I Timothy for Beginners

• Appreciate and respect them – We appreciate the work these men do as they serve our Lord and the congregation in their ministry. They take on the extra work of guiding us to greater spirituality and faithfulness. (I Thessalonians 5:12-13; Hebrews 13:17)
• Remember them – We do this as we pray for our leaders, implement their teachings and obey their guidance.
• Imitate them – We look at their lives and conduct as practical examples of how to produce the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5). By imitating them, we, too, develop these traits until they become part of who we are.
• Hold them accountable – Our leaders are men and are susceptible to Satan's attacks like all of us. We continue to love and respect these men, especially in these times. We respectfully challenge them in a decision, not to refute or weaken, but to grow together in understanding, always remembering that they share in the responsibility for our souls. (I Timothy 5:19-22)
• Honor them – Our congregations are led by elders specifically, as well as deacons and teachers. They serve us in special ways and so are to be honored for their love, humility and servant hearts.

These men demonstrate the servant nature that God asks of all of us. They serve us selflessly looking for no honor for themselves but rather glory to God. There is no specified age required to serve in this role, however, the implication is that these are men who are mature in age, wisdom and experience. Many of these men spend many years serving the church in this capacity, even past the normal expected retirement age.

We develop a deep love and respect for these men as we recognize their love for us and desire to guard our hearts in Christ. This love and respect are given in appreciation as they continue in their service. They are indeed men worthy of honor and respect by all. They are not perfect, but they strive for faithfulness in service to our Lord and ourselves.

The word deacon basically means a servant. It is true that all that are in the church are to be servants, but this designation has a different application in scripture as it has come to mean a man who serves the church in a specified capacity.

There are some congregations that have appointed men as "deacons at large" (not an official title). These men serve as a first option when there is a specific need. Most congregations appoint men to serve in a designated area based on their specific knowledge and skill. Note that there is no requirement that men who are chosen to serve as elders must first serve as deacons. Although this is sometimes done, however, it is not a requirement.

This word from the Greek means to wait upon as in a waiter. It carries the idea of attending to, rendering service or ministering to. A good example of this is found in Acts 6 where the apostles appointed seven men to organize the serving of food to widows in the church. These men are named but of special note is Stephen and Philip who both later had roles (evangelists) beyond serving as deacons (Acts 6, 7; Acts 9).

Our Lord elevated the role of servant as one He considered great in the Kingdom and fulfilled that role Himself as an example. Servanthood grew from a lowly position to one of high regard among the disciples of Jesus even to this day.

The apostles chose this word to designate men they had set forth for special service. Paul would later recognize them as he listed deacons in his greetings (Philippians 1:1) and in special gifts given to those who serve the Church (Ephesians 4:11-13).

Today, these men are appointed by elders within a congregation having met specific qualifications to serve.

There are similarities between the two positions of leadership. Some of the qualifications are the same. Both positions are held by men who serve the church. The major difference between an elder and deacon is in responsibility and scope of practice. An elder exercises general oversight and guidance within the congregation. Sometimes he serves as an administrator, but more often he serves as a teacher and protector of the faith. A deacon has a specified office or area of responsibility and exercises management and leadership within that area. He is usually accountable to the eldership in general and sometimes to a specific elder.

Whatever our role, whether a formal role as a deacon or elder or being a membership at large, we are all expected and directed by our Lord to serve. We must recognize our abilities and develop them to a higher level as we use our gifts to serve the Lord's church. When we do so, we honor God and each other and will receive recognition for our service (Matthew 25, "Well done good and faithful servant.") But we must always remember that we are servants, and He is the master. Our role is to serve the Master in all ways and in all things. As we do so, we bring honor and glory to God.