Deacon Qualifications
The scriptural basis for deacon qualifications can be found in
Acts 6:1-7 and
1 Timothy 3:8-13.
As deacons are elected by the church body, the specific qualifications for deacons of Memorial Baptist Church are set forth as follows:
The service of a deacon is a charge and challenge to assume a major responsibility in the church. This responsibility must have a priority when compared to other church and community requests made upon one's time and resources. Deacons must be serving the church in this manner prior to their election – their title is a recognition of this service, not a requirement for it.
The deacon is accountable ultimately to the Lord, and practically to the church. This accountability involves one's being:
• A MATURING CHRISTIAN: knowing one’s relationship to Jesus Christ is secure; striving to be one that will promote harmony, unity, and fellowship within the congregation; and demonstrating a wholesome spirit and progressive disposition in order to be eager to attempt worthy goals that would enlarge the Kingdom and advance the ministries of Memorial Baptist Church.
• A CHRISTIAN EXAMPLE: having a lifestyle that reflects Christian values in conduct and behavior; and having a reputation for being dependable and trustworthy. Deacons should have a healthy family life. Memorial Baptist will not automatically exclude any man from serving as a result of his marital history, but he is expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to his wife and family. Deacons are not to engage in any excesses of the world, or lead others to stumble by their lifestyle. Individuals may hold a conviction that their personal circumstances do not yet meet these expectations, and preclude their service as a deacon. The decision about serving is a matter between them and God, to be resolved prior to their nomination.
• A POSITIVE WITNESS FOR CHRIST: sharing the good news of salvation, through one's own life-changing testimony, with those who do not know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, helping lead them to a conversion experience, and participating in regular visitation to church members and prospective members for the church through the Sunday School and regular church visitation program.
• AN ACTIVE CHURCH MEMBER: cooperating with the pastor, staff, and congregation to support the entire church program, especially by regularly attending Sunday School, Sunday morning and evening worship services, Wednesday family activities and services, and meetings and events such as revival services, stewardship emphasis, and Biblical conferences, and other special events.
• A FAITHFUL STEWARD OF TIME AND MONEY: recognizing God provides everything one has; being a generous giver; giving at least a tithe on one's financial income to the work of the Lord at Memorial Baptist; giving to special offerings of the church as the Lord leads; and committing one's time, talents, spiritual gifts, skills and abilities to the Lord through the church.
• A GROWING DISCIPLE: continuing to learn and to be trained for more effective service; and having, for the church, a spiritual vision filled with hope and goodwill.
A deacon candidate previously ordained by another Baptist church of like faith and order will be considered eligible for election by the church.
Each deacon candidate, whether previously ordained or not, will stand accountable to these qualifications before the Deacon Election Committee, the Ordination Council (when not yet ordained), and the church body.