Partakers Christian Podcasts

Church Leadership Session 5: What does the New Testament tell us about what characteristics we should expect from a church leader” Part 2 We continue today to look at the characteristics we should expect from church leaders. Last time we focussed on elders (or bishops) – today we will look at deacons. We come across the concept of deacons first in the New Testament in Acts 6 when seven men were chosen to fulfil some of the practical aspects of church leadership, leaving the apostles free to “give [their] attention to prayer and the ministry of the Word” (Acts 6:4). These seven were to be those who were “known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom” (Acts 6:3). In 1 Timothy 3, Paul sets a standard for deacons which is similar to that for elders with a few variances (there is no ‘apt to teach’ for example). Again it is about being ‘worthy of respect’, which implies a bearing and lifestyle that is recognised by those inside and outside the church t