Dignified

• Deacons must be mature, of sound mind and character.

Not Double Tongued

• Deacons must demonstrate verbal consistency. They must not be prone to saying one thing to one person and something else to another.

Not Given to Much Wine

• “One who sits long at his wine.” A deacon is one who avoids overindulgence in anything that might cause loss of control of his senses or behavior. It prohibits the addiction to any substance.

Not Greedy for Money

• “Greedy of base gain.” Not desiring gain that is improper or disgraceful and would make one feel ashamed. Both motive and method are in view here. This can be seeking prominence or status too.

Hold to the Mystery of the Faith with a Clear Conscience

• Deacons must have a sound knowledge of Christian truths and a lifestyle in accord with them. They must not be easily swayed from the truth. Their desire to hold the position of Deacon should spring from a motive of service to the Lord and the Body of Christ.

Must first be tested

• Deacons must prove, over time, they are faithful and there is credible vetting by Christ’s church of the candidate’s character and competence.

Above Reproach

• Deacons must display a lifestyle free from ongoing patterns of Scriptural disobedience.

Not Slanderers

• Does not make false and malicious statements or reports which damages the reputation or well-being of others. 

Temperate

• “To be calm, dispassionate, watchful, vigilant.” This man is clear headed. He is mentally alert and able to make sound judgment in spite of circumstances or pressure. A man who has a clear perspective on life and a correct spiritual orientation.

Faithful

• Loyal, worthy of trust, accurate and truthful.

One spouse

• The issue is not the man’s marital status (married or single), but it is the issue of moral character in relation to his wife if he has one. “A one woman man,” or “a one woman kind of man.” A man who is totally committed to his wife. It includes faithfulness to one’s wife in thought and action. Does your wife feel like you are totally committed to her? Are you committed to the struggle against sexual lust in your thought life?

Good manager of their children

• Deacons must have a healthy family life and well-behaved children (still under the authority of their parents).

Good manager of their own household

• The home is a proving ground for leadership. The way a man manages his domestic life should be such that others would be attracted to it. Paul doesn’t mention how a man manages his business but his home. The church is more like a family than a business. If a man is committed to the task of being a good steward of his household. he will most likely be that way in the Church as a deacon.