Deacons Acts 6:1-7

Acts 6:1–7 ESV

1 Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. 7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

Deacons are 1 of two offices in the local church the other is a pastor. Deacons and pastors are the only ordained individuals in the church.

After studying a ton about deacons this week, one man had a great summary of what a deacon is and does… deacons-rightly understood and deployed-are an irreplaceable gift to Christ's church. They are model servants who excel in being attentive and responsive to tangible needs in the life of the church. In what ways do they serve? By assisting the elders ( Pastors ) , guarding the ministry of the Word, organizing service, caring for the needy, preserving unity, mobilizing ministry, and more.

If you look how the role of deacon started it was by a complaint, because of a need.

If you look at the start of the deacon you can see a few things.

One was they prioritized the Ministry of the Word. They say in the text it is not right that we give up the ministry of the word. Serving is a call for all believers, but they were afraid because of all the needs this church was starting to have they would not have time to devote themselves to prayer and teaching.

Prayer and Teaching are my number 1 priorities throughout the week. Everything I do as a pastor flows from those two things..

One man put it like this.. A church without deacons may lack health, but a church without biblical preaching cannot exist. There is in fact no such thing.

Second thing you can see in the text is the Whole Congregation is Involved.

Everyone in the congregation was involved in the choosing of these men.

Third… These men were to have good character.

In the text in acts it lays out three things..

Good repute- Means they are respectable, known for character and conduct.

full of the spirit- they are to be people who submit to the Holy Spirit, and his word.

full of wisdom- men who are known for how the exercise wisdom.

Forth they divide there labor.

What are some other qualifications?

1 Timothy 3:8–13 ESV

8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. 11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 13 For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

What is the job description…

Spotting and Meeting Tangible needs.

Protecting and Promoting Church Unity.

Serve and Support the Pastors.

Why are Deacons important to the serving of the kingdom of God?

They are the Hands and Feet of the church.

Jesus describes them well.. Matthew 23:11-12

Matthew 23:11–12 ESV

11 The greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

One man summed up the Faithful deacons should be able to see their fingerprints on every sermon that's preached. Our pastor would not be able to do that, or not nearly so effectively, if I were not doing this.

Faithful deacons should see their fingerprints in the unity of their congregation, for which Jesus prayed John 17:22).

Today there are brothers and sisters in this church living together in love and harmony, who otherwise wouldn't be.

Indeed, faithful deacons should see their fingerprints in the welfare of all the flock and in the church's worldwide wit. ness. Because I saw that need and rose to meet it, the elders were freed to focus on shepherding eternal souls. Because I recruited those volunteers, our pastor didn't have to spend his Saturday doing it. Because I deferred to the elders' collective wisdom on that complex issue, a younger deacon learned the value of humble respect. Because I loved that senior saint in her distress, she was lifted from her despair and made more eager to see Christ's face.

Because I quelled that conflict, the gospel was able to go forth in power.

I don't know why you picked up this book, but I do know this: deacons were God's idea. He loves deacons, and he wants us to also. But in order to rightly love the office we must understand the Bible's glorious vision for it. No, we shouldn't elevate deacons to an executive board of pseudo-elders. It is an office of service, not oversight. But let us not reduce the role to savvy businessmen or skilled handymen either. Deacons are so much more. They are an influential cavalry of servants, called by the King and deputized by his church to target and meet tangible needs. To protect and promote church unity. To enhance the ministry of the elders. And, in doing so, to accelerate the mission of the church.

Deacons do physical work with spiritual effect, and invisible work with palpable effect. Their calling is noble. Their service is needed. And their reward is near (1 Tim. 3:13).