Article XI: Deacons and Deaconesses

Section 1. Deacon and Deaconess Qualifications.

The Deacons and Deaconesses (we feminize this word to reflect Paul’s use of gunē in 1 Timothy 3:11) shall consist of Grace Church Members possessing the qualifications described in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. They shall function similarly but operate independently and in complement to one another as servants to the Church, assisting the Elders in the ministry of service to the Church body, which may include the overall responsibility for the general physical care of the Church facilities; for ministries of fellowship, hospitality, benevolence, and bereavement; for the day to day financial management; and for any other duties as may be assigned to them by the Elders.

A Deacon must:

(a)    Be dignified (held in high respect) (1 Timothy 3:8).

(b)   Not be double-tongued (two-faced, a talebearer) (1 Timothy 3:8).

(c)    Not be addicted to much wine (1 Timothy 3:8).

(d)   Not be greedy for dishonest gain (1 Timothy 3:8).

(e)    Hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience (understand, embrace, explain, and defend the great theological truths of the Bible) (1 Timothy 3:9).

(f)    Be tested (within the church) (1 Timothy 3:10).

(g)    Prove himself blameless (good reputation inside and outside the church) (1 Timothy 3:10).

(h)   Be a one-woman man (1 Timothy 3:12).

(i)     Manage his children and his own household well (see Article VIII, Section 6n) (1 Timothy 3:12).

A Deaconess must:

(a)    Be dignified (held in high respect) (1 Timothy 3:11).

(b)   Not be a slanderer (false accuser) (1 Timothy 3:11).

(c)    Be sober-minded (prudent, self-controlled) (1 Timothy 3:11).

(d)   Be faithful in all things (trustworthy) (1 Timothy 3:11).

Section 2. Selection of Deacons and Deaconesses.

(a)    The Elders may ask those Members with voting privileges to choose men and women from among themselves if the need arises. These men and women must comply to the standards of the office of a Deacon and Deaconess, respectively, desire the office, and have the proper gifts to perform their duties. These men and women will then be put before the Elders for final approval (Acts 6:1-6).

(b)   The process of screening and evaluation will be similar to that of Elder selection (see Article VIII, Section 5b).

Section 3. Leadership.

The Elders will appoint a leader of the Deacons and of the Deaconesses from among those serving in each office. The leaders’ function will be to organize, delegate and supervise the follow-through of the duties of their office. Each of these leaders will report to the Elders.

Section 4. Accountability.

The Deacons and Deaconesses shall be accountable to the Elders in all matters (see the guidelines for dismissal and reinstatement in Article VIII, Section 7).

Section 5. Resignations.

Any Deacon or Deaconess may resign effective upon giving written notice to any of the Elders.