In today's culture, there are MANY ideas about the role of Deacons in the church. Some see deacons in a support and service role, while others see deacons as a "Church Congress" elected to govern the church and represent the people. These conflicting views have created much tension, animosity, and even unnecessary division in many local churches. I have always felt it is better to be biblical, rather than traditional; so it only makes sense to search the Scriptures to determine the role of a Deacon. I plan to dedicate several posts to define and clarify this role, in hopes that doing so might be of help to many congregations.
To determine the role of a deacon, we must obviously start by defining the term. The Greek word for deacon is the word διάκονος or "diakonos" (Pronounced dee-ak'-on-os). By definition, the word "diakonos" means: "servant, minister, waiter, or one who executes the commands of another, especially of a master." A. T. Robertson, "1249 (diákonos) properly means 'to kick up dust,' as one running an errand." No where in that term nor its variations, can we find any other connotation than one who "serves." The word is never used in reference to one who rules or one who exercises authority. A deacon is simply a servant of the church.
One of the most common and misunderstood passages using the word "diakonos" is found in Acts 6:3 - "Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business." A misunderstanding of the word "business" has wreaked havoc in many churches. For clarification sake, in Acts 6 the congregation chose the deacons and then the Twelve (the Pastors) appointed the business or specific responsibility(NIV), task(NAS), or thing(CEV) to those deacons. What was that task or specific point of business in Acts 6?... The feeding of the widows... Congregational care or benevolence care. By taking care of that assignment, the deacons were serving the pastors by enabling them to give themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word. Too often, today's deacons misunderstand the word "business" and try to assume responsibility for the administration and oversight of the church. The context of Acts 6:1-4 makes is very clear that the role of the deacon is to "serve" the church; while it is the responsibility of the Pastors and Elders to serve as the under-shepherds and to oversee, lead, and provide direction for the church.
In Acts 6, it is also interesting to notice the form of Church government that is outlined:
- God called the Twelve (Pastors) - God's always called a man (ie - Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Paul, etc.)
- The pastors communicated God's truth directly to the congregation.
- The congregation selected the deacons.
- The deacons carried out the work assigned by the pastors, for the overall benefit of the congregation.
So, where does the idea that deacons oversee the pastors/elders and control the congregation come from, since it is definitely NOT a biblical concept? I personally believe it stems from pride originating in the hearts of those men who are elected to serve as deacons, but do not meet the qualifications of 1 Timothy 3. I personally believe the sin of pride and the desire for control simply wells up in the heart of the power-hungry novice. They inappropriately seek to serve as a deacon in order to attain a position that may allow them to make the changes they deem necessary in the church. Sadly, churches across our nation are paying the price for this "stinkin' thinkin'" through unnecessary strife and division within their congregations, as well as, pastors who are leaving the ministry following pride-filled power-struggles with deacons.
So, what can and should deacons be doing to serve their local churches? First, deacons should be setting the example as fully-devoted followers of Jesus Christ through the personal spiritual disciplines of prayer, Bible study, church attendance, tithing, teaching, evangelism, discipleship, etc. Second, deacons should be serving by ministering both spiritually and physically to the needs of members, preparing and serving communion, making hospital visits, visiting widows and shut-in’s, helping with the setup and cleanup of events, coordinating church workdays, caring for the church's facilities, comforting the bereaved, serving as financial consultants to the church, providing security, and serving in various ministries. The Scriptural attitude of any deacon should be summarized in the question, “What can I do to help?”
With that question in mind, let me close with one of the best stories about a deacon that I've ever heard. The story is told of a Youth Pastor who had just returned from a week at summer camp with the children from his local church. The deacon who oversaw the care of the church's vehicles was there when the group arrived. The church bus was "trashed" with fast food bags, candy wrappers, soda cans, and sand throughout. The deacon could have berated the Youth Pastor for allowing the students to eat on the bus or for returning the bus in such a mess; but that particular deacon did not do that. Instead, he thanked the Youth Pastor for taking those kids to camp and investing in their spiritual nurturing. He rejoiced in the salvation testimonies and spiritual decisions as the Youth Pastor shared them. Finally, the deacon told the Youth Pastor to go home and get some sleep. That deacon chose to express his appreciation and support of that Youth Pastor by volunteering to sweep and clean the bus himself. Now... that's the heart of a Spirit-filled deacon!
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