1 Timothy 3:9 (ESV) — They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear
conscience.
NOTE: I've met
deacons who weren't sure the bible was completely true. They doubted some of
the stories. They doubted some of the teachings. Doubt is not unusual, but
these were beyond normal, these were people who plain-old disagreed with
scripture. Whether it was the teaching on divorce, homosexuality, eternal
security, God's sovereignty, the virgin birth, the infallibity of scripture, or
some other teaching. I won't say what church I have experienced these deacons.
I've attended many churches over my years as a believer: protestant services at
the chapel, CMAs, E-Free Churches, and Baptist. I hope that churches challenge
deacons to accept without question of conscience the major tenets of their
doctrine. A person who cannot accept the tenants fully, should not be a deacon.
PRAYER: Father,
sometimes we let external reasons cloud our selections of deacons. These men,
while not the spiritual leaders of the church represent the heartbeat of
ministry. They represent the church to the church and to the world around them.
I pray that you would convict those whose conscience is not clear as to the
teaching of the church. I pray they would self-identify. I pray they would step
down until they have resolved their intellectual difficulties and can accept
with clear conscience the truth of your word.
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