether you’re a deacon or not, you are called to humble yourself, to put others first, and to use your gifts to build up the body of Christ.

For those of us in the church, this means we need to evaluate how we approach service. Are we looking for ways to meet needs? Are we willing to do the unseen, unglamorous work? Are we eager to lift others up, even at our own expense? And for those considering the role of a deacon, the question is even more pointed: does your life reflect the servant-heartedness of Jesus? Are you ready to step into this sacred responsibility, not for recognition but to glorify God and serve His people?

Let me close with this challenge: When Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, He said, “If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them” (John 13:17). There is a blessing in serving others, not because it elevates us but because it brings us closer to the heart of Jesus. When we humble ourselves to serve, we become living reflections of the One who humbled Himself to save. May we, as a church, embrace this calling to serve with joy, humility, and love, all for the glory of Christ.

Conclusion

The church is God’s family, designed to work together in harmony, with each part fulfilling its role for the good of the whole. Deacons are not just helpers—they are servants chosen by God to reflect the character of Christ as they meet the needs of the body. Their work strengthens the church, preserves unity, and ensures that the mission of the gospel remains central.

We’ve seen from Acts 6 how God used servant-leaders to address practical needs, resulting in greater unity and gospel growth. From 1 Timothy 3, we’ve learned the kind of men who are qualified to take on this role—men of character, faithfulness, and spiritual maturity. These are men who don’t just serve well but model for all of us what it means to live lives of humility, integrity, and devotion to Christ.

But let’s not miss the bigger picture. Deacons are not just role-fillers; they are reflections of Jesus Himself. Jesus, the ultimate servant, humbled Himself to meet our greatest need—the need for salvation. He laid aside His rights, took up the towel of service, and gave His life as a ransom for many. Every time a deacon serves, every time he cares for the overlooked or preserves unity in the church, he points us back to the One who came not to be served but to serve.

Therefore, the calling of deacons reminds us of our own calling as followers of Christ. While not all of us will serve as deacons, all of us are called to serve. In the way we care for one another, meet practical needs, and reflect Christ’s love to the world, we too participate in God’s design for His church.

As we prepare to appoint deacons, let us pray that God will raise up men who embody this vision, and let us commit ourselves as a church to follow their example of humble, Christlike service. In doing so, we will bring glory to God, build up His church, and continue His mission to make disciples of all nations.