Deacons are the secondary Leaders in the church under elders/pastors.

1. Acts 6:1-7 senior spiritual leadership is overburdend, not spending time in prayer and Bible study.
2. They are free to appoint pastoral assistants to help alleviate some of their burden. These pastoral assistants are deacons.
3. Unlike elder duties, the duties of deacons are not stated in Scripture because a deacon is simply a servant that serves however they are needed.
4. However, their qualifications and rewards are spoken of in Scripture (1 Timothy 3:8–13)
   1. Worthy of respect — without any character defect, holy
   2. Sincere — heartfelt, earnest, honest, authentic
   3. Not indulging in much wine — without addictions, self-controlled
   4. Not pursuing dishonest gain — not greedy, financially content and upright
   5. Keeping hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience — sound biblical theology held with deep conviction
   6. Tested — proven worthy over time

Additional Requirements for Female Deacons

1. Worthy of respect — honored by both men and women as exemplary Christians
2. Not malicious talkers — not prone to sins of the tongue such as gossip, slander, lying, etc.
3. Temperate — not prone to emotionalism
4. Trustworthy in everything — faithful in all life roles (e.g., wife, mother, daughter, sister)

Additional Requirements for Male Deacons

1. Husband of one wife — a one-woman man, sexually pure.
2. Manages his children and household well — godly husband and father who leads, manages, and provides for his family.

Rewards for Faithful Deacons

• Excellent standing — honored and respected by God’s people in the church
• Great assurance in their faith — a deep confidence in the power of the Gospel and the security of their relationship with God.