1 Timothy 3.1-13 (NKJV) 1 This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; 3 not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; 4 one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence 5 (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); 6 not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. Qualifications of Deacons 8 Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, 9 holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. 10 But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. 11 Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. Definition of DEACON : a subordinate officer in a Christian church: as a : a Roman Catholic, Anglican, or Eastern Orthodox cleric ranking next below a priest b : one of the laymen elected by a church with congregational polity to serve in worship, in pastoral care, and on administrative committees c : a Mormon in the lowest grade of the Aaronic priesthood The word "deacon" is derived from the Greek word diakonos (διάκονος), which is a standard ancient Greek word meaning "servant", "waiting-man", "minister" or "messenger". These are the requirements laid down in The Bible to "hold office" in The Church. "Deacon" can be defined as ANY leadership role within the body. If your leaders do not adhere to this list, they should be removed without prejudice and immediately. I would rather hangout with a full blown sinner than a hypocritical Christian. The Bible tells us that we are to warn our brother but to separate ourselves from them. 2 Thessalonians 3:13-15 (NKJV) 13 But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. 14 And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. A "chattering tongue" can split a church right down the middle.
Posted on: Thu, 29 Aug 2013 14:25:48 +0000