ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

Of the Church – Pt. 2

Deacons: Servants to the Church

Jesus is head of the church and all things. Elders are the overseers and shepherds of

the local congregation – and exercise authority over the local congregation.

Deacons are assigned servants in the church.

Where Do We Get The Word?

Deacon is a close transliteration of the Greek word DIAKONOS

Usually translated as SERVANT

Does not ALWAYS indicate a person with the office of deacon.

Romans 16:1

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea

Some translators will say “Deaconess” here

There is an OFFICE of DEACON Philippians 1:1 –

Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons….”

Qualifications For Deacons

1 Timothy 3:8-13 MEN of dignity not addicted not fond of sordid

gain beyond reproach husbands of but

one wife Good managers of

their households

Acts 6

Word DEACON not used here

But, they are servants appointed for a particular responsibility.

Work of deacons is maintaining environment.

Evangelists/ Preachers

EUANGELISTES – a bringer of good news.

KERUX or KERUSSO – a herald of the word of God.

The Work Of An Evangelist

2 Tim. 4:2-5 -preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Ephesians 4:11-16

“And He gave some…as evangelists…for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ….”

Defending The Truth

1 Timothy 1:3 – “As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines….”

Training

2 Timothy 2:2 – The things which you heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

Qualifications For Preachers

Diligence 1 Tim. 4:15 –

Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all.

Good Examples

1 Timothy 4:12 -- Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.

Godly Lifestyle

1 Timothy 5:22 – …keep yourself free from sin.