Organization of the Church - Part 4
By Allan E. McNabb

We continue our series on the organization of the church, studying God’s word concerning deacons and evangelists.

Deacons
Diakonos is the Greek word translated “deacon.”  It’s also translated “minister” and “servant.”

In a general sense, diakonos denotes a person who serves, like Phoebe (Rom. 16:1; 1 Tim. 4:6).  In this way, the word applies to all Christians, since all of us serve God and our brethren (Col. 3:24; Gal. 5:13).

In a specific sense, though, the word applies to a specific group of men in the congregations who are called Deacons (Phil. 1:1).

Qualifications of Deacons
The qualifications of deacons are in 1 Timothy 3:8-12.

It’s not my intention to list or analyze these qualities, most of which should be present in every Christian.  But generally speaking, deacons are strong Christian men who are married and have children, displaying a good track record of managing their homes well.  Their children can be younger, and don’t have to be Christians, which is different from the qualifications of elders.

Many strong Christians aren’t qualified to be a deacon, but we all serve the Lord in whatever ways we are blessed, knowing that everyone’s service is equally important to God (Eph. 4:16).

For example, Timothy and Titus were not qualified to be deacons, but their service was valuable in converting unbelievers and strengthening the church.

Work of Deacons
As the word diakonos indicates, deacons serve the church.

By reviewing the men appointed to serve the church in Jerusalem, we can better understand the work of deacons (Acts 6:1-6).  Notice these men were put in charge of a task (Acts 6:3), while other Christians were already performing the work (Acts 6:1).

Deacons are put in charge of certain tasks, performing their work under the oversight of the elders.  They’re not slaves of the congregation, so everyone else can sit around doing nothing.  Rather they’re in charge of certain tasks, with other Christians helping them — they are managers (1 Tim. 3:12).

Evangelists
An evangelist is a messenger of good and denotes a preacher of the gospel.  For example:

• Philip was an evangelist (Acts 21:8), and preached the good news (Acts 8:12).
• Timothy was an evangelist (2 Tim. 4:5), and preached the word (2 Tim. 4:2).

Congregations can financially support an evangelist for his work, although some are self supported (1 Cor. 9:3-14).

Although there isn’t a list of qualifications for evangelists, we find qualities an evangelist should possess.

• Disciplined for the purpose of godliness (1 Tim. 4:7).
• Example to believers in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity (1 Tim. 4:12).
• Paying close attention to himself and to his teaching (1 Tim. 4:16).
• Free from sin (1 Tim. 5:22).
• Diligent, accurately handling the word of truth, avoiding worldly and empty chatter (2 Tim. 2:15-16).
• Fleeing lusts and pursuing righteousness, faith, love, and peace (2 Tim. 2:22; cf. 1 Tim. 6:3-11).
• Gently correcting those who are in opposition (2 Tim. 2:25).
• Continuing in the things learned in the Scriptures (2 Tim. 3:14-17).

The work of an evangelist includes:

• Preach the word (Acts 8:5, 12, 35, 40).
• Preach in season and out of season (2 Tim. 4:2).
• Reprove (convince), rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction (2 Tim. 4:2).
• Baptize people who believe (Acts 8:12, 38).
• Equip the saints and build up of the body of Christ (Eph. 4:12).
• Warn against apostasy (1 Tim. 1:3-4; 4:1-6; 1 Tim. 6:20-21).
• Entrust the gospel to faithful men who will be able to teach others (2 Tim. 2:2).
• Appoint elders (Tit. 1:5).
• Teach sound doctrine (Tit. 2:1).