Ministry Leaders Series

Let us continue to worship with the Word of God. Open your Bibles to 1 Timothy 3. The letter by the Apostle Paul, by the power of God the Holy Spirit, was written to Timothy who was left in Ephesus to minister for the Gospel of Jesus Christ about 2000 years ago. Ephesus back then was a pagan society and much influenced by ancient Greek culture and was ruled by the Roman Empire! We need to keep this in mind as we learn from these letters to Timothy.

Last week we noted that the Christian Church was growing in Ephesus and Timothy was appointed to lead. We noted God protecting His Church by listing qualifications for Overseers of the Church (Bishops, Pastors, Elders). Today, we will learn the qualifications expected by God for Deacons in the church in 1 Timothy 3:8-12.

Now, so that we can be thinking of how to apply these truths for today, let us note a few things along with the background of that pagan society in Ephesus.

1. The biblical definition for deacons is diakonos - a servant, a minister, a waiter; any one who performs any service to help the church is a deacon.

2. Obviously, deacons were to be men in Ephesus 2000 years ago because of its culture. But if “deacons” are church ministers and servants, since there are duties TODAY for women in ministry, can this passage apply to women? If women today are capable of serving in ministries at church without upsetting godly set authorities, then they must meet the criteria in this passage as applicable to them.

Let us also note that God does call on women to minister; but again, because of culture in Ephesus 2000 years ago, church leaders were to be men. But let us note: There are many women called by God to be leaders! Who are examples of God ordained women as ministry leaders? God called Deborah as a Judge and Prophet for God’s chosen People! Miriam was a Worship Leader in Exodus! God called Esther for such a time to save God’s People! There was a Businesswoman Lydia who took care of Paul and Silas and opened her home for a church! Phoebe is listed as a deaconess in Rome! And there was Priscilla, who took care of the Apostle Paul and actually taught in the church!!

God will call on women to minister!

And so as we read our text today, 3. Although specific for the church in Ephesus 2000 years ago, we must include women today as deacons for our applications of 1 Timothy 3.

Let us now read our passage…. 1 Timothy 3:8-12…..

V8: Qualities of Deacons - worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, not pursuing dishonest gain

V9: truly and constantly committed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Ministry leaders must never depend on anything else for salvation except for the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

V10: Put to the “test”? - have them serve for a while, as a regular member of the church, for all to see their qualities and passion before giving them the title leadership role

V11-12: Deacons 2000 years ago were to be men completely committed to their marriage to their wife and manage their home well!

In the same way as we accept women today as deaconesses, they must be completely devoted to their husband and manage their home well.

And so, what does this all mean for us today? Again, we noted this last week…

1. The Christian church is God’s and He will protect it according to His will and will provide the right instructions to follow! The question is, “Are we following God’s Holy instructions for church leaders?”

And so…

2. The church must always evaluate their leaders according to God’s instructions:

a. All Ministry Leaders to be appointed must meet 1 Timothy 3:8-9.

b. It is crucial to have “Membership” at church to note a person’s faith in Christ!

Membership will call on Believers to publicly profess their faith before taking leadership in the church. Looking for a church? This is one of the questions to ask; how do you become a member? Memebrship should only be based upon personal belief in Jesus Christ!

c. All Church Members are encouraged to participate in a “ministry”!

And besides Membership….

3. What should we look for in a church?

a. The church must be biblical and prayerful as led by the Pastors and Elders! Is this evident in the church? What do they mean when they say they are biblical? Is prayer emphasized and how are prayers given and taught?

And again, as we noted last week, be careful of depending just on Church Leader’s education, personality, and leadership skills.

b. Sense the presence of biblical power of the Holy Spirit in the church. Do they even explain and profess the Trinity? Do they teach and experience the power and the presence of the Holy Spirit without being “charismatic”?