Life Group Questions

1. If you were not able to hear this week’s sermon, consider going to the church website and listening to it. What are some of the main ideas you gathered from the sermon? What, if any, questions did the sermon cause for you or do you desire to have additional clarification?

2. Describe your understanding of the purpose of deacons in the church. What is the relationship between deacons and elders? What are the major distinctions between deacons and elders?

3. Do you believe a church must have deacons? Why or why not? In what way(s) might a church benefit from having deacons?

4. Deacon is a word transliterated from the Greek word “diakonos” which occurs at least 27 times in the New Testament. Look up the word “diakonos” in a lexicon and describe your findings. If this Greek word occurs 27 times, why do we only see the word deacon in our English Bibles five times (cf. Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:8-13)?

5. Read Acts 6:1-7. Although there is some debate, many see this passage as the inauguration of deacons. List at least three observations about the individuals who were chosen for service in this passage. What major principles should we take away from Luke’s account of this event?

6. Read the qualifications of deacons as outlined in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. What stands out to you about the nature of the qualifications? What is significant about the word “likewise” in 1 Timothy 3:8? Describe what the Bible means by stating that deacons are to be blameless? What is significant about the word blameless?

7. What does it mean for a deacon to be “the husband of one wife?” Can a man be divorced and still be qualified as a deacon? Why or why not? Do you think a man needs to be married to be a deacon or elder? Explain.

8. What are some ways in which a man should be tested before he is allowed to serve as a deacon? What character traits do you consider most important for a man to possess to be a good deacon? Do you think women can be deacons? Explain. Who are the women/wives in 1 Timothy 3:11?

9. These men recently rotated off as active deacons: Robert Bennett, Roger Greer, Neil Jones. Take the time to thank God for them in prayer. Consider personally expressing your gratitude to these men for their faithful service to our church (e.g., cards, texts, etc.). The following men are currently serving as deacons at Macedonia: Keith Greer, Kevin Boyd, Dan Ralston, Carlos Brambila, Ron Honrine. Take the time to pray for them. Express your appreciation to them.

by Terry Beatty /  Lead Teacher and Ministry Vision