Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

RPCNA Deacons

Bryan Schneider · October 19, 2024

1 Timothy 3:8-13; Acts 6:1-7

sharonrpc.org/sermons/rpcna-deacons

Summary

Because Christian traditions use the word deacon in different ways, the lesson explains the office as defined by Scripture, the RPCNA Testimony, and the Directory for Church Government.
The congregation possesses the right and responsibility to elect qualified officers from among its communicant members, while the session examines, ordains, installs, and oversees them.
The RPCNA recognizes two permanent ordained offices: elders, who teach and rule, and deacons, who serve in mercy, stewardship, and administration.
The diaconate is a spiritual office subordinate to the session, but it is neither a teaching office nor a ruling office and possesses no legislative or judicial power.
Deacons must be reputable, Spirit-filled, wise, biblically qualified, committed to the church's subordinate standards, and prepared to serve rather than seek status.
Their ordinary work includes relief of needy people inside and outside the congregation, oversight of finances and property, budget preparation, and other tasks assigned by the session.
The RPCNA permits women as well as men to serve as deacons, while restricting the office of elder to men.
The congregation should prayerfully identify suitable candidates, thank current and former deacons for often unseen work, and regard diaconal service as a blessing rather than a promotion toward eldership.

How does the RPCNA distinguish the office of deacon from the office of elder?
Why is diaconal service a spiritual office even though it is not a teaching or ruling office?
What authority belongs to the congregation, the session, and the board of deacons during an election?
Which character qualifications in Acts 6 and 1 Timothy 3 should be visible before a candidate is elected?
How do mercy, finances, property, and administration serve the spiritual welfare and unity of the church?
Why should the diaconate not be treated as a required promotion path toward eldership?
What motives would disqualify or weaken a person's desire to serve as a deacon?
How can church members prayerfully identify, question, and encourage suitable candidates?

Deacon: An ordained church officer who serves chiefly in mercy, stewardship, and administration under the oversight of the session.
Elder: An ordained church officer entrusted with teaching and ruling; elders govern jointly through the church's courts.
Session: The local court of ordained elders responsible for oversight, government, and review of congregational ministries.
Ministry of mercy: Organized care and material relief for needy people within and beyond the congregation.
Stewardship: Faithful administration of money, property, gifts, and other resources entrusted to the church.
Ordination: The solemn setting apart of a qualified person to church office by the laying on of hands of a church court.
Installation: The formal establishment of an ordained officer's relationship of service with a particular congregation.
Subordinate standards: The church's confessional documents, received as faithful summaries that remain accountable to Scripture.