Cornerstone Members,

As we prepare for our annual members meeting, the leadership wanted to bring the 2016 Deacon and Deaconess Nomination list before you as the members. If you have any questions about the nominations please talk to your Gospel Community Leader prior to the March 17th members meeting. See below for deacon and deaconess qualifications as outlined in 1 Timothy 3:8-12.

Deacon Qualifications

1. Servanthood (v. 8): The word “deacon” means “servant” and was used of table waiters or messengers. It conveys the idea of service of love or personal service to another. The deacon serves joyfully without being told, nor does he expect recognition or applause.

 

2. Dignified (v. 8): The phrase “men of dignity” indicates one who is stately, with a demeanor which commands respect and conduct which calls forth godliness in others.

 

3. Example in speech (v. 8): To be “not double-tongued” means he is consistent and godly with his words both in public and private. He is not a flatterer or one who gossips, but he uses his words to construct an atmosphere of strong trust among others.

 

4. Self-controlled with alcohol (v. 8): The deacon is not “addicted to much wine.”

 

5. Generous (v. 8): He is not “fond of sordid gain,” which literally means not “shamefully greedy.” He is content with what he has, and he is generous toward others regardless of his resources.

 

6. Embraces biblical doctrine (v. 9): He holds “to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.” The “mystery of the faith” refers to New Testament truths that were not previously known in Old Testament times surrounding the gospel and the work of Jesus Christ. (Cornerstone follows this by only nominating members as deacons since members have given assent to the church’s doctrinal statement.)

 

7. Lives a life worthy of biblical doctrine (v. 9): Holding to biblical truth “with a clear conscience” includes living a life that is a witness to the world and the church of that truth.

 

8. Proven faithful (v. 10): This qualification comes from the statement, “These men must also first be tested, then let them serve as deacons.” The biblical word for “tested” was used to describe: 1) faithful soldiers tested in battle and shown to be reliable to the cause and 2) precious metals put in fire to assess their purity and worth. Before nomination, men must be observed for a time, erring on the side of longer than shorter, so that a pattern of faithfulness is demonstrated.

 

9. Integrity (v. 10): To be “beyond reproach” does not mean to be perfect, but a deacon lives a life of integrity in all spheres; no legitimate accusation can be brought.
10. Sexually pure (v. 12): The phrase “husband of only one wife” (literally “a one-woman man”) has to do with moral character, not so much marital status. Whether married or not, he is sexually pure.

 

11. Model home life (v. 12): He is a good manager of his children (if he has them) and of the affairs of his household.

 

Deaconess Qualifications

 

1. Servanthood: The verse falls within a discussion on deacon qualifications, so the term “woman deacon” or “deaconess” is appropriate for the role. Since the Greek word translated “deacon” means “servant,” servanthood is a hallmark qualification. Like male deacons, the office is reserved for those who are model servants in the local church.

2. Dignified: The word “dignified” indicates one who is stately, with a demeanor which commands respect. It also carries the idea of one whose conduct calls forth godliness from others.

3. Christlike speech: In the Greek, the phrase “malicious gossip” literally means “she-devil” or “she-Satan,” which indicates how serious slander and gossip are. The deaconess’ speech, in public or private, brings grace and creates unity in the local church, not bitterness or division.
4. Self-controlled: The Greek word translated “temperate” has the idea of “clear-headed,” “alert,” “watchful,”  “self-controlled,” or “self-disciplined.” As a general pattern of life, she is consistent and controlled.
5. Faithful in everything: She is reliable, dependable, and well-ordered, especially when given responsibility.