Is A Congregation Scriptural With Only One Deacon?
All scriptural information indicates that only a plurality of deacons were appointed (Philippians 1:1; possibly Acts 6:1-6). In arguing that the scriptures teach that there must be a plurality of elders (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5), we must be consistent in arguing that there is to be a plurality of deacons as well. On the other hand, there is a clear distinction between elders and deacons is that the work of elders is a work of oversight while the work of deacons is service to the congregation, not a work of oversight over the membership. There would be no threat of a "power grab" if there was only one deacon appointed. A single deacon would be carrying out his assigned duties that are given by the eldership. It may be the case though that he has too much of a workload, which is the reason of wisely appointing more than one deacon.
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Must Deacons Have The Same Qualifications As The Elders?
No. Paul makes it clear by the authority of Christ (1 Corinthians 14:37), the Head of the church (Ephesians 1:22,23), that these works are different and distinct from one another. In 1 Timothy 3:1-13, Paul uses the word "likewise" to show a distinction between the two functions. Paul, in his letters, means by that word that a new section is beginning, but it is somehow related to the previous section. The similarity is that they must exhibit the qualifications to be appointed to either of these two works. One can also see that there are two different sets of qualifications showing that they are both different works.
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How Long Does It Take To Prove Deacons At A Local Congregation?
1 Timothy 3:8-10 states: "Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless ."
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Can Deacons Be Appointed To Their Work Without Elders?
No. There are several reasons why a local congregation should not have deacons without elders.
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Must An Elder Remain Married?
As part of the qualifications of an elder the Holy Spirit says, “This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach…” (1 Tim. 3:1-2).
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