Biblical Qualifications for Deacons

The biblical qualifications for a deacon are found in 1 Timothy 3:8-13:

• Dignified (worthy of respect)
• Not double-tongued (honest and consistent)
• Not addicted to much wine
• Not greedy for dishonest gain
• Holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience
• Tested first (proven character)
• Husband of one wife (faithful in marriage)
• Managing children and household well

Acts 6:1-7 adds: full of the Spirit and wisdom. The original deacons were chosen to handle practical ministry so the apostles could focus on prayer and the Word.

What Deacons Do in a Small Church

In a small church, deacons typically handle:

• Pastoral care visits — visiting members who are sick, homebound, or in crisis
• Benevolence ministry — evaluating and distributing financial assistance to members in need
• Practical service — facility maintenance, setup, and practical needs of the congregation
• Supporting the pastor — freeing the pastor to focus on preaching, teaching, and prayer
• Congregational communication — serving as a bridge between the pastor and the congregation

A Simple Deacon Training Process

Step 1: Study the Biblical Qualifications Together

Read 1 Timothy 3:8-13 and Acts 6:1-7 together as a group. Discuss what each qualification means in practical terms. This is not a checklist — it is a description of character.

Step 2: Review the Church Bylaws and Deacon Responsibilities

Every deacon should understand: how deacons are elected, how long they serve, what decisions they make, and what decisions belong to the pastor or congregation.

Step 3: Shadow an Experienced Deacon

New deacons should accompany an experienced deacon on pastoral care visits, benevolence meetings, and other ministry functions for 2-3 months before taking on independent responsibilities.

Step 4: Monthly Accountability with the Pastor

Deacons and the pastor should meet monthly for prayer, accountability, and coordination. This is not a business meeting — it is a pastoral relationship.

Deacon Ordination

Ordination practices vary by denomination. In most Baptist and independent evangelical churches, deacon ordination includes:

• A formal examination by the existing deacon board and pastor
• A congregational vote
• A public ordination service with prayer and laying on of hands
• A certificate of ordination

Ordination is not required for a deacon to serve — it is a public recognition of a calling that has already been demonstrated.

Building a broader leadership pipeline? Church Leadership Development for Small Churches — practical guidance for developing lay leaders.