Not the Title, But the Character - 1 Timothy 1-3

1 Timothy 3:8-10 (ESV)

Qualifications for Deacons

Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.

As shown above, this passage is Entitled: “Qualification of Deacons,” in the ESV Bible.  Since the ESV entitled the proceeding verses, “Qualifications for Overseers,” this indicates, from those translators, that Deacons are on the same footing, as an office of the church, as Overseers (another name for Bishop, Pastor, Elder).   This may or may not be true.   The term, deacons, simply means to serve, to be the executioner of the commands of others.   The first people to serve as deacon in the Church were Stephan and others are chosen by the Apostles to wait on the widows of the church, freeing the Apostles for teaching and prayer (Acts 6).   There is no question as to the role of the deacon and these qualifications are in play no matter the answer to this next question.   The question is, “Are deacons to have an official role in the church, or is anyone in the church serving, at the commands of others, simply required to have these qualifications” 

Since the context of the passage is the same as in Titus, Paul seems to be giving both young pastors Timothy and Titus instructions on how to organize the church.   The question as to holding an office of deacon is not qualification's addressed.   But it seems to be a position that is given to those who hold positions that carry out the commands of another.   No matter if we make the position official or non official, the result is the same:  Someone of high Christian reputation is serving some in the church, at the bequest of authorities in the church.  Those who serve to fulfill the role of deacon are to have similar qualifications as the Overseer (Bishop).   Serving in the church, no matter the title (of if it is an official office) is to be conducted at the highest level of faith.  Those in leadership must demonstrate Christlikeness, no matter the title.  It is not the title that matters, it is the spiritual character.