A Training Program for Deacons

Summary

William Shishko, longtime pastor of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Franklin Square, New York, publishes here the outline of the six-week course he used for over fifteen years to train deacon candidates.

The first half surveys Christian doctrine with the Westminster Confession as a grid, drawing principles for diaconal work from each chapter; Shishko contends that diaconal practice is too often built on benevolent intentions rather than systematic study of Scripture’s doctrines.

The second half works through the qualifications of Acts 6:3 and 1 Timothy 3:8-13 phrase by phrase, organizes the work around four “tables” (the genuinely needy, the church as organization, the pastor, and the Lord’s Table), and prescribes daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly habits for a serving deacon. A prospectus with required readings and twelve self-examination questions for prospective deacons completes the program.

Excerpt

Some Personal Questions for Those Men Considering the Office of Deacon

(Based on material in Acts 6:3 & 1 Timothy 3:8-13)

Do I regard myself as have a good testimony as a Christian, a Christian husband, a Christian father, a Christian church member, a Christian worker, and a Christian neighbor?
Do I manifest the marks of godliness that are an evidence of being “full of the Holy Spirit”? Is “reverence” a primary mark of my character?
Do I possess the sanctified “horse sense” to apply my Christian faith to day-by-day matters of problem solving, stewardship, and interpersonal relations?
When I make a promise, do I keep it? Am I able to keep personal matters in confidence? Is my wife able to do the same?
Am I given to excess in any area of life? E.g., alcohol, spending, television or computer use, etc?
Am I a “lover of money”, or do I use my earthly possessions as a steward so that I might honor God and serve others generously?
Do I have a pure conscience before God?
When I am given a task, do I fulfill the work to the best of my ability? Do I enjoy serving others? Am I willing to take on necessary tasks that I even regard as unpleasant?
Does my wife have a good Christian testimony, i.e., Is my wife known for her reverence, careful speech, moderation, and faithfulness in all things?
Am I marked by absolute loyalty to my wife, so that I can honestly say I am a “one wife husband”? Am I a good husband to my wife?
Do I rule my children and my house well? Do I take the necessary time and make the necessary decisions and actions to do so?
Am I willing to take and make the necessary time to serve conscientiously as a deacon?

A Training Program for Deacons

Some Personal Questions for Those Men Considering the Office of Deacon

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