The role of women

In the Greek, the word deacon is diakonos, which means "servant” or "to serve." While all believers are to be characterized by service, some have been specially gifted by God to serve (cf. Romans 12:7). In 1 Timothy 3 specific qualifications are given to the office of deacon. Deacons are equally qualified with elders in terms of character and spiritual life. The one difference between their qualifications is that an elder must be able to teach.

Elders exercise a spiritual oversight for the church, while deacons ensure the physical and practical needs are met for the church. The qualifications for deacons can be divided into two categories: personal character and spiritual character. These characteristics will also be necessary for anyone who seeks to “lead” in service at Days Lane Baptist Church.

Women are free to serve in any capacity where they are not teaching or exercising authority over men (cf. 1 Timothy 2:12)

Character Qualifications (1 Timothy 3:8 -13)

***Words italicised and in brackets add for clarity

• 8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, [honourable, financially ethical, of good character]

• not double-tongued, [speakers of half-truths]

• not addicted to much wine,

• not greedy for dishonest gain.

• 9 They must hold the mystery [that is, the true doctrine]

• of the [Christian] faith

• with a clear conscience [resulting from behaviour consistent with spiritual maturity]

• 10 And let them also be tested first [in their Christian lives];

• then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.

• 11 Their wives likewise must be dignified,

• not slanderers,

• but sober-minded,

• [thoroughly] faithful in all things.

• 12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well.

• 13 For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing [having a good reputation among the congregation] for themselves

• and also great confidence in the faith that is [founded on and cantered] in Christ Jesus.