STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR DEACONS

Mountain View Baptist Church

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Introduction:  The role and function of a Deacon at Mountain View Baptist Church (MVBC) is one of service. As noted in the following Biblical passages, anyone seeking to be a Deacon will be held to a higher standard. At MVBC, our Deacons are called to passionately serve God through this church and they are to seek His strength to serve His people according to this Standard of Excellence. 

 

I. SPIRITUAL STANDARD

 

The MVBC Deacon should be characterized by the spiritual standards set forth in the following Scripture references.

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Acts 6:3 Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and  of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task.

 

1 Timothy 3:8-13 Deacons, likewise, must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and the own households. For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.  

 

Deacons are not expected to be or suddenly become “perfect.”  However, they are called to scriptural qualifications, which are also accompanied by the MVBC Church and Leadership Guidelines, established within our church Bylaws and policy Manual. 

 

 

II. PRACTICAL GUIDELINES

 

When initially reviewed, this list may appear to be unachievable to men in this world.  However, those with a willing and servant-like heart submitted to God will find success.  The guidelines are meant to provide a working model for excellence that will be accepted and blessed by God at MVBC. 

 

If any question arises about the advancement or suitability of advancing a Deacon Candidate due to any of the listed Standards of Excellence, the advancement of the Deacon Candidate must have: 

 

 

1. The unanimous approval of the Pastoral Staff, AND

2. A three-fourths majority approval of the active, Deacon Body

 

It should be noted that such review of a Deacon Candidate shall be done with strict confidentiality and in a professional manner.  This review will be conducted by the Deacon Chairman and the Senior Pastor or their designees. Questions will be asked only to determine the appropriateness of the Deacon Candidates’ advancement and not to promote church gossip or personal judgement. Upon the completion of the review with the affected individual(s), the necessary information will be shared with the active Deacon Body for the purposes of group prayer and approval or disapproval. 

 

The following guidelines are established to allow the Deacons of MVBC to serve God in a unified heart and vision. 

 

1. The Deacon will be a born-again Christian for at least three years. 

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2. Must be an active member of MVBC to at least one year prior to nomination.

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3. “Deacons must be husbands of only one wife.” This is a concept that goes much deeper than simply being married. It carries the understanding that the Deacon will remain sexually pure in thought and deed, whether married, dating, single, or widowed. If a Deacon has been married and involved in a divorce prior to nomination for this position at MVBC, he may still be eligible for this position.  Our Foundation for this belief is based upon the Biblical principles set forth in the following Scriptures:

• 2 Corinthians 5:17 - Divorce is prior to salvation

• Matthew 5:32 & 19:9 - Divorce caused by marital unfaithfulness.  

• 1 Corinthians 7:15 - Divorce due to abandonment.             

          

4. A deacon will have exhibited a stable and well-established family life for the past three years by providing spiritual guidance to his household (Ephesians 5:23).

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5. They must encourage and actively support the mission of MVBC which currently reads, “ Mountain View Baptist Church glorifies God and make disciples by building lives committed to Jesus.” In supporting this mission, the Deacon will follow the direction the Lord communicates to the pastor(s), to them and to the church leadership as it is revealed by Scripture. 

 

6. They will be a loyal supporter of the ministries at MVBC.

 

7. They will also faithfully support the church financially by tithing giving to other special offerings through MVBC (Matthew 6:21). 

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8. They will be a person of prayer. 

 

9. They will have regular attendance at monthly and special called meetings of the Deacon Body.  If unable to attend a Deacon function or meeting, they will notify the active chairman of the reason for this absence.  Deacon meetings are necessary to encourage one another, maintain communication as a group and satisfy specific tasks, such as scheduling group service(s) during the calendar year. 

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10. They will be faithful to the church by regularly attending Bible Study as well as congregational worship.  MVBC Deacons are expected to be involved in regular Bible Study with the church family at attending Sunday School and participating in the corporate worship of MVBC.  

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11. They shall strive to continue to grow in spiritual maturity.  As a chosen servant leader, he will continue to learn and study the Word of God by applying it and living it in his ministry. 

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12. As a Deacon of MVBC, they will support The Baptist Faith and Message (2000).

 

13. The Deacon of MVBC will guard his private life in a manner to be cautious of the image he provides to those around him.  The Deacon and his wife recognize and agree that anything that may be allowed by God could become used or abused in a manner that can alter and damage their faith, relationship and trust in the Lord and even deeply affect their service and worship to Him.  Based upon the Biblical foundations (Romans 15:1-2) set in Scripture, we are warned to live our lives in a manner that would prevent us from offending or causing other to fall, turn from the Lord or return to a spiritually harmful past.  The Deacons of MVBC willingly offer to sacrifice Scriptural freedom in order to prevent any form of potential negative influence on another person.  With this heart, the Deacon and wife will not drink alcoholic beverages “in excess” (Proverbs 23:31, Luke 21:34 and Ephesians 5:18) and realize that in some circumstances any alcohol could create a stumbling block for another person’s spiritual growth or leading to Christ. In addition, the deacon and his wife will abstain from promoting, working with, or participating in gambling. They will abstain from the use of, promotion of, or sale of drugs and narcotics, in any form unless medically directed for the won personal health. 

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14. He and his wife shall maintain a lifestyle of sexual purity.  They will continue to remain pure to their bond with each other and the Lord by abstaining from all forms of pornography. 

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15. He will be fully cooperative with the pastoral staff, the active Deacon Body and the church body by promoting God’s Kingdom, displaying a positive attitude, and refraining from derogatory comments.  If a problem occurs, Biblical reasoning in the spirit of Matthew 18:15-17 and 1 Timothy 5:19-21 will be used.  All problems will be address confidentially and in a godly fashion. 

 

16. He and his wife will not be gossips, but trustworthy servants who exhibit confidentiality in church matter with personal information within the church body. 

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Summary: The role of the Deacon in the continuing service of MVBC is a task that can appear daunting and at times very demanding.  The position of Deacon is one of giving and service that should mimic’s God’s heart and ministry. While serving and building lives committed to Jesus, we are able to do so with God’s power and with the united teamwork of the Deacon body.  In order to service in this fashion,  we must remain under the Lord’s control and allow Him to fill us with his boldness, strength and wisdom.  It is our desire that God receive the glory for the growth of our church family and for the outreach to new souls we will lead to Him for His salvation and His ministry’s growth.