The Script

I am writing to all of God’s holy people in Philippi who belong to Christ Jesus, including the elders and deacons. _{Philippians 1:1}

The Plot

Not only did Paul recognize all of the people of the church in Philippi, he especially recognized the elders and deacons for their leadership. As a church planter, Paul knew the value of good leadership. He could tell, by the actions of the church at Philippi, that the church leaders had remained faithful to the message he first brought them.

Who are elders and deacons? What does it take to be an elder or deacon? Paul wrote to Timothy and instructed him on the qualifications of church leadership:

If anyone wants to provide leadership in the church, good! But there are preconditions: A leader must be well-thought-of, committed to his wife, cool and collected, accessible, and hospitable. He must know what he’s talking about, not be overfond of wine, not pushy but gentle, not thin-skinned, not money-hungry. He must handle his own affairs well, attentive to his own children and having their respect. For if someone is unable to handle his own affairs, how can he take care of God’s church? He must not be a new believer, lest the position go to his head and the Devil trip him up. Outsiders must think well of him, or else the Devil will figure out a way to lure him into his trap. _{1 Tim 3:1-7 The Message}

Walk Through

1. What are the requirements to be a leader in the church?
2. What does Paul say is required to serve in the church? Hint: 1 Tim 3:8-13
3. Do you meet the qualifications of a servant as described by Paul?

Ad Lib

Not all children know how to behave mannerly at church. Especially those who ride the church van and come to Sunday school. Many of them race from the church van and run down the hall ways, occasionally bumping into older members. This behavior had become such a problem that the deacons decided to patrol the hallways during the time of the children’s arrival. The deacons of this church decided to escort these little ones to their classrooms. Annoucements were made and letters sent home, telling the children to wait on a deacon to help “walk” to their classrooms. Well, the following Sunday, little Bobby rode the church van and got excited when he arrived at the church parking lot. He raced from the van toward the church house. A deacon spotted him and the “chase was on.”

Down the corridor of the education building he charged, bumping into stately members. He sighted the deacon who was closing in on him fast and became frightened and ducked into the preacher’s office. Not knowing why he was breathless and frightened, the preacher asked, “What’s the matter?” He replied, “Hide me preacher, there’s a ‘demon’ after me!”