I am writing to get your input about the process of selecting deacons. In our church we want to teach about the biblical qualifications for serving as a deacon. I'd like to get you thoughts regarding women and singles serving as deacons. The way I understand the text of 1 Timothy 3:10, single men and women are able to qualify for the role of deacon. Please help me to understand if this view correct. Also, who is responsible for approving/appointing deacons to the church? -- Brian
In my view, if we are talking about deacons in the specialized sense of 1 Timothy 3, then:
(1) They are men.
(2) They are married.
(3) They are not leading the church, rather assisting the central leadership group by serving in their particular ministries.
(4) Presumably they enjoy the support of the church and are appointed by the existing leaders.
For more on this, please see my 1994 paper on Elders, Deacons, and Evangelists, using SEARCH to navigate the website.
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