In Depth:  Kieran Beville

We now come to the central issue to be addressed. Can a woman be a deacon or is the diaconate restricted to men only? This is an important question and there cannot be any trivial approach to answering it.

Examination of the word used for 'deacon' in Scripture shows that the same word is used when applying to both men and women. In Romans, Paul says: 'I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea' (16.1). The word used there for 'servant' is the word 'deacon'. So a straight reading of the text tells us that Phoebe was a deacon.

'Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well. Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus' (1 Timothy 3.8-13).

Before we come to the specific issue of 'female deacons' we need to clearly understand some basic principles concerning our basis of faith.

The fact that Scripture is silent regarding humour generally and, more particularly, regarding humour in preaching, should instil humility in anybody who addresses this topic.

Some Christians might agree with the words of the Earl of Chesterfield (1694-1773) who said: 'In my mind, there is nothing so illiberal and so ill-bred, as audible laughter', especially if we add the words 'in church'. Others, however, may feel that the need to discuss such an issue is not only pedantic but is also rather pathetic.