{"id":848270,"date":"2025-04-14T05:00:51","date_gmt":"2025-04-14T10:00:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/churchanswers.com\/?p=848270"},"modified":"2025-04-11T13:58:36","modified_gmt":"2025-04-11T18:58:36","slug":"deacon-selection-process-interview-questions-to-ask-before-ordination-free-download","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/churchanswers.com\/blog\/deacon-selection-process-interview-questions-to-ask-before-ordination-free-download\/","title":{"rendered":"Deacon Selection Process: Interview Questions to Ask Before Ordination [FREE Download]"},"content":{"rendered":"

Deacons play a vital role in the church, serving alongside pastors and helping maintain the congregation’s spiritual health. While much focus is placed on pastoral leadership, deacons are no less essential to the church\u2019s mission. No single passage outlines the exact duties of a deacon, but several themes emerge from Scripture, particularly in Acts 6 and 1 Timothy 3.<\/span><\/p>\n

Acts 6 provides the foundational account of deacons in the early church. As the number of believers grew, so did logistical challenges, leading to disputes over the care of widows. The apostles addressed the issue by appointing deacons\u2014those \u201cfull of the Spirit and wisdom\u201d\u2014to handle these practical concerns so that pastors could focus on teaching and prayer. This passage highlights three key responsibilities of deacons: solving problems, preserving unity, and promoting faith.<\/span><\/p>\n

Problem Solvers<\/b><\/p>\n

Growth in the church brings challenges. In Acts 6, the rapid increase in believers led to friction, requiring wise and Spirit-filled leaders to mediate and maintain order. Deacons help resolve conflicts and ensure the church functions smoothly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Preservers of Unity<\/b><\/p>\n

The early church faced cultural divisions between Hellenistic and Hebraic Jews. Deacons played a critical role in maintaining unity by addressing these tensions with wisdom and godliness. As 1 Corinthians 1 reminds us, Christ is not divided, and neither should His church be.<\/span><\/p>\n

Promoters of the Faith<\/b><\/p>\n

The work of deacons directly impacts the spread of the gospel. Acts 6:7 notes that after deacons were appointed, \u201cthe number of believers greatly increased.\u201d By serving the church faithfully, deacons enable the broader mission of reaching people for Christ.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Character of Deacons<\/b><\/p>\n

Paul provides clear qualifications for deacons in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. Deacons must be worthy of respect, sincere, not greedy, and committed to the faith with a clear conscience. Unlike pastors, they are not required to be teachers, but they must demonstrate integrity, wisdom, and a servant\u2019s heart.<\/span><\/p>\n

Deacons are entrusted with sensitive information and must exercise discretion. They hold the pastors accountable while also assisting with administrative and financial responsibilities. Their personal lives must reflect strong faith and leadership, and they must manage their households well.<\/span><\/p>\n

Deacons are not power holders but servant leaders. Their role is a calling, not a position of prestige. When they serve well, they earn respect and grow in faith (1 Timothy 3:13). Their ministry strengthens the church, supports pastors, and ultimately glorifies God.<\/span><\/p>\n

In short, deacons ensure that the church remains healthy, unified, and mission-focused. Their faithfulness allows pastors to teach and lead while ensuring that practical needs within the church are met.<\/span><\/p>\n

While churches will have differing views on the role of deacons, a vetting process should be in place before selecting them to serve. What do you ask deacons when interviewing them for the position? I\u2019ve included several potential questions to help guide the discussion. A <\/span>downloadable version<\/b><\/a> is available as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

Theological and Doctrinal Questions<\/b><\/p>\n