What Are the Biblical Qualifications for Deacons?

What are the qualifications for deacons? Just like for elders/overseers (likewise), Paul gives qualifications for men serving as deacons:

Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. ⁹ They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. ¹⁰ And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. ¹¹ Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. ¹² Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. ¹³ For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

We will handle these verses under the headings of the deacon’s life, faith, wife, household, and reward.

The deacon’s life (8)

The very first qualification for deacons is that they must be “dignified.” Deacons must be men whom others honor and respect. Their attitude and way of living must be one that wins the admiration of the congregation. Similarly to elders, they must be role models in mature Christian living.

Next, they must not be double-tongued, that is, they must be men of integrity, honesty, and truth. Duplicity and insincerity undermine a leaders effectiveness and deacons must be free of these things to serve well in the church.

Third, they must not be addicted to much wine. We can expand that in our day to any mind-altering substance. Deacons must be sober-minded, able to think clearly and make wise, deliberate decisions for the church.

Fourth, deacons must not be greedy for dishonest gain. As those who deal most directly with the finances of the church, deacons must be above reproach in their own handling of money. They should not be known as those who will do anything to make a buck, or those who will engage in shady, underhanded practices to financially benefit themselves. Money is a powerful temptation – one of Jesus’ disciples (Judas) stole from the money bag. Deacons must be immune to the temptation to use the finances of the church for their personal gain.

The deacon’s faith (9)

In the next verse, Paul addresses the deacon’s faith. Even though the office of deacon is not a teaching office, their faith is not insignificant! A deacon must know and wholeheartedly embrace the body of Christian belief. This is one reason why we have our deacons as well as our elders annually affirm our statement of faith.

But it goes further, they must be able to hold it with a clear conscience. That is, they must not live hypocritical lives that contradict their confession of faith.

The deacon’s wife (11)

In verse 11 (we’ll get to verse 10 next time!), Paul switches gears to address qualifications for the deacon’s wife.[1]

Like the deacon, Paul lists four character qualifications for the wife of a deacon. First, she must be dignified. She must be one to whom the women of the church can look as a role model for living a mature Christian life.

Second, she must not be a slanderer. That is, she must be able to control her tongue, and not given to spreading gossip or rumors among. Deacons will often deal with sensitive information, and it makes their ministry much more difficult if those to whom they are ministering cannot trust that the information will stay confidential.

Third, she must be sober-minded. Just as the deacon cannot be a drunkard, so his wife must be free from the control of mind-altering substances. She must be a level-headed and calm influence in the church and on her husband.

Fourth, she must be faithful in all things, that is, she must exhibit the virtue of Christian faithfulness. She should be dependable and trustworthy. If she has a responsibility, she takes care of it. She is someone who can be relied upon.

The deacon’s household (12)

Finally, in verse 12 Paul lists qualifications regarding the deacon’s household. Like elders, the deacon must be a one-woman man and managing his own household well. He should not be flirtatious or suspected of any impropriety with other women. And should God grant him children, he should faithfully bring them up in the nurture and discipline of the Lord, engaging in regular prayer and family worship with them.

Moreover, he must be wise in the management of his own household, stewarding his resources well and so demonstrating that he can steward those of the church in the same manner.

The deacon’s reward (13)

Verse 13 is not a qualification for deacons, but I would be remiss if I did not comment briefly upon it, for here Paul speaks of the deacon’s reward:

For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

Paul speaks here of two rewards for the deacons who serve well – they will be highly regarded by the church and will gain a greater confidence in their faith in Christ. The office of deacon is not trivial and such is demonstrated by the great rewards that Paul lays out here.

These are not rewards given at some definite time once one has served a term as a deacon, but rather the fruits of faithful service in that office. It is as one assists the elders in caring for the church in a faithful, commendable way that one builds a good standing in the church and grows in their confidence in Christ.

The Sum

In the last article, we commented on the founding of the office of deacon in Acts 6. Let me close by asking you, church, to recommend men of good repute, full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom to be deacons at Grace Community Church.

Next time, we’ll take a look at what it means to prepare men for these offices.

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[1] There is debate over this verse. For supporting arguments for “deacons’ wives” interpretation, see these articles: https://www.biblicaleldership.com/womendeacons/