Serving with Integrity - Pastor Dave Klassen

The passage unfolds a clear, pastoral vision for those who serve the church: character is the primary qualification for ministry. Deacons are described with the same moral weight as elders—men and women are called to dignity, temperance, faithfulness, and a life consistent across home, work, and public life. The Greek term for deacon simply means “one who serves,” and that service is grounded not in titles or gifts alone but in tested integrity: not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain, and holding fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.

Practical markers of that integrity include how a person speaks about others, how they handle money, and how they steward their household. Women historically served as deaconesses; biblical examples (Phoebe, Tabitha/Dorcas, Priscilla, Lydia) show that faithful ministry is not limited by gender but defined by loving service and wise management. Testing a candidate’s reputation—checking family life, work life, and community standing—was the biblical method for ensuring leaders were beyond reproach.

Family life is integral to qualification: a deacon must be a faithful spouse and a careful parent, not domineering nor treating family as servants, but raising children in the training and admonition of the Lord. When leaders live with such integrity, three results follow: personal confidence that one has served rightly, the church becomes a credible witness in the community, and the mystery of godliness—Christ revealed, proclaimed, believed, and glorified—advances in the world. The text calls every believer to this standard, not merely office-holders. Service that reflects Christ’s character both preserves conscience and displays the truth of the gospel.

The passage closes with a pastoral prayer asking the Spirit to search hearts, to bring repentance where needed, and to empower believers to be lights in their communities so that God’s kingdom may be seen and His truth upheld.