Ministry in the Christian Church
POPULARITY
Categories
Series: N/AService: Sun AM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Larry Brown
Ian Jones - Qualities of the Deacons
Ian Jones - The Work and Office of Deacons by Northwest Church of Christ
Season 6, Episode 7 | Pastor Chad invites his son Truett Warren for a thoughtful examination of 1 Timothy 3:1-7, covering the overseer's noble aspiration, essential traits such as irreproachability, monogamous fidelity, self-control, respectability, hospitable teaching, gentle leadership, well-managed household, and avoiding arrogance or recent conversion pitfalls.
One of our Deacons, Min. Stacyann Bell, continued our Fit Check Series with a powerful message about the importance of navigating life with discernment that comes from intimacy with the Holy Ghost.
Have churches misunderstood Paul's message about the requirements for Pastors and Deacons in the church? Do we apply this chapter too literally, or maybe not literally enough? Rob and Vinnie continue to discuss the church, the Gospel message (as fulfilled in Jesus), and what we should expect from pastors. Check us out: https://www.determinetruth.com/ FOLLOW THE PODCAST Subscribe to be notified of our new episodes (each Monday). Want to help us expand the Gospel of the Kingdom? Leave a review, “like” the podcast, or share it with others. CONNECT WITH DETERMINETRUTH MINISTRIES The Determinetruth Podcast is a ministry of Determinetruth Ministries. We offer free resources to equip pastors, leaders, and the body of Christ in the US and worldwide for service in the kingdom of God. You can visit us online at https://www.determinetruth.com SUPPORT DETERMINETRUTH MINISTRIES Determinetruth is a non-profit 501(c)(3), and relies completely on the financial support of our partners around the world. Please consider partnering with us and making a tax-deductible donation https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/3648601 Want a FREE CHAPTER from Rob's latest book? Sign up for email updates from Determinetruth. https://mailchi.mp/5672d33f2b95/dt-podcast Music: “Love is Against the Grain” (Dime Store Prophets) #BiblePodcast #TheologyPodcast #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudyPodcast #BiblicalTruth #FaithPodcast #politics #ChristianNationalism #suffering #thechurch #paul #timothy #ecclesiology #Fellowship #Mutual encouragement #Service #Corporateworship #Teaching #theWord #Communion #pastors #missions #women #complementarian #egalitarian #authority #colossians #presbyterian #housechurch #BibleProphecy #ProphecyPodcast
Steve Thornton with Shepherds Care Ministry preaches about the Roles of Pastos and Deacons in the church according to Scripture.
1 Timothy 3 “Although I hope I can come to you soon, I am writing these things to you now. Then, even if I am delayed, you will know how to live in the family of God. That family is the church of the living God, the support and foundation of the truth.” – 1 Tmothy 3:14-15 NCV Context: God provides a place. God gives life, gives love, and provides a place for us. From the Garden to the travels of his people with Tabernacles and a Temple, God lives among his people. God's design always includes his purpose, passion, pleasure, and places for relationship. God showed us love by sending Jesus Christ to be “God with us”, creating an opportunity for constant access. From the Garden to Tabernacles, Temple, and the local church, God's design has always included opportunities for stewardship and shared responsibilities. The stability of our lives is found by building our lives on the teaching of Jesus. The House of God is cared for and given further strength by Jesus' followers, ‘a priesthood of all believers' and 4 Gifts of equipping leaders who serve. With agape love as motivation, following the example of Jesus and the New Testament leaders, today's local church serving leaders function in their gifts and equip the believers to do the same. Jesus-followers lead by serving: “I am among you as one who serves.” – Jesus in Luke 22:20-27 Mark 10:43-45 Serve – to give help by performing certain duties, often of a humble or menial nature Choosing acts of service that show love and respect. “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.” – Jesus in Mark 9:33-37 John 12:26 “the leader should be like a servant,” – Jesus in Luke 22:26 Jesus' word “servant” = server, dedicated focused faithful – helper, attendant, apprentice, collaborator, companion “And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other's feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.” – John 13:14-15 “Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Matthew 20:26, 28 “Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.” – John 12:26 Deacon “Deacon” 1 Timothy 3:8 – servant of the master, helping/caring for the needs of believers according to their assignment (such as the stewardship of food provisions for those in need, in Acts 6:3) Please review our Deacon Bible Study. Qualifications listed in 1 Timothy 3:8-13 Our church family is served by a team of leaders, including deacons and elders, who meet the qualifications, seen in 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9. A City Harbor Church Deacon is a person who has been selected, equipped, and recognized with specific serving leadership assignment (s). They have been chosen. They have responded with a commitment to a specific responsibility, within the vision, values, and expectations of City Harbor. Elder Elder – overseer of the local church The Eldership has a spiritual responsibility for and is accountable to the Lord for their stewardship of the overall vision, values and doctrine of the church as well as the spiritual health of the congregation. This is all to ensure that the gospel is preached, people are added to the church and people are discipled in order to live like Jesus and to share His love. Being an Elder is not about having position but fulfilling a call to servant leadership through the care, oversight and leadership for the flock. An Elder is an overseer of God's household which means they are a steward, charged with the care of God's family. Paul says “he must be” as he starts to list out fifteen qualifications to be an Elder. Fourteen of these qualifications are not describing gifting, but the character of an Elder that is needed to be an overseer of God's family. Lastly, Paul says an Elder must be able to teach sound doctrine. 1 Timothy 3:1 “What I say is true: Anyone wanting to become an overseer desires a good work. 2 An overseer must not give people a reason to criticize him, and he must have only one wife. He must be self-controlled, wise, respected by others, ready to welcome guests, and able to teach. 3 He must not drink too much wine or like to fight, but rather be gentle and peaceable, not loving money. 4 He must be a good family leader, having children who cooperate with full respect. 5 (If someone does not know how to lead the family, how can that person take care of God's church?) 6 But an elder must not be a new believer, or he might be too proud of himself and be judged guilty just as the devil was. 7 An elder must also have the respect of people who are not in the church so he will not be criticized by others and caught in the devil's trap.” – 1 Timothy 3:1-7 NCV Titus 1:5 “I left you in Crete so you could finish doing the things that still needed to be done and so you could appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. 6 An elder must not be guilty of doing wrong, must have only one wife, and must have believing children. They must not be known as children who are wild and do not cooperate. 7 As God's managers, overseers must not be guilty of doing wrong, being selfish, or becoming angry quickly. They must not drink too much wine, like to fight, or try to get rich by cheating others. 8 Overseers must be ready to welcome guests, love what is good, be wise, live right, and be holy and self-controlled. 9 By holding on to the trustworthy word just as we teach it, overseers can help people by using true teaching, and they can show those who are against the true teaching that they are wrong.” – Titus 1:5-9 NCV “I exhort the elders among you as a fellow elder and witness to the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory about to be revealed: 2 Shepherd God's flock among you, not overseeing out of compulsion but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed for money but eagerly; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5 In the same way, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. All of you clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because ‘God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.'” – 1 Peter 5:1-5 CSB (Peter to the elders) Elders are shepherds of God's flock and in caring for them, they are to watch over them and care for them with a servant's heart. An Elder leads God's flock, not by what they get out of it, but by giving to others and being a living example of how to live a Godly life marked by humility. “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as overseers, to shepherd the church of God, which he purchased with his own blood.” – Acts 20:28 CSB (Paul to the Ephesian elders) context of Acts 20:17-30 Giving “attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” – Acts 6:3-4 NIV What is an elder? 1. Born again Jesus follower, water baptized, received the Holy Spirit, committed to a local church. 2. Having been assessed to meet the requirements of 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9, and faithful in the directives of 1 Peter 5:1-5, Acts 20:28 3. Proven to have been faithful in serving and solid in the teaching of Scripture, not new to this. 4. Set into the team of overseers of God's household which means they are a steward, charged with the care of God's family. 5. Giving attention to prayer. & Ready to pray for the healing of the sick. 6. Being able to teach sound doctrine, a pastor/teacher with a shepherd's heart, for the equipping of the believers to do the work of the ministry. 7. Living like Jesus in lifestyle of integrity, as an example. What is an elder not? 1. A boss using coercion. 2. Free to do whatever they want, however they want. 3. A lifetime appointee. What should we do? 1. Gladly receive & respect our elders, according to Scripture. 2. Pray for their stewardship of our local church. 3. Pray for the expansion of the Jesus Movement thru us. 4. Express gratitude to each person who serves our church.
1 Timothy 3:1-13Rev. Matt Rice
Complementary Old Testament Passage:Ruth 1:6-18 Sermon Outline: The Word brings treasure into the house of the Lord Be sure that the Treasure won by the Word is treated as treasure The adorned Word brings in even more treasure Family Discussion Questions: What was it that God used to save people? How did the church take care of people who became Christians? Is the church supposed to be from one family or many families? What are the men in the church called who teach and lead the whole church? What are the men in the church called who make sure that the church takes care of Christians with needs? Are deacons and elders the only ones who share the Gospel and take care of people? Explain how God ensure that widows would be honoured without changing the mission of the church. What is interesting about the names of the men chosen as deacons? Christian charity is not the same as the extremes we see in the world. What are its hallmarks? What was the stunning result of this additional office? How had Jesus predicted this? Looking back at the first six chapters of Acts, which peoples now comprise the church? What makes verse 8 unique? What is its purpose? What does this passage teach us about how we ought to think about the church? How is this passage a motivation to get a handle on our possessions and finances? What polar extremes about the mission of the church has the church been tempted toward in history and how is this passage a corrective to those?
Principles of Deacon Selection
Pastor Kirk Hall continues the sermon series entitled, "The Pastoral Epistles: Biblical Ministers & Biblical Ministry" Today's message is entitled "The Role Of Deacons" — focusing on 1 Timothy 3:8-13.
Pastor Andrew preaches through the Bible's clear teaching on church leadership, showing that Scripture establishes two offices in the local church: Pastors (also called elders or overseers) and Deacons. Though often treated as separate roles today, the Bible uses the terms pastor, elder, and overseer interchangeably to describe one shepherding office responsible for leading, teaching, caring for, and guarding the church. You'll see how pastors are called to govern and teach God's Word, while deacons are appointed as servant-leaders who support the pastors by meeting practical needs, protecting unity, and advancing the mission of the church. Rooted in passages like Acts 6, 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1, and 1 Peter 5, this message clarifies biblical roles, responsibilities, and qualifications—and reminds us that church leadership is God's gift to His people for His glory and the building up of Christ's body. ________________________________________ Links to Sermon Notes & Answers: ➤Sermon Notes (Blank): https://www.sheridanhills.org/_files/ugd/30fec2_a018dcab877d4b3b8a8db9abcb882c71.pdf ➤Sermon Notes (Answers): https://www.sheridanhills.org/_files/ugd/30fec2_d04617a0ebe048aa8cb0bd143e393f81.pdf ________________________________________ In this video: Review of previous sermons in series Main Points Application ________________________________________ Subscribe to this channel to catch weekly expositional sermons from the Bible. ________________________________________ Explore more sermons and information: https://www.sheridanhills.org/watch-new ________________________________________ Follow us: ➤Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheridanhills/ ➤Twitter: https://twitter.com/sheridanhills01 ➤Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheridanhills/
This week at our Jackson Campus, Campus Pastor Mitch Johnson begins a new series, Life in the Household of God, walking through the book of 1 Timothy.We pray this message is a blessing to you.Learn more about The Point Church at www.tothepoint.church.Takeaway: Deacons Are A Gift To God's Church
A new MP3 sermon from Maidenbower Baptist Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: What does the church look for in deacons? Subtitle: Deacons Speaker: Jeremy Walker Broadcaster: Maidenbower Baptist Church Event: Sunday - PM Date: 2/8/2026 Bible: 1 Timothy 3:8-13; Acts 6:1-7 Length: 50 min.
Having thought about why the church needs deacons, we turn next to the qualities which a church must look for in deacons. Among the things to look for, a potential deacon must be credible, available, responsible, reliable, practical, charitable and spiritual. These qualities will show themselves in the things to look at: his life, his wife, his home. These are the things a man must be if the church is to recognise him as a deacon.
What is a deacon? What is their role in the church and who should serve as one? In 1 Timothy 3:8-13, Paul discusses the qualifications of deacons and the benefits of serving well in that particular role. February 8, 2026Helpful resources that shaped and influenced this sermon: The Message of 1 Timothy & Titus by John Stott; 1 Timothy by Philip Graham Ryken; 1-2 Timothy & Titus by R. Kent Hughes & Bryan Chapell; The Letters to Timothy and Titus by Robert W. Yarbrough; Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus by David Platt, Daniel Akin, & Tony Merida.
The passage unfolds a clear, pastoral vision for those who serve the church: character is the primary qualification for ministry. Deacons are described with the same moral weight as elders—men and women are called to dignity, temperance, faithfulness, and a life consistent across home, work, and public life. The Greek term for deacon simply means “one who serves,” and that service is grounded not in titles or gifts alone but in tested integrity: not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain, and holding fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.Practical markers of that integrity include how a person speaks about others, how they handle money, and how they steward their household. Women historically served as deaconesses; biblical examples (Phoebe, Tabitha/Dorcas, Priscilla, Lydia) show that faithful ministry is not limited by gender but defined by loving service and wise management. Testing a candidate's reputation—checking family life, work life, and community standing—was the biblical method for ensuring leaders were beyond reproach.Family life is integral to qualification: a deacon must be a faithful spouse and a careful parent, not domineering nor treating family as servants, but raising children in the training and admonition of the Lord. When leaders live with such integrity, three results follow: personal confidence that one has served rightly, the church becomes a credible witness in the community, and the mystery of godliness—Christ revealed, proclaimed, believed, and glorified—advances in the world. The text calls every believer to this standard, not merely office-holders. Service that reflects Christ's character both preserves conscience and displays the truth of the gospel.The passage closes with a pastoral prayer asking the Spirit to search hearts, to bring repentance where needed, and to empower believers to be lights in their communities so that God's kingdom may be seen and His truth upheld.
Their Ministry Their Qualifications Their Purpose
Try the BibleACTS app!: https://bibleacts.goodbarber.app Or try Online Bible College here: https://5lxiiva.pushpress.com/open/interested In this episode, we continue our verse-by-verse teaching through 1 Timothy 3:8–9, turning our focus to deacons — who they are, what they do, and why their role matters in the life of the church. We explain what Scripture teaches about the office of deacon, how it differs from pastors/overseers, and why the qualifications for deacons are intentionally less severe, yet still serious and meaningful. In this episode, we discuss: What a deacon is and their biblical role in the church How deacons serve differently than pastors and elders Why the qualifications for deacons are distinct from pastoral qualifications The meaning behind “not given to wine” vs. “not given to much wine” Why character still matters deeply, even in non-teaching leadership roles This episode is especially helpful for: Churches establishing or evaluating deacons Deacons and those aspiring to serve Pastors and church leaders seeking biblical clarity Believers wanting to understand church structure from Scripture Subscribe for more verse-by-verse Bible teaching, biblical theology, and practical conversations about church leadership.
1 Timothy 3:8 - Deacons: Ecclesiastical Servants - Josiah Espinoza
What did you think? Text us by clicking here! We are unable to reply on this app, so include phone # or email address.In this episode of The Reformed Deacon, Rev. Chris Cashen discusses with Rev. Peter VanDoodewaard (Covenant OPC, Taylors, South Carolina) about where a deacon's confidence should come from as he seeks to show the compassion of Christ in mercy ministry. Using John 6 and the feeding of the 5,000, they explore how Jesus intentionally tested His disciples—not because He lacked a plan, but because He wanted them to learn to trust His power and provision. The lesson is not self-confidence, but deep confidence in Christ, who sees the needs of His people, has already purposed to meet them, and graciously invites His servants to participate in distributing what He supplies.The conversation emphasizes that fear, feelings of inadequacy, and even unbelief in Christ's ability are common temptations in mercy ministry. Deacons are reminded that they are not the source of provision—they are the “basket carriers.” As they serve, they not only meet physical needs but also have opportunity to point people to Christ.Referenced in this episode:OPC National Diaconal Summit 2026—June 25-27, 2026Primary passage:John 6:1–14 — The feeding of the 5,000 (central text)Key biblical references mentioned or clearly alluded to1 Timothy 3:13 — Deacons gaining “great boldness in the faith”John 2:1–11 — Water into wine; seeing Christ's glory in His signsJohn 1:1–14 — The Word made flesh; glory of the only begottenJohn 6 (later section) — “I am the Bread of Life”Colossians 1:29 — “Christ labors with all His energy”Acts 4 — Boldness of Peter and JohnExodus 14 — Moses at the Red Sea: “Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord”Confessional / church order referenceOPC Book of Church Order — Description of the deacon's role: “to show forth the compassion of Christ…”Practical OPC referenceOPCCDM.orgOPC Presbytery Diaconal CommitteesDavid Nakhla, Administrator, OPC Committee on Diaconal Ministries You can find all of our episodes at thereformeddeacon.org. Make sure to follow us on your favorite podcast player, so you don't miss an episode. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for giveaways and more information. Find other resources on OPCCDM.org. Make sure to send us some feedback on your podcast player or ask a diaconal question by going to OPCCDM.org.
How important are deacons in the local church?
A new MP3 sermon from Maidenbower Baptist Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Why does the church need deacons? Subtitle: Deacons Speaker: Jeremy Walker Broadcaster: Maidenbower Baptist Church Event: Sunday - PM Date: 1/25/2026 Bible: Acts 6:1-7; Philippians 1:1 Length: 42 min.
Message | Dr. Brian Payne (Pastor) "Supplied for Service" 1 Peter 4:10-11 The Biblical Framework: Pastors lead ministry. Deacons facilitate ministry. The congregation does ministry 1 | The Mandate for Service (v. 10-11a) 2 | The Motive for Service (v. 11b)
Hear more sermons at http://www.lvbaptist.org/service-podcast/ Watch Our TV Broadcast here: https://www.lvbaptist.org/wfmz-program/ Visit us here: Lehigh Valley Baptist Church 4702 Colebrook Ave. Emmaus, PA 18049
Worship Service
124-SMWC 01-25-2026AM - Series: Special Message - Title: A Charge to New Deacons - Scripture: Acts 6:1-7
Why does the church need deacons? To answer this question we consider carefully a division of labour established in Acts 6:1–7. The church needs deacons so that the first things might be pursued without distraction—prayer and the ministry of the Word, carried out by servants of the pulpit. The church also needs deacons so that the next things might be maintained without compromise—works of mercy and necessity under the care of servants of the table. In this way, all the work of the kingdom can be carried out wisely and well.
A reflection on the work of deacons outside of the liturgy.
Pastor Greg Peterson and Brandon Scott of Anchor Bible Church discuss the office and role of deacons within the local church. [Part 2/2]
Title: The Qualifications for DeaconsPreacher: Jim HamiltonSeries: 1 TimothyPassage: 1 Timothy 3:8–13
As you read the New Testament, especially the book of Acts, it's clear that the church plays a central role in God's mission to a dark, broken, sinful world. What is that mission? To deliver the saving message of Jesus Christ; to be the “pillar and buttress of truth.” The proclamation of the Gospel is critical in that mission. One of the reasons the apostles and elders remained devoted to that mission was because they refused to let it get hijacked—even by legitimate needs. They kept their priority straight. One of the means for protecting that priority was a special group of humble, devoted servants called Deacons who served and met practical needs in the church.
What might it feel like living in 1970? On this episode of ACC Nation podcast we’re joined by special guest David Doda, a member of the Wake Forest football team that won their first conference championship since the school had helped form it in 1953. History books looking at 1970 are filled with things like the Vietnam war, the Beatles breaking up, Joe Frazier becoming the World Heavyweight Champion in boxing and the movie M*A*S*H premiering among others. But, in Winston-Salem a group of young men who were dismissed by sportswriters of the time came together under Coach Cal Stoll for a journey they’ll never forget and Doda shares his memories in his book, No Offense, No Defense, No Hope. Podcast The road to victory is seldom as smooth as imagined. The struggles as players, as young men living in a troubled world and personal loss often helps forge lasting relationships. Having an old school coach that holds your feet to the fire builds comradery and focuses you on things at hand rather than the whirling dervish outside of campus. Baseball | Preseason Top 25. Good For What Exactly? Doda’s book is available at Amazon and is a fascinating read for anyone who is into college football, interested in history and especially for Wake Forest alumni and fans. For more ACC sports follow us on ACC Nation podcast by subscribing, listen to us on ACC Nation streaming radio or watch each episode on our YouTube channel. Scroll to the top of the homepage and connect with us on social media.
A sermon on the occasion of ordination and installation of Deacons. Preached by Jody Killingsworth.
Series: N/AService: Sun AMType: SermonSpeaker: Josh McKibben
Patrick fields concerns about reverence, inclusion, and the struggles of Catholics navigating community shifts, challenging rigid mindsets while affirming the heart of Church tradition. Listeners share their anxieties, stories, and hopes; Patrick responds with candor, practical insight, and encouragement to remain faithful amid uncertainty. Audio: TSA has apparently known for years that Somalis were flying with suitcases of cash from Minnesota, overseas. Hundreds of millions of dollars a year. Thanks to John Soloman host of “Just the News, No Noise” - https://x.com/i/trending/2008966344377557114 (02:01) Mike (email) – Is it okay to dress casually when I go to Mass or Adoration? (03:28) Email - Am I being too rigid in my negative assessment of a situation where a monastery is offering the Eucharist to those who they know are not Catholic? (06:24) Derek - I am learning more about the Catholic Church through OCIA. I rely heavily on data and have been reading your book “Surprised by Truth”. Do you have any advice? (13:43) Deacons were not permitted to touch the consecrated host or even to act as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, absent a grave cause – (23:54) Dennis - We are losing attendance to Church. It scares me. I think we need to be devoted to the Eucharist. (29:52) Ed - I agree with you Patrick about the consecration and that a lay person shouldn't distribute Communion. At my Church, you have one priest consecrating the Eucharist and other priests distributing. Does your rule apply to them? (39:17) Stephanie - I attend the Traditional Latin Mass and mostly everyone is appropriately dressed for Mass. Not everyone has the wherewithal to buy a suit and I needed to talk to my husband about this. For those who can't afford nice clothes, they always seem to be presentable and in clean clothes. (43:22)
Pastor Greg Peterson and Brandon Scott of Anchor Bible Church discuss the office and role of deacons within the local church. [Part 1/2]
By popular demand, Jared Wilson and Ronni Kurtz discuss the church office of deacon. What is it? Who should be one? And how should they operate in a local church?
The Vatican just released it's Study on the Female Diaconate, convened by Pope Francis as part of the Synod on Synodality, which concludes: “female diaconate…was not intended as the simple female equivalent of the male diaconate and does not appear to have had a sacramental character.” Dr. Taylor Marshall responds to this good news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices