In the original language, the word, Deacon, means Servant
The title itself, is as descriptive as any job description could be. In the Bible, words have meanings and the word "deacon" means servant. Here is how the word has been defined in its various forms:
"Diakoneo and its derivatives, as their etymology suggests, are used mainly for personal help to others."
"Diakonia is found 34 times in the NT. It means service at the table in Lk. 10:40; Acts 6:1, etc."
"Diakanos is found 29 times in the NT. Its primary meaning is one who serves at tables."
("Serve, Deacon, Worship" in The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology, Colin Brown, ed., volume 3, pages 544, 546)
"In Philippians 1:1 and in numerous references in early Christian literature outside the New Testament, bishops and/or elders and deacons are mentioned together, with deacons mentioned last. Because of this order, and because of the natural connotations of the word diakonos, most interpreters believe that deacons, from the beginning, served as assistants of church leaders."
(Deacon, Deaconess, Fred A. Grissom, Holman Bible Dictionary, Holman, 1991)
The Office of Deacon Was Created for the Purpose of Handling the Benevolence Ministry
The Biblical account is quite clear on the founding of the deaconship and nowhere does Scripture repeal the original purpose:
“Now about this time, when the number of the disciples was greatly increasing, complaint was made by the Hellenists (the Greek-speaking Jews) against the [native] Hebrews because their widows were being overlooked and neglected in the daily ministration (distribution of relief). So the Twelve [apostles] convened the multitude of the disciples and said, ‘It is not seemly or desirable or right that we should have to give up or neglect [preaching] the Word of God in order to attend to serving at tables and superintending the distribution of food. Therefore select out from among yourselves, brethren, seven men of good and attested character a and repute, full of the [Holy] Spirit and wisdom, whom we may assign to look after this business and duty.’” Acts 6:1-3 (Amplified)
The Office of Deacon Was Established to Free the Apostles (who functioned as the first pastors) to Pray and to prepare to Minister the Word
The Apostles, in dealing with the benevolence ministry problem at the Jerusalem church, told the congregation that, "It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. 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; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word." Acts 6:2-4 (NKJV)
Some have understood this passage to mean that it is the role of deacons to oversee the business of the church. First, the text says, “this business,” not “the business” — and the business being referred to is the business of benevolence. Second, as Dr. Robert Naylor points out, that would be a misrepresentation of the meaning of the word:
“The word ‘business’ should be discussed a little to prevent any misunderstanding. The Greek word is chreia and basically means ‘need.’ It is so translated twenty-five times. This is the only place it is translated ‘business.’ Hence there is no Scriptural authority for the deacons to make financial decisions of the church. Church decisions must remain church decisions.”
The Early Deacons Were Selected for Their Spiritual Qualifications
1Timothy 3 and Acts 6 expound the qualifications for the office of deacons; the latter contains what could fairly be called the "core qualifications":
"Men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom" -- Acts 6:3
"And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit" -- Acts 6:5
Often, when someone is discussed as a possible deacon one hears a remark such as, "He attends regularly and is a good giver." But God is looking at men with an internal dynamic, which cannot be determined in a superficial way.
Deacons Are to Be Capable of Serving the Lord in Spiritual Ways
The original seven deacons were people who were able to serve the Lord in ways which were more spiritual in nature than merely delivering food. Stephen was a man of spiritual power: "And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people" (Acts 6:8 NJKV). Philip was not only a deacon, but also was gifted in evangelism (Acts 8:5-7).
The Office of Deacon Requires a Firm Grasp of Sound Doctrine
A church is content oriented. It is a doctrinally driven community, built upon truth. Every member should have this approach in this fellowship; leaders such as deacons, not less but, more so. "They must possess the mystic secret of the faith [Christian truth as hidden from ungodly men] with a clear conscience" Acts 6:9 (Amplified)
The Presence of Deacons Should Advance the Unity of a Church
When the Apostles laid out the plan for the creation of this office, "The saying pleased the whole multitude" (Acts 6:5 NKJV). The complaints about the benevolence ministry stopped. And the complaints were by the Greek speaking Jews, the Hebrew speaking Jews obviously bent over backwards to preserve the church's unity, for all the men selected had Greek names. It is still true today: Any time a church has deacons who are properly doing their jobs; the church is more likely to be at unity.
The Presence of Deacons Should Advance the Cause of Evangelism
The immediate impact of the creation of the office of deacon was to eliminate the controversy in the church and to get the church back on course in fulfilling its mission. The Bible says that, "Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith" (Acts 6:8 NKJV). Again, it is still true. When a church has deacons who are in God's will, the cause of world evangelization will be aided.
Character Qualifications
The dominant idea among New Testament leaders was that the ministry belonged to the whole believing community. The selection of leaders was primarily of individuals of proven maturity and character to lead so the whole church could function effectively in worship, in service, outreach and the fulfillment of individual spiritual gifts.
There are over a dozen significant qualities expected which include spiritual preparedness, self-control, social graciousness, domestic order, and holy living.
Key Scripture Passages: Acts 6:3, 1 Timothy 3:8-13, Titus 1:6-7
Full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom
(Acts 6:3)
An example:
* in conduct and morality ( 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1:6-7)
* in the truths of the faith
* in managing of family affairs
* in maintaining unity and confidentiality
Be faithful:
* to God’s House
* i.e. Sunday School, Sunday services
* in tithes and offerings
* to prayer
Qualifications of Deacons
1 Men of Dignity (semnos). The Deacon is one who has a spiritual quality about them that causes others to have a sense of awe and respect when around them.
2 Not Double-tongued (dilogos). The Deacon is not a man who gossips or speaks w/ hypocrisy – he never gets caught up in mischief. He speaks w/ integrity, consistency, and grace.
Deacons do not spread speculation nor do they misuse truth. In fact, they put an end to discord protecting the mission and leadership of the church.
3 Not Addicted to Wine (prosecho). The Deacon is not to be preoccupied w/ drink and it should in no way influence his life.
4 Not Greedy for Money. The Deacon will not use his office for personal gain. Deacons should not have a greedy spirit, nor should they use the respect they garner from being a deacon to gain an advantage in business.
5 Holding to the Faith with a Clear Conscience. Deacons are not just men who believe the truth, they live it. They are men who have strong biblical knowledge and insight and are able to live w/ a clear conscience b/c they live what they believe.
6 Tested (dokimazo). This is an ongoing test and not just a probationary period. A deacon is always under the magnifying glass. Thus, they are consistently evaluated on their knowledge of the Word and upon their life of servant leadership.
7 Above Reproach (anegkletos). Deacons are above reproach. Deacons must not have a blot on their lives, nothing for which they could be accused, arraigned, or disqualified.
8 Husband of One Wife. A deacon is to be a “one woman man.” The focus is on the man’s
character. They must not be unfaithful to their wives in their actual conduct w/ other women. The issue here is moral character and not marital status. Deacons are to be sexually pure.
9 Good Managers of the Home. Deacons are to prove their spiritual character in the most difficult arena – the home. They are to have their houses in order by capably managing their money, possessions, relationship w/ wife and w/ their children.
10 The Role of the Wife
* Dignified – same word used in vs. 8 – Women held in awe b/c of their spiritual devotion.
* Not Malicious Gossips – (diabolos) not slanderous. Women in control of their tongues.
* Temperate – women who have self-control and possess sober judgment – without addictions.
* Faithful in All Things – women who are absolutely trustworthy.
Colossians 3:23-2423 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
S.E.R.V.E.
S – SERVANT of the LORD
E – EXTENSION of the Pastor’s ministry
R – REGULARLY attends Church services
V – VALUES his relationship with the LORD
E – EDIFIES the Pastor, Church Staff, & Church Membership
