Role and Work of Deacons

There is no one passage, or combination of passages, that specify the work of deacons, but we can put together a complete picture from several references. We can reasonably and logically conclude that deacons are under consideration in do not know why God chose not to reveal the work of deacons in a more specific manner, but it does not preclude us from discussing what we can conclude.

I) Office

Jerusalem church appointed deacons, as we can infer from logic; there are offices described – ; ; – and the work performed does not fit any other office, except deacon

Ephesians 4:11 ESV

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,

Philippians 1:1 ESV

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:

Although the term “office” is not used in connection with elders or deacons, the position is clearly and inescapably implied

Fact of qualifications – – requires an “office”

Paul distinguished them from other saints in Philippi –

II) Work of deacons

It has occasionally been noted that in many churches the preacher does the work of the elders, and the elders do the work of the deacons, and the deacons turn out the lights and lock the doors

Definition – diakonos – one who executes the commands of another, esp. a master; servant, attendant, minister – our clearest sense of work is an appointed servant to the local church

Qualifications:

represent the local church (dignity, etc.)

make choices based on godly wisdom (holding mystery of faith)

responsibility (be tested)

managers (not of the whole church, but an appointed duty)

Relates to the material needs of the church (as opposed to the ministry of the word) – – so that elders can devote themselves to spiritual oversight

Acts 6:1–4 ESV

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. 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. 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. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

Specific (not undefined “make-work”) – such as arranging care for needy, making preparations for gospel meetings, keeping track of the budget/treasury, maintaining the building, following up on visitors, arranging transportation

Concl: With zeal and dedication to following God’s plan, every church can appoint qualified men to serve as ministers in a variety of roles. This will allow bishops to properly devote themselves to the spiritual needs of the flock.