The apostle Paul gives God’s qualifications for deacons in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. The word that is translated “deacon” in English versions of the Bible has the basic meaning as “one who serves.” This same word is translated as “servant” or “minister” in other places in the New Testament that do not refer to the specific role of deacon in the church (Mt. 22:13; Jn. 2:5, 9; 1 Cor. 3:5). Just as with the term “elder”—which may be used generically to refer to an older person (1 Tim. 5:1; 1 Pet. 5:5), but in Titus 1:5 refers to a particular position—the term for deacon may be used generically. Generic uses refer to any kind of servant. However, in 1 Timothy 3, the context is specific offices/roles in the church fulfilled by men who meet the listed qualifications; thus, it is used in a technical sense. A deacon is a servant in the church who meets these qualifications.

Deacons are to be, as the KJV reads, “grave”—serious and dignified in their work (1 Tim. 3:8). They are not to be double-tongued—telling different tales insincerely to appease people—but rather should engage in straight-talk.

Deacons should not be given to much wine. Alcohol for recreational use is left behind when one becomes a Christian (1 Pet. 4:1-4). The “much wine” here is the Bible’s way of describing things that should not be taken as a license to participate in a little bit. Jesus warned us not to be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life (Luke 21:34). He did not mean we could do a little carousing and drunkenness provided we are not weighed down by it. Later in 1 Timothy, Paul had to tell Timothy to stop drinking water and take a little wine for his stomach’s sake, seemingly for medicinal reasons (1 Tim. 5:23). Timothy conscientiously avoided wine as a rule, so should Christians including deacons today.

Deacons are not to be greedy of dishonest gain (1 Tim. 3:8). Like the previous point, this does not mean a little dishonest gain is all right as long as one is not greedy for it. Deacons often handle financial transactions of the church in their service. A deacon who desires wealth without regard to biblical ethics can cause great damage to the church.

Deacons are to hold the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience (1 Tim. 3:9). The faith is the gospel plan of salvation (Acts 6:7; Jude 3). It is called a mystery by Paul because it was unknown in former ages and had to be revealed by God (Eph. 3:1-6; 6:19; Col. 1:24-27). To hold it is to adhere steadfastly to it instead of drifting away from it into false systems of thought (1 Tim. 1:19; 2 Tim. 1:13). Deacons hold on to the truth of the gospel with a pure conscience—they firmly believe and live out the gospel. Sometimes the church may be tempted to downplay the importance of a deacon being sound in the doctrine of Christ, perhaps because it is thought that he will be involved merely in physical chores, but this is a mistake since the Bible highlights his firm grasp of the gospel.

Deacons demonstrate their proficiency at leading a work of the church by first showing their ability to govern their homes. A deacon must be the husband of one wife and manage his children and household well (1 Tim. 3:12). Deacons are first to display proven experience to the congregation before being installed (1 Tim. 3:10). They are installed if they are beyond reproach.

We need spiritually mature men who meet these qualifications to step up and make sure the church accomplishes the Lord’s work. Let us be appreciative and respectful of the men who serve well in these capacities.