Deaconess Policy

How to Become a Deaconess at Grace Bible Church

Deaconship at Grace Bible Church is taken very seriously for a Deaconess has great responsibilities toward God and His Church. He cannot fulfill these unless he meets the qualifications of both character and giftedness that God has set forth in the Scriptures. A fully qualified Deacon is a great asset to the church. An unqualified Deacon can be a danger to her. The Grace Bible Church policy defining the process of becoming a Deacon is available from the church office to any church member upon request. The basic steps of the process are outlined below.

1) A woman is saved and begins her walk with Jesus Christ.

2) She grows in maturity through various means (see below) and is recognized by those in the congregation as having the marks of a godly woman as noted in passages such as in Galatians 5:22,23 ("fruit of the Spirit"), 1 Timothy 2:9-15; Titus 2:3-5 and 1 Peter 3:1-6 and meeting the specific qualifications for a Deaconess listed in 1 Timothy 3:11 (see attached paper). She is then nominated by a Church Member to be considered by the Elders as a candidate.

3) The Elders evaluate the nominee as to her qualifications and then direct her accordingly to grow in any areas of deficiency and/or prepare for Deaconess Internship and confirmation as a Deaconess.

4) Deaconess Intern is presented to Congregation for affirmation.

Means of spiritually maturing.

A) A consistent personal devotional life of Bible study and prayer

B) Involvement in personal discipleship both as one who is being discipled and as someone who is discipling others.

C) Consistent and humble usage of their spiritual gifts in ministry.

D) Taking advantage of any regular or special classes that might be helpful toward Deaconess training. This would include ministries such a worship services, Sunday School, small group Bible studies, special seminars, etc. (For those who desire to pursue self study, please talk with a Pastor, Elder or Deaconess to set up a course of self study).

E) Reading of Christian books helpful to a greater understanding of the Bible, theology and its application to daily life. (A list of suggested books and resources is attached)

If you are taking advantage of the various means of spiritually maturing as noted above and are interested in becoming a Deaconess, whether in the near or distant future, then please talk with a Pastor, Elder or Deaconess for specific direction in preparing yourself for this wonderful and important ministry.

Grace Bible Church

Policy on Selecting and Removing Deaconesses

(Revised and Approved 5/16/2004)

A Deaconess has great responsibilities toward God and His Church. She cannot fulfill these unless she meets the qualifications of both giftedness and character that God has set forth in the Scriptures. A fully qualified Deaconess is a great asset to the church. An unqualified deaconess is a hindrance and possible danger to her. The process given here is to help determine if a woman is equipped in character and in giftedness to serve as a Deaconess. If this is done correctly, then the church will simply be recognizing a woman God has set apart to this ministry and the church will be blessed. If done incorrectly, then it will be just people choosing women to be leader-servants and the church will suffer.

It is also recognized that a woman that gives all appearance of being qualified at one point in time may later prove herself unqualified. Therefore this policy includes a means to remove unqualified women from being a Deaconess.

Also included is a brief outline of how a woman can work toward developing herself to be a Deaconess. It is our belief that though not every Christian woman will have the necessary gifts to be a Deaconess, nevertheless, every Christian woman should be developing themselves to meet the spiritual and character qualifications of being a Deaconess.

The process of selecting Deaconesses will be accomplished in five phases

1) Nomination

2) Evaluation

3) Internship

4) Confirmation

5) Continuing Reaffirmation

1. NOMINATION TO PROCESS   (Relevant Scriptures: Acts 6:1-6; 1 Timothy 2:9-15; 3:11; 2 Timothy 2:2; Titus 2:3-5)

    A. Identified by an Elder, Deacon or Deaconess.

Each existing Elder, Deacon and Deaconess should, as a part of regular ministry, identify women who desire to be a Deaconess and may be qualified. Such women should be discipled and prepared to be a Deaconess. Such an identified individual should be:

1) In the discipleship process (discipling or being discipled)

2) Involved in church ministry.

3) Ready for simultaneous evaluation and internship

    B. Identified by a member of the church.

Members of the church should suggest to the Elders women they recognize that may meet the qualifications for a Deaconess, are doing the work of ministry and desire to do the work of a Deaconess. Such an identified individual should be:

1) Active in a ministry of the church

2) Actively involved in the discipleship process (discipling or being discipled)

3) Assigned to an Elder & a Deaconess for initial screening and assistance.

    C. Approval to proceed in the process

1) A current Elder or Deaconess will meet with the nominee and complete an Initial Self Evaluation Questionnaire with her (see Appendix A). The process continues only after individual has completed this Initial Evaluation Questionnaire, given serious consideration and prayer to the matter, and still desires to proceed.

2) ) The Elder or Deaconess that completes the Initial Evaluation Questionnaire with the nominee reports their findings to all the Elders. A nominee does not proceed unless approved by all the Elders. Those turned down at this phase are to be encouraged to work in the areas of weakness pointed out for possible future re-nomination.

    D. Assigned Discipling Deaconess

Each approved candidate is assigned to an existing Deaconess for discipleship, evaluation and help through the process (i.e. contact, guidance, support, accountability, modeling, evaluation of home life and reputation in community).

 2. EVALUATION (1-3 months)    (Relevant Scriptures: 1 Timothy 2:9-15; 3:11; Titus 2:3-5; 1 Peter 3:1-6)

    A. Written Evaluation (see Appendix B)

1) Testimony of salvation

2) Testimony of current ministries

3) Doctrine

4) Philosophy of ministry

    B. Assigned Discipling Deaconess (This formally begins with nomination approval)

1) Assistance with testimonies and written evaluation

2) Spending time to get an accurate picture of family life. Mentoring Deaconess should be able to identify the strengths and weakness in the candidate’s relationship with her husband and children.

3) Investigation of reputation outside the church. The candidate is to give a list of references which are to be contacted by an Elder or Deaconess. In addition, neighbors, known friends and co-workers should also be contacted. (See Appendix C for possible questions for this investigation).

4) Identification of any deficiency or weakness in character, ministry or belief and provide or direct to training classes as needed.

    C. Approval by Elders to proceed to an internship

The written materials are to be given to the Elders for review. The candidate is to be available to the Elders for questioning/clarification of the written materials. The Elders will decide if the candidate is ready to proceed to an internship or continue working in areas of weakness based on the written materials and the report and recommendation of the discipling Deaconess.

3. INTERNSHIP

A. Assigned Deaconess continues in discipling relationship for accountability and assistance

B. A deaconess intern attends all deaconess meetings and functions. She may speak to issues being discussed, but does not have a say in the decisions of the deaconesses.

C. A deaconess intern is to continue reading through books (especially in any areas of weakness) and discussing them with the discipling Deaconess. (See Appendix D for a list of recommended books)

D. A deaconess intern is to demonstrate her heart for service through involvement with the Deaconesses in one or more of their areas of service.

4. CONFIRMATION

A. Elder Approval. Upon recommendation by the discipling Deaconess, the Deaconess Intern will be interviewed by the Elders & Deaconesses for final approval to become a Deaconess.

B. Congregational Notification. Upon unanimous approval of the Elders, the Deaconess Intern will be presented to the congregation as being ready to become a Deaconess. The congregation will be instructed to go to her if they have any personal problem with her or information demonstrating that she is not qualified. They may also come to the Elders with any information that might demonstrate the candidate is not yet qualified and the Elders will then investigate. A period of at least one month will be given to the church for taking such actions.

C. Congregational Affirmation. After at least one month has passed since the congregation was notified, the Deaconess Intern will be presented to the congregation for affirmation. Affirmation must be by at least 75% of the Active Members.

D. Installation. After affirmation by the congregation, the Deaconess Intern will be installed as a Deaconess by the laying on of hands by the existing Elders. This will be done as either a special service or part of a regular Sunday worship service. (Acts 6:6)

5. REAFFIRMATION, REVIEW, CORRECTION, REMOVAL   (Relevant verses: Matthew 18:15-17; Galatians 6:1-4; 1 Timothy 2:9-15; 3:11; Titus 2:3-5; 1 Peter 3:1-6)

    A. Re-affirmation: Deaconesses are to be re-affirmed as to their qualifications each year by the members of the congregation at the Annual Business Meeting.

1) If a Deaconess receives less than a 95% vote of confidence, she is to be re-investigated as to her qualifications.

2) A re-investigation of qualification begins with asking those who gave a no confidence vote to:

1. Talk with the particular Deaconess about the reason(s).

2. Bring the matter before the Elders with the accused Deaconess present to either affirm the accusation of lack of qualification or affirm that the concern has been resolved.

3) If less than two people come forward to meet with the Elders to bring formal charges, then the matter is to be dropped.

    B. Accusations: Deaconesses may be subject to accusations at any time of the year.

1) The accusations must be made by at least two people.

2) Those making the accusations should meet first with the Deaconess in question to express their concerns.

3) If there is no resolution in private or the matter would disqualify the woman from continuing as a Deaconess, the matter is to be brought before all the Elders for investigation.

    C. Annual Review.

Each Deaconess is subject to annual review by the Elders and other Deaconesses. Those found negligent or incompetent to carry out their responsibilities may be subject to Correction and/or Removal as outlined in paragraphs D & E below.

    D. Correction. If a Deaconess is accused, as in A or B above, the matter is to be investigated.

1) The Elders are to investigate all relevant facts including interviewing additional people to determine the truth or falsity of the accusations.

2) If the accusations are determined to be false, those making the false accusations are to be rebuked with church discipline carried out if there is no repentance.

3) If the accusations are determined to be true, the Elders are to determine if it is a matter of disqualification from being a Deaconess or a matter of correction. Dis-qualification would be for no longer meeting the qualifications of 1 Timothy 2:9-15; 3:11; Titus 2:3-5; 1 Peter 3:1-6, for serious negligence of responsibilities, or no longer holding to the Statement of Faith of Grace Bible Church. Correction would be for misunderstandings, errors of judgement, or other minor matters that do not demonstrate a failed character, etc.

4) A Deaconess that is corrected is to receive it with all humility and demonstrate the fruit of repentance.

    E. Removal. A Deaconess that is found to be disqualified as outlined above is to be removed from being a Deaconess.

1) A Deaconess that in humility recognizes her failure may resign by stating she is no longer qualified and wishes to work on the areas of failure. She is eligible to be renominated at a later time after the area of failure is corrected.

2) A Deaconess that continues in sin or refuses the correction given to her is to be rebuked before the congregation and removed from being a Deaconess.

3) A Deaconess may be removed by unanimous consensus of the Elders and/or by a failure to receive a minimum 75% vote of affirmation of the active members present at a Regular or Special Church Business Meeting.

4) If her sin continues, the former Deaconess is to have the final step of church discipline, disfellowship, carried out against her.

 

Appendix A - Self Evaluation Questionnaire

DEACONESS

Directions for the Discipling Deaconess: Arrange to meet with the Deaconess nominee and work through this Evaluation Questionnaire with him. Be sure to congratulate her on the nomination to the process of becoming a Deaconess, for that in itself is an honor and says that her spiritual maturity is beginning to be noticed. Whether she believes herself to be qualified or is able to complete this process or not, it should be an encouragement to be recognized for maturity that is above other Christian women in the church. You may also want to give her a copy of the handout sheets on the Church Officer Qualifications - DEACONSESS (see below) so that she will have a chance to review them and consider them carefully before she meets with you.

This Questionnaire is simply a way to initially screen the individual as to how well she currently meets the Scriptural qualifications for a Deaconess. If in your evaluation you find that there are areas of serous weakness that need to be worked on before she can continue in this process, point those out along with a plan as how she can strengthen or overcome them so that he might be fully qualified in the future. Be encouraging! If there are minor weaknesses, you may work with her in those areas until she is qualified. If there are no serious deficiencies, you may recommend her to the Elders and she can move forward to the next step of the process.

1. Do you consider serving the Lord and others a duty or an opportunity?

    Do you enjoy serving the Lord and others?

    Would you like to serve the Lord by doing the work of a Deaconess? Why?

2. How long have you been a Christian?

    How would you rate your Christian maturity?

    Babe Adolescent Young Woman Middle Age Mature Senior Saint

3. Is there anything in your life that would cast doubt on your character if it were known? Those that live godly lives will be slandered (Matt 5:11); is there anything you could be accused of that could be backed up by evidence?

4. If your neighbors, co-workers, etc., were contacted, what would they say about you?

5. What is your behavior like in social settings?

6. Are you content with your present situation of life? If not, what would need to be changed to help you be content? (Phil. 4:11,12)

7. Do you ever lose your temper? If so, what causes it?

    Is there anyone you resent or hold a grudge against?

    How do others perceive you in this area? Angry? Resentful? Bitter? etc.

8. How do you react when someone takes advantage of you?

9. How well do you get along with others?

10. What is your view on the use of alcoholic beverages?

    Do you partake of alcoholic beverages? Other drugs?

11. Describe your personal walk with the Lord?

    Do you have a plan to regularly read/study the Bible?

    Do you have a plan to spend consistent time in prayer & meditation?

12. Describe what you like to do in your free time?

13. Describe your home life?

14. Describe your relationship with your husband?

    How would your husband describe your relationship with him?

    If you are single, describe your dating life?

15. Describe your relationship with your children?

    Describe the spiritual condition of your children?

    Describe how you are trying to raise them in the nature and admonition of the Lord?

16. Do you struggle in the area of gossip? i.e. talking about others behind their backs, saying things that are unnecessary, talking to others about someone else's problem without talking with them first, etc. (Eph. 4:29)

17. What area of ministry are you currently involved? How long? Describe. Who was over you?

18. Is there anything that has not been covered that might disqualify you from being a Deaconess?

19. How would you explain the gospel to someone in order to lead them to Christ?

20. What is your own testimony of salvation?

21. Do you have any questions or reservations concerning the Constitution of Grace Bible Church?

22. Are you in full agreement without reservation with the Statement of Faith of Grace Bible Church?

Church Officer Qualifications - Deaconesses

"Deaconess" is simply the feminine form of "deacon," which literally means "table waiter." Deacons are servants of the church. The Apostles charged certain men to help serve with the temporal affairs of the church (Acts 6:1-6). In practical terms Deacons assist the Elders as directed, and they have to meet certain spiritual qualifications (1 Timothy 3:8-13). In the same way, Deaconesses are godly women who are servants of the church who assist the Elders as directed, and they must meet certain qualifications. General Qualifications of a godly woman are seen in demonstrating the "fruit of the Spirit" in Galatians 5:22,23 and in passages such as 1 Timothy 2:9-15; Titus 2:3-5 and 1 Peter 3:1-6. Specific qualifications are listed in 1 Timothy 3:11

Galatians 5:22 (NASB) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

1 Timothy 2:9 (NASB) Likewise, [I want] women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments; 10 but rather by means of good works, as befits women making a claim to godliness. 11 Let a woman quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. 12 But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. 13 For it was Adam who was first created, [and] then Eve. 14 And [it was] not Adam [who] was deceived, but the woman being quite deceived, fell into transgression. 15 But [women] shall be preserved through the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint.

Titus 2:3 (NASB) Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips, nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, 4 that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 [to be] sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be dishonored.

1 Peter 3:1 (NASB) In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any [of them] are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, 2 as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior. 3 And let not your adornment be [merely] external-- braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; 4 but [let it be] the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. 5 For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands. 6 Thus Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear.

1 Timothy 3:11"Women* must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things."

(*We hold the context here to show that "women" in this passage refers to women deacons/servants and not restricted to the wife of a deacon).

Deaconesses are to be:

1. DIGNIFIED: A deaconess is to be a grave, serious minded, steady, solid individual. She behaves in an honorable manner.

2. NOT MALICIOUS GOSSIPS: A deaconess controls her tongue and does not slander or accuse other people. The greek word here for "malicious gossip" is used as a name for the devil in many passages of the New Testament because he slanders and accuses the saints.

3. TEMPERATE: A deaconess is sober in judgement. She is self-controlled, stable and steady in her thinking. She is not given to anger, or outbursts nor is she "flighty," "scatter-brained," or addicted to anything that would make her so. (The meaning of the root word is to "not be addicted to wine.")

4. FAITHFUL IN ALL THINGS: A deaconess is trustworthy in all things. She is faithful to accomplish any task given to her, and she is faithful in her commitment and walk with the Lord.

The only deaconess mentioned in the New Testament is Phoebe in Romans 16:1 who was recognized for her service to the church in Cenchrea.

Appendix B - Written Evaluation

1. Please write out your testimony of salvation.

2. Please describe the ministries you have been involved in past and present and what results you have seen from those ministries. Please also explain what spiritual gifts you believe you may have and how God has used them.

3. Please write out what you believe concerning each of the following areas:

    The Bible

    God the Father

    God the Son, Jesus Christ

    The Holy Spirit

    Angels

    Satan & Demons

    The Nature of Man

    Sin

    Salvation

    The Nature of the Church

    God’s plan for the future of mankind and the earth.

4. Please describe your general philosophy of ministry in the following areas.

    A. What is the mission of the church and how is it to be carried out?

    B. What is/are the ministries of a Deaconess and how do they help with the over all ministries of the church.

    C. Where does a Deaconess fit in the structure of the Church? To whom is a Deaconess responsible to for her ministries? How should she carry out her responsibilities?

Appendix C - Possible Questions for References

For use when contacting a reference, neighbor, co-worker, etc. Explain who you are and the reason for your call. Inform that the candidate is being considered for a position of leadership in their church and ask if they would mind answering a few questions about the candidate.

Name of Candidate                                                                                                                                                             Date:

Name of person being interviewed

"Your relationship to the candidate?"

"How long have you known the candidate?"

"Did you know the candidate is a professing Christian?"

"Did you know she is a member of Grace Bible Church?"

"Has the candidate ever talked with you about Jesus Christ?"

"Which of the following words would fit the candidate in your opinion?"

    Shy     Gregarious     Withdrawn     Outgoing     Reserved             Bold

    Kind     Mean           Considerate    Selfish         Compassionate     Callous/unfeeling

    Proud    Humble        Friendly         Contentious   Congenial         Opinionated

    Harsh     Gentle       Respectable    Inappropriate     Honorable     Devious

    Wise     Stupid       Discerning         Foolish             Patient            Rash

Would you consider the candidate a good / fair / mediocre / poor / bad neighbor/co-worker/etc. (according to relationship)?

Describe the candidate’s relationship with her husband?

Does he respect her? Does she respect him?

Is she committed to him alone or does she have an eye for other men?

Describe the candidates relationship with her children?

Is she involved with them? Do they respect her? Do they obey her?

Do you like / tolerate / dislike having her children around you?