SPECIAL DAY: INSTALLATION OF DEACONS
“DISCUSSING THE DEACONS”
1 TIMOTHY 3:8-13
OPEN
Today is a special day. We install some new deacons today. And they get the joy of participating in their first board meeting tonight.
There has been some confusion regarding the role of deacons within the church of Christ. Some come from denominational backgrounds where deacons do the work of the elders. Elders and deacons are not the same thing. They are two different callings and vocations.
But we are not here today to talk about elders. In fact, in our situation her in Martinsville, we are operating without elders at this present time. My prayer is that we will soon be back to full compliance with the New Testament in fairly short order. But as of right now, we have no one who is ready, willing, or able to fulfill the responsibilities of that office. But we do have deacons and they are Biblical in scope and function.
The word in the original language translated as “deacon” or “deacons” is a word that occurs 29 times in the New Testament. Only four of those 29 times is it used to refer to a specific functional office in the church.
The basic meaning of this word is “servant.” It’s often used to describe someone who serves at the table. That’s how it’s used in Jn. 2:5 [the Wedding at Cana] – “His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’”
It’s also used to describe those who serve God. It’s used regularly in what can be referred to as the “servant of” passages. Here are some examples. 2 Cor. 6:4 – “Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way.” Eph. 3:7 – “I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power.” Col. 1:23 – “This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.” Col. 1:25 – [talking about the church, Paul says,] “I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness.”
All Christians should be servants. Our example is our own Lord. The real work of service is seen in the person and work of Jesus Christ. On the night before He went to the cross, Jesus stripped off His outer garments, took a basin of water and towel, and did the work of the lowliest servant. He washed the feet of His disciples – even the feet of one who would betray Him in a short time.
But, even though every Christian should be a servant, some servants are set apart for special ministries in the New Testament church. They are to be distinguished from others who serve.
In our passage this morning, we see a description of these “special servants.” They are called to serve alongside a body of elders to meet the needs of Christ’s church. They have been termed “ministers of mercy” by some writers.
Deacons are mentioned in a leadership role when Paul addresses the church at Philippi. He begins his letter in Phil, 1:1-2 – “Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
In our primary scripture this morning, we step into a passage where Paul is instructing his protégé Timothy on what needs to be done to set the church in Ephesus in order. In 1 Tim. 3:14-15, Paul gives his reasons for the instructions: “Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.”
Because the church is “God’s household” and “the pillar and foundation of the truth,” the role of leadership was important. The first group he mentions is termed as “elders.” The other group he describes is termed “deacons.”
Deacons are not the same as elders. Elders are described as overseers and shepherds of the church. Deacons are not described in that way. However, do not be confused. Deacons are still leaders. They should be examples of Christian character
1 Tim. 3:8-13 – “In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine,
and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. Those who have
served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.”
And because they are leaders, they have a special responsibility to set an example for the whole church. This means that if someone serves in leadership, he must be willing to make the necessary commitment that leadership demands. Leaders who fail in their example have a very negative impact on the rest of the church and the community. If a deacon’s faith and practice is not what it should be, then the church is sending the wrong message by appointing such a man to a position of leadership.
What do we learn about deacons in Paul’s instructions to Timothy? We learn that deacons are men set apart for special service within the Body of Christ. Some argue that the mention of women in this passage refers to “deaconesses.”
Without going into tangential issues, “deaconesses” are not discussed here. In the context of this passage, the woman are obviously the wives of the elders and deacons. Paul mentions the women because they are important in their husband’s work within the church. Notice Paul mentions them basically in an aside. He then goes right back into discussing what the men who are set apart as “special servants” are called to be and do.
As we look at this passage, we see some important qualities for those set apart as “special servants” and “ministers of mercy.”
SERVING WITH HUMILITY
The key word here is “serving.” Jesus said if you want to be great, you have to be servant of all. Following one of the disputes between the disciples over who was greatest, Matthew records Jesus’ response in Mt. 20:25-28 – “Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’”
The work of a deacon is to serve. They are called upon to meet needs and take care of people and things in the Body of Christ. A key phrase for a deacon should be, “How may I help you?” Sadly, we have missed this key element in the development of our deacons.
We see an important development toward this particular office in Acts 6. There is a dispute among the church because a certain group of widows has been overlooked in the Jerusalem church’s food ministry. The apostles were busy preaching, teaching, and seeking God’s will in prayer. They designated a system whereby seven men were chosen to oversee this important ministry. They had the shepherding ministry of preaching, teaching, and prayer for vision and guidance. They also had the servant ministry of distributing food to the widows. These were not competitive ministries but complementary ministries. Needs were met. God was glorified.
Now, we use the word serve oftentimes as a synonym for hold office. So we talk about a man serving as governor, or serving as president, or serving as chairman of the board of this or that. But Paul isn’t just using the term “serve” in that sort of a formal way here. Paul really means “serve.”
When Paul writes these words, he describes a position for men who want to concretely and tangibly show the love of Christ in the body of Christ. They want to serve. The office of deacon is emphatically an office of service – not just generically but in reality and specialty. I repeat: A key phrase for deacon is, “How may I help you?”
Servants are humble. They are not full of themselves and they don’t seek to promote themselves. They only seek to serve their master. Too many times people want glory just for themselves. Sometimes football players score a touchdown and do a dance wanting everyone to applaud them and their greatness. Sometimes baseball players hit a homerun and prance around the bases. They want the crowds to worship and adore them. But James tells us in James 4:10 – “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”
Jesus said in Mt. 23:12 – “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Think about a full moon - so big and bright in the night. But it’s only bright because it reflects the sun. Humility is when we reflect the light and glory of the Son of God in how we live because we have become like Him.
Deacons should be men who are serving with humility. They are also men who should be…
GUIDED BY PRIORITY
Jesus said in Mt. 6:33 – “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Deacons should know what’s really important and what’s basically secondary. They should be men who have put the kingdom of God first.
Have you heard of the man who claims and boasts of being the #1 NBA fan, and makes pro basketball his top priority? Here’s what he said about the subject in a nationally-known sports magazine not long ago.
“April & May are not only my favorite months because of the NBA play-offs but they are my credit card company’s favorite months too. I’ll bet the credit card people think we celebrate Christmas in May instead of December at our house. Airline tickets, motel rooms, play-off tickets, meals.. All of it adds up in a hurry. But quite frankly Christmas for me can’t hold a candle to the NBA play-offs.”
Now, there is certainly nothing wrong with loving sports and using them as a diversion. (I hope.) But if the NBA play-offs or anything else provides us more excitement than the fact God’s Son came to earth to save us.. Then something is way out of whack with our priorities. Only Jesus Christ is worthy of our primary priority.
When you choose your priorities, you arrange things in matter of importance. A deacon should be a man whose bank account and schedule show the kingdom of God as a priority. He takes care of his family but he takes care of his obligation to the church. His business matters are run well and run morally but the business of the church is also a priority. You don’t have to wonder where he’s at when it’s time to conduct business meetings or when work needs to be done. You will find him serving faithfully.
A deacon should be a man who is serving with humility, guided by priority, and also…
INFLUENCED BY MATURITY
A deacon should be a man who is spiritually mature. He is someone who lives according to biblical principles and practices. He has been a Christian who has done his due diligence in understanding the basics of the Bible.
As I said earlier, deacons are not elders. Elders are called to have the ability to teach. Deacons are not. They are simply men who understand the Gospel, work at understanding Scripture and have a desire to live by it. When the special servants of the church work at being spiritually mature, the result to the local congregation can be phenomenal.
Bill Hybels, Becoming a Contagious Christian: “Recently, I saw a letter written by a relatively new Christian to the person whose life had influenced hers so greatly. She actually lists about a dozen qualities she found contagious in the life of this older Christian. Listen to some of what she wrote: You know when we met; I began to discover a new vulnerability, a warmth, and a lack of pretence that impressed me. I saw in you a thriving spirit - no signs of internal stagnation anywhere. I could tell you were a growing person and I liked that. I saw you had strong self-esteem, not based on the fluff of self-help books, but on something a whole lot deeper. I saw that you lived by convictions and priorities and not just by convenience, selfish pleasure, and financial gain. And I had never met anyone like that before. I felt a depth of love and concern as you listened to me and didn’t judge me. You tried to understand me, you sympathized and you celebrated with me, you demonstrated kindness and generosity - and not just to me, but to other people, as well. And you stood for something. You were willing to go against the grain of society and follow what you believed to be true, no matter what people said, and no matter how much it cost you. And for those reasons and a whole host of others, I found myself really wanting what you had. Now that I’ve become a Christian, I wanted to write to tell you I’m grateful beyond words for how you lived out your Christian life in front of me.”
WALKING WITH INTEGRITY
Integrity can be defined as: “wholeness; uprightness; honesty or soundness of moral principle and character; an undivided or unbroken completeness or totality with nothing wanting”
Dr. Bob Reccord, president of the Internation Missions Board told about a pastor friend in Texas who was in a hurry after his regular office hours at the church. He had to get to the mall to buy some items, go to his daughter’s school to pick her up, take her home, get to a church officers meeting, and then to spend the evening in counseling sessions.
Once in the mall, he saw an advertisement on a music store window that said, “2 CD’s for $9.99.” He loved music so he just had to take advantage of the sale. He went in and picked up 2 CD’s he’d really wanted, and went to the register to pay for them. He threw down with his money while talking to everyone around him — as pastors do.
Then he picked up his bag and his change and went out of the mall. When he threw the bag in the front seat of his car, he noticed for the first time that the clerk had charged him $1.99 instead of $9.99 for those CD’s.
His first thought was that he didn’t have time to go back in to get it fixed. But a small voice kept saying, “You don’t have time not to.”
So, he went back in, stood in the same line until it came his time to talk to the clerk once again. He said, “Look I’m in a hurry. You made a mistake. The sign says $9.99 and you charged me $1.99. Please make this correct so I can get on with what I have to do.”
She said, “Sir, I didn’t make a mistake.”
He said, “Sure you did. There’s the sign; here’s the receipt. Please make the correction.”
She said, “No, sir, I didn’t make a mistake.”
He said, “What do you mean?!!”
She said, “Can I tell you the rest of the story. Will you let me finish, please?”
He said, “Yes I will.”
She said, “For 17 years I’ve been out of church. Recently, my life has been falling apart and I needed to get back into church. I looked around at what was closest to me. I found the name of the church and I went there
Sunday and slipped in and sat on the back row. The pastor that day was speaking on integrity. Sir, it happened to be your church. And when I saw you in my line, I wondered if this was something you preached on Sunday
or lived on Monday. And I determined to find out.”
Then she said, “Sir, I don’t even know the right questions to ask, but I know that whatever you’ve got I need.” And then she began to cry.
Do you think she would have ever gone to church again if this pastor had not gone back in? Our witness, even in the everyday events of our lives, makes a difference in others’ lives. Deacons should be men whose profession of faith on Sunday is lived out the rest of the week.
ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION OF DEACONS
(taken from Standard Publishing’s Christian Minister’s Manual, comp. by Rod Huron)
I’d like for all of our deacons to come forward at this time – those already serving and those recently elected. If you are already serving, I’d like for you to take this time to rededicate yourself to your office of special service. If you are newly elected, please use this time to consecrate yourself to this holy work.
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE:
Jesus Christ is Lord of His church. Founded upon the conviction that He is the Son of God, redeemed by His blood, nourished upon His Word, upheld by His intercession, the church is His body, commissioned to do His will.
Christ did not set up His church and abandon her. Rather, He sent His Holy Spirit to guide the apostles into all truth. So that the body would have all it needed to do the work Christ intended and also be protected from those forces which would destroy her.
Elders were named in each congregation and given oversight in spiritual matters. Deacons were also appointed to be the “special servants” within the local congregation. Each has a specific role to play in the work of the local congregation.
We set aside this particular time in our worship service to set apart those we have selected to serve this congregation as its deacons. Let’s ask God blessings pon whazt we do, that His name may be honored and His will be done.
PRAYER:
Father, Your Holy Spirit led the apostles to appoint special servants to serve the church of our Lord, and we believe that you have also guided us in choosing those we install today as deacons. May your blessing rest upon them, and upon us all, as we set them apart for their respective ministry. May they have loving hearts and helpful hands. May their ministry glorify and magnify Jesus Christ.
Grant a spirit of kindness and cooperation and unity among us, so that this body may be joined and held together, that it may grow and build itself up in love according to the proper working of individual part.
We pray these things in the name of Christ Jesus and our desire to serve Him in all things. Amen.
SERVICE OF INSTALLATION:
Minister (asking those to be installed as deacon to stand, then addressing the congregation:
Do you, the members of this church, having sought divine guidance, choose the brothers standing before you to be deacons in our congregation and to perform their ministry of service as was done in the early church?
Congregation: We do.
Minister (addressing those elected to be deacons): Have you prayerfully considered the responsibilities and obligation that the office you are called to fill carries with it?
Elected brothers: I have
Minister: Do you accept the office of deacon in this church, and promise that you will faithfully endeavor to discharge the duties thereof so as to promote the interests of the congregation and the cause of truth and righteousness?
Elected Brothers: I do
PRAYER OF ORDINATION:
Almighty God, Your Word governs and guides the church. Your Spirit has empowered and protected her in both prosperity and adversity. Today, we ask for Your grace and blessing upon these we have set apart today as deacons. We thank you for giving us those men who are willing and ready to serve.
We ask that through them that You provide leadership and direction. Give them the joy of harmony and peace and through them, ignite our zeal and devotion to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
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