Female deacons?

'Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well. Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus' (1 Timothy 3.8-13).

Before we come to the specific issue of 'female deacons' we need to clearly understand some basic principles concerning our basis of faith.

As evangelical churches, what we believe and the way we do things must be in harmony with Scripture. We believe that Scripture is the only authority in all matters of faith and practice. In other words, that is what Scripture teaches about Scripture. Therefore we seek to allow the Word of God to guide and govern us in our beliefs and behaviour. So when we come to look at church government we desire to be ruled by Scripture alone in determining how to regulate and order our affairs to exalt the Saviour, edify the saints and evangelise sinners.

Elders and deacons

Having clarified that principle, the next step for us in considering the issue of female deacons is to have a clear understanding of the role of the deacon, as any confusion at this stage can lead to misunderstandings later on.

We begin this brief sketch by noting that the New Testament church was structured in a certain way. Paul, writing to the Philippians said: 'To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons' (Philippians 1.1).

This verse is a useful guide as we think about church government. We first of all note the letter addressed to all the church in a manner similar to other letters of the apostle. Then, however, Paul makes more specific reference to two distinct kinds of office bearers in the church at Philippi. First, he mentions 'overseers' (elders, bishops) and then he refers to 'deacons' (servants).

Evidently some responsibility was delegated. Leaving aside the issue of eldership for the moment, I want to take a closer look at 'deacons' by considering their qualifications and role within the context of the local church.

In the early church, as in today's church, there were practical needs. In Acts 6.1-7 we note the beginnings of difficulty and tension in the church caused by the distribution of welfare to widows. It was alleged that Grecian Jews were being neglected and Hebrew widows were getting better care. This was at a time of phenomenal church growth. In one of the remarkable understatements in Scripture the Holy Spirit informs us that 'the number of disciples was increasing' (v.1). It was for this reason that the issue came to the fore.

The apostles could have continued to carry responsibility for this task but in order to do that they would be neglecting their true ministry: 'It would not be right to neglect the ministry of the Word of God'. They clearly understood their primary responsibility was praying and ministering the Word of God through preaching and teaching. Evidently then, the purpose of the diaconate was to take certain responsibilities away from these 'Elders'. This text furnishes us with evidence of distinct roles within the church, which worked to the betterment of the church. Their affairs were ordered so as to allow for the effective and efficient administration of the church.

We see that as these duties were carried out well God blessed the work. 'So the Word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith' (v.7). The structuring of duties was part of God's plan in the spread of the gospel.

The role of the deacon

Historically there is some continuity with Judaism. The office of 'deacon' possibly emerged from that of the synagogue attendant. Thus we read of Jesus: 'Then he closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down and the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on him' (Luke 4.20). However, the role was enlarged and developed in the early Christian church.

What, then, is the role of the deacon? In general terms we can say with certainty that it is to relieve the elders of certain responsibilities that detract from their foremost duty to minister in the Word and prayer. Thus the deacons enable the elders to give themselves more fully to preaching, teaching and prayer. The original ministry of the diaconate concerned issues of finance and administration. These are still very important. So the role of deacon focuses on conducting administrative and caring duties, under the auspices and government of the elders, for the more effective operation of the church. These duties are always to be carried out to the glory of God and the wellbeing of the church.

A question of authority

Concerning the issue of authority, it is important to note the privilege and limitations of the office. The deacon has a spiritual role but no spiritual authority over the church. This point is crucial in examining the issue of female deacons. It is important that this office is not exalted to unbiblical standards in terms of its scope. Authority to guide, govern and discipline is the domain of the elder and pastor/elder as servant leaders and under-shepherds to 'that great Shepherd of the sheep' (Hebrews 13.20) to whom they will give account.

Qualifications

What then are the qualifications for the office of deacon? These criteria are outlined in 1 Timothy 3.8-12. In seeking suitable people to occupy the diaconate we look for qualities that typify the true Christian standards identified in this passage of Scripture.

They are to be held in high regard - 'worthy of respect', the text says. They are to be honourable people characterised by sincerity. There is to be nothing devious about them, they are to be people of integrity. The deacon should be a person who is self-controlled. This, in practical terms means having a moderate lifestyle, not being easily led astray or susceptible to excess. Deacons are to be people who are in control of themselves, especially in the area of alcohol and money. Furthermore they are to be good managers: 'Manage his children and household well'. So in filial and financial, moral and menial matters they are to be sober (literally and otherwise). The deacon is to be somebody who has a certain competency and consistent commitment to the spiritual and material wellbeing of the family. In short, the deacon's own house is to be in order before clearly defined responsibility is delegated for the household of faith. Deacons should be godly people able, not only to understand God's Word, but to take it beyond interpretation to application.

Filled with the Spirit

Some tend to think of deacons as functionaries who are allocated mundane tasks, but in Acts 6 we see the deacons were filled with the Holy Spirit! In the passage in 1 Timothy that we have been considering we might feel the bar is set rather high for the level of responsibility to be delegated. The qualifications don't seem to match the job description only because we tend to have a low view of diaconate ministry. We might well ask who is sufficient for such a role? The answer to that rhetorical question is a resounding 'nobody!'. Nevertheless, the deacon must aspire to godliness and approximate in significant measure to the criteria outlined in Scripture.

Others tend to think of deacons as a step above the membership in a hierarchical structure and this too is quite wrong. As a Baptist pastor I recently found myself explaining that many people think Baptists don't have clergy but the truth is that we don't have laity. 'But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light' (1 Peter 2.9).

It is worthy of mention too that of the deacons mentioned in Acts 6 some were gifted in other ways. For example, Philip was an evangelist and Stephen was a preacher. Therefore the office of deacon need not, necessarily, be a limiting function. Other constraints (especially biblical) will determine and define any additional function a deacon may have outside the remit of the diaconate.

The first of two articles

Elders and deacons

The role of the deacon

A question of authority

Qualifications

Filled with the Spirit

To be concluded next month.

Kieran Beville

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