1 Timothy 3:8-13
Two ordained positions are attested in the New Testament: a presiding ministry (elders/overseers) and a serving ministry (deacons).
The sermon focus’s on the qualifications required for the latter role, which, depending upon how you interpret 1 Tim. 3:11, may include female deacons or recognized women who assisted male deacons. Phoebe in Romans 16:1 is called “a deacon of the church at Cenchrae” (NRSV), and she became the prototypical model for women serving in this capacity, as Stephen (Acts 6:1-6) was the model for men. All Christians, regardless of status, are called to serve one another, and 1 Tim. 3:8-13 enables us to evaluate our commitment to Jesus, the embodiment of what service should look like. More importantly, it enables us to evaluate and recognize individuals whom God calls to serve Him in an official capacity as deacons.
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