In the early church, deacons played an important role in assisting the apostles and elders with various practical needs of the congregation. Though their role has evolved over time, deacons continue to fill a vital service position in many churches today.
The biblical qualifications for deacons are listed in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. Deacons must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain, holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience, tested first and proven blameless. Their wives likewise must be dignified and not slanderers. Deacons must be husband of one wife and manage their children and households well. Those who serve well gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
The book of Acts describes how the first seven deacons were selected to help ensure widows were cared for and distribute food fairly. “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” (Acts 6:3). This set the precedent for deacons to handle the more practical matters, freeing the apostles to focus on prayer and ministry of the word.
While deacons do not have the same teaching role as elders, they are vital to the health and functioning of the local church. Here are some of the key responsibilities often entrusted to deacons:
1. Serving the physical and temporal needs of the church
Deacons are often tasked with identifying, communicating, and meeting the tangible needs within the church body. This can include things like food, clothing, visitation of the sick, care for widows, maintenance of facilities, and oversight of finances. The root meaning of the word “deacon” is servant, so deacons literally serve the church through hands-on, practical service.
2. Supporting the pastoral staff and elders
Deacons come alongside the pastoral staff, handling many time-intensive, logistical aspects of ministry to allow pastors and elders to focus on shepherding, teaching, and prayer. This frees up valuable time and mental space for pastors and elders to devote themselves to the spiritual priorities of pastoral ministry.
3. Participating in decision making
In many churches, deacons function as an official board that makes recommendations and gives input on important church decisions. They have a “pulse” on the practical needs and outlook of the congregation. While deacons do not have the same authority as elders, they often have substantial influence on the direction of the church through advisory participation in important administrative decisions.
4. Assisting with baptisms, Communion, offerings, and other church ordinances
Depending on the church, deacons may help administer baptism, assist in Communion, collect tithes and offerings, or participate in other special services and important functions of church life.
5. Coordinating and promoting ministries of service and outreach
Deacons are often charged with coordinating and supporting ministries like soup kitchens, prison visitation, benevolence programs, crisis pregnancy centers, and other community outreach efforts. They help mobilize church volunteers and facilitate services that convey God’s mercy and care.
6. Facilitating fellowship and family ministries
Many deacons oversee hospitality ministries like meals for the sick and fellowship gatherings. Others coordinate programs for teenagers, seniors, families with young children, support groups, and other niche demographics within the church.
7. Promoting unity within the body
As servant-leaders close to the practical needs of church members, deacons have the opportunity to set an example of Christlike humility. This models unity in diversity within the body of Christ across ethnic, socioeconomic, generational, and other potential divides.
While the precise responsibilities differ between churches, deacons generally promote unity, facilitate practical service, and attend to temporal and physical needs—all to bolster the spiritual work of pastors, elders, and the wider congregation.
Key Biblical Passages on the Role of Deacons
There are several major passages in the New Testament that reference the office and qualifications of deacon:
1 Timothy 3:8-13
Outlines the spiritual and personal qualifications for deacons. They must be dignified, honest, temperate, and tested before serving. Their wives likewise should exemplify noble character and speech.
Philippians 1:1
Mentions Paul and Timothy’s address to “all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons.” This shows deacons serving alongside elders as leaders within the early church structure.
1 Corinthians 12:4-11
Lists services and activities like administration, serving, teaching, encouraging, giving aid, and showing mercy as important gifts worthy of honor within the body.
Acts 6:1-6
Shows the selection of the first seven deacons to address complaints and make sure Greek and Hebrew widows were served within the distribution of food in the early church.
The example of deacons in the New Testament provides a model for deacons today to care for the temporal needs of the church and promote unity, so pastors and elders can devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the word.
The Relationship Between Deacons and Elders
Deacons and elders (also called overseers or pastors) work closely together, but they have distinct roles in the church. Here are some key differences:
Elders:
- Provide spiritual oversight and shepherding
- Devoted to prayer, teaching, discipleship
- Responsible for general spiritual state of the church
- Set vision and provide doctrinal instruction
- Hold greater authority in leading and directing the church
Deacons:
- Focused on temporal, practical service needs
- Office of servant ministry to church body
- Implement vision set by elders through practical action
- Have influential advisory role but less overall authority
- Relieve elders of administrative burdens
Deacons function under the spiritual oversight of the elders. Like Aaron and Hur supporting Moses’ arms in Exodus 17, deacons come alongside elders to fill practical needs, allowing elders to fulfill their primary calling.
Qualifications to be a Deacon
The qualifications for deacons are listed in 1 Timothy 3:8-13:
- Dignified – Worthy of respect and honor
- Not double-tongued – Honest and consistent in speech
- Not addicted to much wine – Self-controlled, temperate
- Not greedy for dishonest gain – Not exploitative for personal profit
- Sound in faith and doctrine – Grounded in true biblical beliefs
- Tested and proven blameless – Must have track record of spiritual faithfulness
- Husband of one wife – Maritally faithful if married
- Good household managers – Lead family well spiritually and practically
In comparison to elders, no ability to teach or spiritual maturity qualifications are listed for deacons. The focus is on moral integrity and service. Some even interpret “husband of one wife” to permit female deacons if they are single or faithful spouses.
How are Deacons Appointed?
In Acts 6, it is described how the early church received nominations and officially appointed seven men to serve as the first deacons. There are several components to this process that provide an example to follow:
- A practical need was identified that required assistance
- Spiritually mature members were invited to select faithful candidates
- Qualified servants were chosen based on testimony of good repute
- The congregation affirmed acceptance of those nominated
- Nominees were commissioned and appointed through laying on of hands
Today this general process is still followed in many churches. Existing deacons or elders will discern a need for additional deacons either to fill vacancies through attrition or to meet growing demands. Nominations are collected from the congregation and vetted against the biblical qualifications. Elders conduct interviews and bring back final candidates to the church body for affirmation. Finally, new deacons are officially installed through a dedicatory service and authorized by formal vote to serve.
Conclusion
Deacons have served a vital role in the church for centuries, though their specific duties vary. By handling practical service needs, deacons free up pastors and elders to provide prayerful spiritual guidance for the flock. Modeling humility and unity, deacons strengthen the cohesion and health of the church through selfless acts of service. The exemplary function of deacons continues to bless congregations today through following Christ’s example of laying down His life for others.
