We hope and pray that the content on this site be useful to those that visit, and be to the glory of God.
Deacons
Jesus had many followers, but
twelve of them (the disciples) were chosen for a special ministry. In
this same sense every Christian is a deacon as the Greek word diakonos
simply means servant. But there are those set apart for a special service
which we tend to give the title of deacon to.
Their role is a twofold one. They take on some of the administration so that the minister
is better released for ministry, and yet they also share in the ministry
in partnership with the minister who guides and equips them, hence they
had to be spiritually mature.
So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to
neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers,
choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit
and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will
give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word." Acts 6:2-4
Deacons Must Be Examples:-
Not given to drunkenness, not
violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage
his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect.
(If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take
care of God's church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become
conceited and fall under the same judgement as the devil. He must also
have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into
disgrace and into the devil's trap. 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 Tim 3:3-13
The Ministry Of A Deacon:-
Together with he minister they work out a system of pastoral care whereby all of the
members and friends of the Church are covered. They may accompany the
minister on visits or even stand in for him should he not be able to make
it. He/She would especially welcome new people into the Church - though
it is hoped all members of the Church would also fulfil this role. They
would visit those who apply for Church Membership, serve at The Lord's
Table, and be responsible for the care of the minister & his family.
Not all Churches have a minister, and in those circumstances the responsibilities upon the deacons
would be even greater, especially as they guide the fellowship as they
seek a minister. Much of the business of the Church will have gone before
the Deacons Meeting before it is introduced to the Church Members Meeting.
Sometimes gathering facts to put before the members and sometimes in order
to make recommendations to the members. Often when the Membership make
a decision it is one or more of the deacons that will implicate it.
As a servant the deacon needs to be 'on his/her knees', seeking the guidance of the
Holy Spirit and crying out for God to pour out His grace upon both the
fellowship & the community.