Mission Requires Structure (1 Timothy 3:1-16)

This sermon explores why the mission of the church requires a God-designed structure and how that structure fuels gospel movement. After opening with the example of Stephen—one of the first deacons whose faithful service produced courageous witness—we establish Paul’s consistent pattern across the New Testament: elders lead, deacons serve, and members engage. From there, we walk through 1 Timothy 3:8–13 qualification by qualification, showing that the office of deacon is built not on tasks but on character. Using Matt Smethurst’s insights, we explain why Scripture gives space for both men and women to serve as deacons. Finally, verses 14–16 remind us why structure matters: the church is God’s household, the pillar of truth, designed to display the glory of Christ. Structure exists for the sake of the Savior.