No, women cannot be deacons. This is because Paul, in the first epistle to Timothy, instructed the qualifications of deacons (just as he did with elders). He said deacons were to be men. Furthermore, in the context of Paul’s teaching about the qualifications of deacons, he clearly states that he is instructing on “…how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth” (1 Tim. 3:15). So, there should be no compromise here.con
1 Timothy 3:8–13, “Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, 9 but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. 11 Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. 13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.”
So what we see from the text is that deacons must be “men of dignity” (v. 8). The men must “be tested” (the.10). Paul then contrasts this with women who must be dignified, not malicious gossips,” etc. (v. 11). He goes on to say that deacons must be “husbands of only one wife” (v. 12). So clearly, women cannot be husbands. This means women cannot be deacons, according to Paul’s teaching – Who was instructing the household of God (1 Tim. 3:15).
What do you do if your church has women deacons?
So what do you do if your church affirms women deacons? I would say that the same approach must be used as in the case of a church that affirms women pastors and elders. You could politely and respectfully go to the church leaders and show them 1 Timothy 3:8-13. I would not approach them with hostility or with arrogance. Once they have seen the text, then it will be their duty to submit to that text. If they don’t, then that is their problem.
If they refuse to comply with the word of God, then you have some options. You could continue to stay in the church and submit to their teaching authority. But, in my opinion, their denial of the clear teaching of God’s word would lessen my trust in their teaching ability. Second, you could leave the church. If you do that you have the option of informing others in the congregation of exactly why you’re leaving. You could tell them that you went to the church’s leaders and presented the word of God to them, but they refused to submit to it. Third, you could leave the church silently without saying anything to anyone.
Whatever you decide to do is between you and God, but I know one thing: I would not be able to trust the elders to lead the congregation properly if they were to deny the teachings of Scripture so clearly.
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