How were the first deacons chosen?
According to the narrative in Acts, they were identified and selected by the community of believers on the basis of their reputation and wisdom, being ‘full of the Holy Spirit’, and their appointment was confirmed by the Apostles.
What does ordination do to a person?
Ordination is the process by which individuals are consecrated, that is, set apart and elevated from the laity class to the clergy, who are thus then authorized (usually by the denominational hierarchy composed of other clergy) to perform various religious rites and ceremonies.
Which is higher deacon or minister?
deacon, (from Greek diakonos, “helper”), a member of the lowest rank of the threefold Christian ministry (below the presbyter-priest and bishop) or, in various Protestant churches, a lay official, usually ordained, who shares in the ministry and sometimes in the governance of a congregation.
Are deacons called reverend?
Deacons are styled as The Reverend, The Reverend Deacon, or The Reverend Mr/Mrs/Miss. Priests are usually styled as The Reverend, The Reverend Father/Mother (even if not a religious) or The Reverend Mr/Mrs/Miss.
Who are the Seven Deacons and why are they selected?
The Seven, often known as the Seven Deacons, were leaders elected by the early Christian church to minister to the community of believers in Jerusalem, to enable the Apostles to concentrate on ‘prayer and the Ministry of the Word’ and to address a concern raised by Greek-speaking believers about their widows being …
What are the qualifications to be a deacon?
Like the qualifications for elders, a deacon must not be an addict (v. 3,), not greedy for dishonest gain (v. 3), blameless (v. 2; Titus 1:6), the husband of one wife (v. 2), and an able manager of his children and household (vv. 4–5).
What is the difference between a deacon and an overseer?
Finally, the title “overseer” (1 Tim. 3:2) implies general oversight over the spiritual well-being of the congregation, whereas the title “deacon” implies one who has a service-oriented ministry. Beyond what we can glean from these differences in qualifications, the Bible does not clearly indicate the function of deacons.
What is a deacon’s role?
Deacons are called to “hold” to the faith with a clear conscience, but they are not called to “teach” that faith (1 Tim. 3:9). This suggests that the deacons do not have an official teaching role in the church. Like elders, deacons must manage their house and children well (1 Tim. 3:4, 12).
What is the role of elders and deacons in the Bible?
Like the apostles, the elders’ primary role is one of preaching the Word of God. Like the seven, deacons serve the congregation in whatever practical needs may arise. THE QUALIFICATIONS OF DEACONS. The only passage that mentions the qualifications for deacons is 1 Timothy 3:8–13.