Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 8
Clement of Rome is quoted saying apostles “appointed… bishops and deacons” after “tested… by the Spirit,” and the speaker later asks, “how are they tested?” pointing to years of observed dependability; what would “testing” look like in a church culture that prefers quick gifting-based promotion, and how might hidden character flaws show up specifically in deacon-type responsibilities?
Another way to ask: What would it look like to “test” someone over time before making them a deacon in a church that likes quick promotions, and how might character problems show up in servant-type tasks?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
The transcript presents “testing” as long-term, observable faithfulness in real assignments, not rapid promotion based on visible gifts; deacon-type work exposes flaws like unreliability, money temptations, and loose speech because it deals with trust and practical pressures.
- Clement is quoted: apostles appointed leaders “having first tested them by the Spirit,” showing testing precedes appointment.
- In 1 Timothy 3, Paul says, “let these first be tested, then let them serve as deacons,” tying testing directly to the office.
- The speaker answers “how are they tested?” by pointing to “the last several years” where brothers handled “all kinds of assignments,” revealing who is “dependable” versus “a nice brother, but probably don’t want to be a deacon.”
- He warns against perfectionism: “nobody is perfectly blameless… he’s just meaning they’ve been given jobs and they did them well.”
- He highlights deacons often handle almsgiving; therefore greed is dangerous: you don’t want someone “like Judas” who would steal.
- He flags “double-tongued” speech and gossip risk as character issues that would surface when someone hears sensitive information.