1. 1 Tim 3:8-13 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.

2. DIFERENT RESPONSIBILITIES. Elders / Bishops / Shepherds Assigned to the Spiritual affairs of the Church. It makes no sense for them to leave off doing what only they could do. (Qualified) It makes no sense for them to leave off doing what only they could do. (Qualified) To do things that many others can do as well or even better than they. To do things that many others can do as well or even better than they. Deacons assigned the temporal affairs of the Church. Deacons assigned the temporal affairs of the Church. Acts 6:1-6 supports the above. Acts 6:1-6 supports the above.

3. Acts 6:1-6 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.“ 5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. Acts 6:1-6 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.“ 5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

4. In The Early Church History Deacons: Deacons: Visited the sick! Visited the sick! Assisted at Worship. Assisted at Worship. Ministered to the needy! Ministered to the needy! Administered Church Property Administered Church Property. It is not an exclusive division of Labor. Deacons preached, taught etc. Deacons preached, taught etc. But Deacons are leaders in these areas. But Deacons are leaders in these areas.

5. DEACON QUALIFICATIONS INDICATE Deacons Deacons Are involved in peoples lives. Are involved in peoples lives. Know people’s needs & problems. Know people’s needs & problems. Are serious in purpose not talebearers. Are serious in purpose not talebearers. Are above reproach handling money in benevolent and fiscal affairs of the Church. Are above reproach handling money in benevolent and fiscal affairs of the Church. Are good examples to their own family life. Are good examples to their own family life. Represent the Church so they are proven in their faith & their word carries much weight among those whom they work. Represent the Church so they are proven in their faith & their word carries much weight among those whom they work.

6. Unwrapped Gifts of the spirit What if: The Ankeny Church on Judgment Day explained to Jesus we didn’t grow as we should because we had no Deacons to lead us in all the areas of work. ( Education, Missions, Benevolence) What if: The Ankeny Church on Judgment Day explained to Jesus we didn’t grow as we should because we had no Deacons to lead us in all the areas of work. ( Education, Missions, Benevolence) 1 Cor 12:11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. (Such men with the gifts are here) 1 Cor 12:11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. (Such men with the gifts are here) 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. (Search out & choose in the congregation) Acts 6:7 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. (Search out & choose in the congregation)

7. WHO TO LOOK FOR? 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. 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 Tim 3:8-13)

8. ASK / LOOK / QUESTION! WHO IS WORTHY OF RESPECT? WHO IS WORTHY OF RESPECT? One who shows no favoritism or partiality toward some people as opposed to others. (Acts 10:34) One who shows no favoritism or partiality toward some people as opposed to others. (Acts 10:34) One who does not act in a prejudiced manner. One who does not act in a prejudiced manner. One who is a humble example of Christian values. One who is a humble example of Christian values. WHO IS SINCERE OR SOBER MINDED? WHO IS SINCERE OR SOBER MINDED? Marked by self control & sound moral judgment. Marked by self control & sound moral judgment. WHO HAS A CLEAR CONSCIENCE? WHO HAS A CLEAR CONSCIENCE? One’s inner awareness conforms to Gods word. One’s inner awareness conforms to Gods word. One who openly shares Christ at the opportunity. One who openly shares Christ at the opportunity.

9. ASK / LOOK / QUESTION! THERE IS NOTHING AGAINST THEM! THERE IS NOTHING AGAINST THEM! Not Greedy of money. Not Greedy of money. Not given to drinking much wine. Not given to drinking much wine. Humble and ready to repent of error or sin. Humble and ready to repent of error or sin. WHAT OF THEIR WIFE. WHAT OF THEIR WIFE. Only one, modest-respected-humble-friendly Only one, modest-respected-humble-friendly Displays love & discipline to all children. Displays love & discipline to all children. WHAT ABOUT THE HOUSEHOLD. WHAT ABOUT THE HOUSEHOLD. Finances in order, all comfortably clothed. Finances in order, all comfortably clothed. Children show loved, respected & disciplined. Children show loved, respected & disciplined.

10. YOUR PART AS A MEMBER ! Select from our members a man who meets these qualifications who is also qualified by his wife and children. Select from our members a man who meets these qualifications who is also qualified by his wife and children. Be ready to submit their name in writing. Be ready to submit their name in writing. Sign your recommendation. Sign your recommendation. Submit the name or names to an elder. Submit the name or names to an elder. ON OR BEFORE SUNDAY JAN 27 ON OR BEFORE SUNDAY JAN 27 We will continue to study these men and your support of Deacons thru Jan. 27 th. We will continue to study these men and your support of Deacons thru Jan. 27 th.

11. REMEMBER JESUS LOVES YOU REMEMBER JESUS LOVES YOU