1 Tim. 3:10 requires the congregation to examine a candidates fitness for office. The verse plainly states that no one to serve as deacon until first tested & approved. Some have been mistaken in that testing is unnecessary because the office of deacon is subordinate to the eldership. The word also in 3:10 should not go unnoticed. The Holy Spirit emphasizes deacons should be tested in the same way overseers must be tested. Unfit deacons can cause problems in the church & hurt innocent people.

Every prospective deacon must be evaluated by others.

His character must be examined in light of God’s standards.

But, how is he to be examined?

There are biblical guidelines:

a) Deacon candidate must meet all biblical qualifications.

b) Must be examined as to these qualifications

c) 1 Tim. 5:22 – no deacon should be appt’d to office in hasty, careless manner.

Elders oversee this process.

The congregation must actively be involved.

The biblical precedent for congregational involvement:

Acts 1:15-26 – Peter stood up with the "120."

Acts 6 – problem involved entire congregation.

Acts 15:22 – the entire congregation chose their delegates.

We need men that we recognize as already busy in God’s work.

An appt. will not make an irreverent man reverent.

Deacons are men who have proved they to be competent servants.

1 Tim. 2:1-3:16 – context deals with congregational instruction.

Everyone in congregation should know the qualifications AND

Everyone has a responsibility to see that these biblical instructions are implemented.

Question about candidate’s character? They must be scripturally based.

This process is a testing of character to the light of Scripture.

The standard for approving a deacon is that he is to be found beyond reproach. Means he stands unaccused.

This does not mean that he does not have faults or imperfections.

V. This process should be bathed in prayer. Acts 6:6

People must pray for insight, guidance, and unbiased judgment.

While praying about this – we must desire God’s will be done & not our own.

In every local church, there is an urgent need for men to prepare themselves for leadership.

Time is NOW for those who have the ability and desire to step up and take responsibility for their talents/abilities God has blessed them with.