Deacon Test

What does it take to become a deacon?

Deacons likewise must be serious, not double-tongued, not indulging in much wine, not greedy for money; they must hold fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them first be tested; then, if they prove themselves blameless, let them serve as deacons. Women likewise must be serious, not slanderers, but temperate, faithful in all things. Let deacons be married only once, and let them manage their children and their households well; for those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. - 1 Timothy 3:8-13

In today's reading, Paul instructs Timothy in choosing the leaders of the church wisely.

He talks about bishops and then, deacons.  Back in his day, there were no priests, only bishops to lead and deacons to serve. 

Both needed to be above reproach, married only once and good heads of their households.  I find it interesting that having a family is considered a positive for both.

Paul, who thought it better not to marry if one was tempted, found it a good indicator of one's worthiness to lead and serve if one showed he or she could be successful managers of a household and stay faithful to one spouse.

Now the fact that he feels the need to point out the deacon should be serious, not double-tongued, not indulging in much wine and not greedy for money might give some indication of what church leaders were like in his day.

And he also mentions deacons must first be tested, to prove themselves blameless. 

This is the discernment process, the gathering of peers to help the person looking to become a deacon determine if he or she is truly called by God to serve.

We don't know what the test was in Paul's day, but it may have been intense, and a good indicator of the seriousness of the call.

What is a good test for us today?

Is it enough to want to serve?  Or do we need to be able to withstand some difficulties?

I know the job of serving is not always easy, so maybe the test is to try it before you do it.

That's probably not a bad test for any profession.  But in this case, it may help the candidate decide.

More to come...