God is not looking for perfect people to serve as deacons and deaconesses, yet He indicates high standards and hopes in 1 Timothy 3 for those who want to serve.

“Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well” (1 Timothy 3:8-12).

Criteria to be a deacon

Worthy of respect ? Can anyone think of you in a negative way for things like unethical business decisions, careless or suggestive speech, deficient expressions of care for your wife or children, etc.?

Sincere ? Do you say what you mean, and mean what you say?

Not Indulging in much wine ? Are you dependent upon any man-made substance to such a degree that it controls your life (or causes your life to be unbalanced in a specific area)?

Not pursuing dishonest gain ? Is your workplace ethic characterized by doing the right things in the right way for the right reasons?

Holding the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience ? Is there any significant lifestyle conflict or gap between what you know (Our Statement of Faith) and how you live?

They must first be tested ? Does your ministry record affirm and confirm your desire to serve as a leader?

Husband of one wife ? How would you describe your relationship with and commitment to your wife? What do you consistently do with and/or for her to tangibly demonstrate your love for her?

Manage his children and his household well ? How would you describe your relationship with your children? What do you do to influence and shape their spiritual values?

Criteria to be a deaconess

Worthy of respect ? Can anyone think of you in a negative way for things like unethical business decisions, careless or suggestive speech, deficient expressions of care for your husband or children, etc.?

Not malicious talkers ? Would others describe your consistent, verbal response to disagreements or misunderstandings as being cruel, vicious, harsh, resentful, deliberately evil in nature, etc.?

Temperate ? Is your life balanced? Do you possess a reasonable level of self control?

Trustworthy in everything ? Can you be counted on to do what you have agreed to in all areas of your life (excluding situations and/or reasons that would legitimately make it impossible to fulfill your commitments)?

The process
Steps to involvement

Becoming a deacon or deaconess at Grace Brethren Church of Columbus involves tangible steps that are designed to affirm God’s will for you and the church.

• Request a deacon application from the Administrative Deacon Commission chairman.
• Complete and return the application for review.
• Meet with the elder advisor of the Administrative Deacon Commission. This interview is to affirm your qualifications and to verify that you understand what would be expected of you as a deacon or deaconess.

Once you are elected to the College of Deacons, you will receive training which includes the following ministry areas: Hospitality, Baptisms, Communion, Friendship Focus Ministries, and Emergency Care.

All deacons are expected to serve in the areas of Widows, Communion, and Greeters. You may also choose to serve in other areas of the Deacon Ministry.