Deacon nominations

This is why I have a problem with "requiring" a certain number of deacons.

The solution here: if no one is biblically qualified to be a deacon, then no one should be a deacon. Period.

 

I agree with that also.
As the church grows, God will raise up men to fill the position

 

Don't ever lower your standards just to fill a position.

One idea about the others who are immature is to mention to them that they were being considered as deacons and help them move to more mature spiritual growth. We had 2 men we were talking about but felt they weren't ready. In helping them, they started growing and 1 has since become a deacon.

 

Looking for suggestions?
I've been in a church with a similar dirth of young deacons and used the following plan to develop potential candidates.

1). Open up the nomination process to the whole church body once or twice a year.

2). Develop an afternoon leadership conference that emphasizes the qualifications needed for a deacon.
The session should include a list of the deacons common duties and responsibilities, and the amount of time that needs to be set aside for these responsibilities, etc.

3). Invite those nominated by the congregation to attend the meeting (leadership should carefully exclude those with obvious disqualifications).
(Many of those not interested will disqualify themselves by failure to attend).

4). At the end of the meeting have the nominees perform a self-evaluation (a pre-prepared check-off type test).
The final question should ask them if they:
a) qualify for the role of a deacon.
b) if they think they need to work on some areas and would like to be considered the next year.
c) if they are not interested.

Afterwards, evaluate those that say they qualify or need work, pair them with a deacon or pastor and buddy-up for encouragement.
Let the candidates know you see their potential.

We have found that many men never really considered themselves for the position of deacon.
Once considered, they may begin to realize that others see their potential and (given time) they MAY step up to the responsibilities of the task and become more involved.

Rob

 

I'm not sure you are correct about "most modern scholars."

Okay, but it does directly relate to your question since you are excluding persons from consideration...

It depends on what you think a deacon does...

In our church, a person who is already doing the work of a deacon (a servant) usually gets nominated to continue serving in a more supported capacity. (In my considered opinion, the issues regarding "qualifications" are regarding character, not a person's distant past -- "a one-woman man")

If you think a deacon is a member of the local church's "Board of Directors," then I believe you shouldn't worry about the biblical qualifications for deacons (literally, "a servant") since you're looking for a a ruler.

 

Amen, amen, and amen!!!:thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs:

Also amen to StefanM!:thumbs:

 

But aren't the qualifications for deacons in I Timothy essentially the same as those for the bishop, except for teaching aptitude? Deacons, like the bishop, must exhibit good ruling ability: "ruling their children and their own houses well."

 

You have some good advice here. There is no place in the Word of God where it is said you have to have so many deacons. Remember, its better to want something and not have it then to have something and not want it!

 

If you want them in the worse way you will get exactly that.

 

In Acts "deacons" were elected. In Paul's writings they were appointed by the elder. I have no hang up on the divorce issue.