10-18-26 // Lead Servants of the Church // 1 Timothy 3:8-13 // Why Do Deacons Matter?

In this sermon from 1 Timothy 3:8-13, Pastor Patrick Austin examines the office of deacon and makes the case that godly, faithful deacons are not a luxury for the church — they are a necessity. Using Acts 6 as a backdrop, he shows how the early church's rapid growth created real, practical needs among its people, and how the appointment of seven Spirit-filled men to meet those needs allowed the apostles to remain devoted to prayer and the ministry of the Word. The result? "The word of God continued to increase and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem" (Acts 6:7). The lesson is timeless: practical care, coupled with faithful preaching and prayer, leads to flourishing in the life of the church. Pastor Austin walks through four aspects of a deacon's calling. First, their character — deacons must be dignified, not double-tongued, not ruled by substances, and not motivated by money, but must hold "the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience" (1 Tim. 3:9). Second, their service — deacons should be tested before they serve, and their primary tasks are to care for the practical needs of the church body and to promote unity when conflict begins to stir. Third, their family — deacons are called to be faithful to their wives and to lead their households well, and the women connected to the deacon ministry are likewise to be women of dignified, sober-minded character. Finally, their reward — 1 Timothy 3:13 promises that those who serve well gain both honor from the church and a growing boldness and confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus. WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! Take a moment to fill out our digital connection card here: https://www.bayleaf.org/connect We hope you enjoy this programming and please let us know if there is anything we can do to be of service to you. ONE CHURCH. TWO LOCATIONS. ONE MISSION. Bay Leaf at Falls Lake: 12200 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27614 Bay Leaf at 540: 10921 Leesville Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613 SERVICE TIMES Come join us on Sundays at Bay Leaf at Falls Lake (8:30 AM or 11:00 AM) or at Bay Leaf at 540 (10:00 AM) CONTACT www.bayleaf.org (919) 847-4477 #BayLeafLife #Worship #Inspiration