The Appointing Of Deacons

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The Appointing Of Deacons

Contributed by Boomer Phillips on Nov 13, 2023 (message contributor)

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Scripture: Acts 6:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Summary: When the volunteer workload is placed on just a handful of people, these individuals get burnt out; and since they can’t do everything, then a lot of needs go unmet. It is biblical to appoint deacons and train ministry volunteers to assist.

NOTE: This submission includes in this order: 1. Deacon Ordination Sermon, 2. Deacon Ordination Service, 3. Sermon Footnotes.

DEACON ORDINATION SERMON: "The Appointing of Deacons"

The term “ordain,” which is often used in Baptist and other Christian circles, never occurs in the New Testament. The Greek word translated “ordain” in the King James Version is better translated “appoint.” When Jesus said, “Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you” (John 15:15); He used a word, meaning “to appoint” or “to place.” The New King James Version renders it this way. In both the Old Testament and New Testament, leaders were “appointed” or “set apart” for ministry. For example, Paul and Barnabas were set apart as missionaries by the church at Antioch (Acts 14:23); and in Acts chapter six, which we are going to look at this morning, seven men were appointed as deacons. So, let us get started with this passage by first looking at verse 1.

Some Overlooked Widows (v. 1)

1 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.

We read here about trouble brewing among the disciples; the term “disciple” being a designation given to believers before they were called Christians at Antioch.(1) A complaint arose against the Hebrews by the Hellenists; a complaint that threatened the unity and growth of the New Testament church. The Hebrews were traditional Jews, while the Hellenists were Jews who had adopted Greek customs and language.(2) The daily distribution of bread was being neglected among the widows of the Hellenists; so, they were offended, viewing it as intentional discrimination.(3)

Now, I need to pause and point out something. The Greek term for daily “distribution” is diakonia, which can also be translated as daily “service.” Diakonia is where we get our English word “deacon.”

Now, the distribution of bread worked like this: There were appointed collectors who received every day from every court, a piece of bread or any sort of food, or even money from whomever offered it; and then they divided that which was collected, in the evening among the poor, giving every single person his or her daily sustenance called the “Tamchui.”(4) This distribution of bread became a huge task as the number of new converts grew into the thousands; therefore, people were being neglected, not because of prejudice, but for a lack of human resources, or rather man power.

Many of the disciples considered the distribution of bread as an “apostolic” responsibility; meaning, something that the apostles should have been taking care of. They felt that this task should not have been neglected for any reason; and as we can see, this turned into a misunderstanding resulting in people feeling devalued and underappreciated. The root cause of both problems – the problem of insufficient distribution, and the problem of hurt feelings – can be traced to a lack of understanding concerning the main calling and responsibilities of an apostle.

Similar misunderstandings occur today when church members lose sight of the primary responsibilities of church leadership, especially those of the pastor. For example, many church-goers believe it is the main task and highest calling of the pastor to visit every single church member in their homes, in the hospital, and during times of crisis; which is somewhat possible in a smaller congregation, but as the membership grows, one person simply cannot do it all. If he tries, he will have to neglect some other important tasks and responsibilities related to his pastoral calling.

The Ministry of the Word (vv. 2-4)

2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. 3 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; 4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

So, the problem identified here is that there were not enough people helping to make sure that all the tables were being served; and simply stated, the twelve apostles could not do it all by themselves. Now, I need to pause again and point out how the word “serve,” in verse 2, is translated from the Greek word diakonein, which again, is where we get our English word “deacon.” So, the twelve apostles called together all the disciples and told them that they, themselves, were unable to “deacon all the tables.” They needed help with the “deaconing” or “serving.”

“Dwight L. Moody used to say that it was better to put ten men to work than to try to do the work of ten men.”(5) In verse 3, the apostles told the disciples, “Seek out from among you seven men . . . whom we may appoint over this business.” So, the apostle’s solution was to simply recruit more help. This sounds like a reasonable plan from our perspective; but to those who were present, it did not make sense without further explanation; and so, the apostles elaborated on why they could not perform this task all by themselves. They used this dilemma as a teaching opportunity to share about the apostles’ primary responsibilities.

There were likely some who murmured among themselves, “Why do we need more table servers? Hasn’t God called the apostles to minister to the people? Isn’t the distribution of bread to the widows ‘the work of God’?” Church leadership coach Tony Morgan cautions us that “it’s possible to do the work of God without doing the work that God has called you to do.”(6) So, what does this mean? Well, there is a lot of kingdom work that needs to be done in the church; but the question is: “Is it the work to which you have been called?” Some people are serving in certain ministries of the church, not because they are called to, but because no one else will step in, as there is a lack of willing volunteers.

The apostles were more than ready to set the record straight, informing the disciples that this additional care, necessary to administer the daily bread, would interfere with their primary calling, which was the ministry of the Word; which involved dedicating themselves to in-depth study and teaching of the Scripture, to better administer the bread of life.(7) And just like the apostles, the primary task of pastors is to administer the Word. Visitation, outreach planning, organization, meetings, and associational events are all important and necessary, and even worthy of a pastor’s attention when time allows; but the primary responsibility is the ministry of the Word.

The Inter Varsity Press New Testament Commentary states, “The Word is central to the church’s growth – so central that Satan will use a congregation’s expectations and traditions (often innocent in themselves) to distract ministers from what is required for effective proclamation of the Word,” adding that “in the midst of great advance, the Jerusalem church faced the same problem.”(8)

Appointing Table Servers (vv. 5-6)

5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, 6 whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.

Recruiting more servants, or deacons, is what needed to be done to resolve the neglect occurring in the daily distribution of bread; however, it is also what needed to be done to free up time for the apostles to study and administer the Word. In consideration of adding deacons and other ministry volunteers in churches today, here is a statistic to keep in mind: A survey shows that “growing churches” average 1 volunteer to every 10 attenders.(9) So, how is our servant to member ratio, when it comes to deacons and other volunteers? Each of us should be seeking the Lord in prayer concerning our own involvement in the life of the church, asking Him if there are ways that we can help.

Back in verse 3 we read, “Seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.” Commentator John Gill says that they were expected to be men “who were eminent for their rich experience of grace; and who . . . were capable both of defending the truth against opposition, and of speaking a word of exhortation to duty, or of comfort under distress, or of reproof to members, as circumstances required.”(10) In 1 Timothy 3:8-10, Paul said, “Likewise, deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless.”

Allow me to reemphasize something that I have already covered. In verse 1, the Greek term for the daily “distribution” of bread is diakonia, which can also be translated as the daily “service” of bread. In verse 2, the word for to “serve” tables is translated from the Greek word diakonein. Since the word for “deacon,” basically means “to serve,” this tells us the primary expectation of deacons. A deacon is a servant. He will at times be involved in decision-making, bringing forth recommendations, doctrinal oversight, and even assist in disciplinary action, but these matters are secondary to being a servant; as in caring for others and assisting to meet their physical and spiritual needs.

The seven men appointed to be deacons were called to a specific area of service. They were appointed through the laying on of hands. One commentary says that what the apostles passed on to the Seven through the laying on of hands was not the Holy Spirit, for the Seven already had the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:3); but “rather, they received authority to work as the apostles’ representatives in a specific task.”(11) The laying on of hands was a blessing meant to empower them to serve in ministry.

The Word of God Spread (v. 7)

7 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.

Here is something we simply cannot miss! The Seven were chosen and commissioned as deacons, helping in the daily distribution of bread; and as a result, things were done more effectively and efficiently, resulting in unity among the believers. The tables were waited on, the bread was served, and the Word of God was shared too, resulting in the church growing by leaps and bounds. The example of love and unity even impacted many Jewish priests to give their hearts and lives to Jesus Christ.

A Charge to the Church

And now, I share “A Charge to the Church.” As a deacon has a responsibility to the church, the church also has a responsibility to the deacon. The church’s obligation to its deacons is three-fold: to pray for them, to encourage them, and to follow their leadership.

First, the church should pray for its deacons. There is nothing more important you can do for a person, especially a deacon, than to pray for them. Someone has said, “If you depend on money, you get what money can do; if you depend on education, you get what education can do; if you depend on promotion, you get what promotion can do; if you depend on prayer, you get what God can do.” We desperately want only what God can do in our church; so, let us pray for our deacons.

Second, the church should encourage its deacons. Being an assistant to the pastor, and a servant to the congregation, and a witness to the world is not an easy or even an enviable responsibility. Deacons will spend long hours fulfilling their duties. They will wrestle with hard problems in the congregation. They will receive criticism. And, they will need your encouragement. One of Satan’s primary tools in ministry is discouragement. If he can drive a wedge of discouragement into our Chrisian commitment and service, he has won a major victory.

Third, the church should follow the leadership of its deacons. Deacons are servant leaders. They have no authority except that which is given to them by the church. And we are not to follow anyone blindly. But when they offer a proposal, we should give it prayerful consideration. We should understand that they have access to facts that we might not have. Usually, they have discussed and prayed over the matter thoroughly, and we should follow their recommendation.

A church is blessed to have a deacon body that loves and serves the congregation and assists the pastor with his responsibilities. Our duty is to pray for our deacons, encourage them, and follow their leadership.

Let us also keep in mind that the needs of the church are not relegated solely to the church leadership. Let us not be like the Hellenists, sitting around complaining that the deacons, the pastor, or some other church leader, is not doing enough to help meet people’s needs; because it takes everyone working together to accomplish all that must be done, and for church growth to occur.

Time of Reflection

Looking again at verse 7, we read that “as the Word of God spread,” the number of the disciples multiplied greatly; meaning that more and more people gave their hearts and lives to Jesus Christ. It was the power of the Word that led to faith, for it is through the Word that we hear the truth necessary to make a heart change. In Ephesians 1:13, Paul called it “the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.”

So, what is the “gospel” message that leads to salvation? 1 Corinthians 15:3-5 explains it like this: “That Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.” Romans 10:9 states, “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” If you will repent of your sins and believe the gospel message of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, then you will be forgiven of your sins and receive eternal life.

DEACON ORDINATION SERVICE

NOTE: After the “invitation” has concluded, the pastor will instruct the deacon candidates to come forward and take their appointed seats before the congregation. He will then instruct the congregation to stand for the responsive reading.

Responsive Reading (1 Timothy 3:1a, 8-13)

Pastor: This is a faithful saying:

CONGREGATION: Deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience.

Pastor: But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless.

CONGREGATION: Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things.

Pastor: Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

CONGREGATION: For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Pastor: You may be seated.

Affirmation by the Candidates

Pastor: The deacons share in the responsibility of leading the congregation in its life of service and its ministries of compassion, and to work toward furthering the gospel. Therefore, it is the duty of the deacons to set an example of godly conduct and character, and to assist the Pastor in ministry to the people of this church.

Pastor: And so, now, I ask Mitchell ________ and Marvin ________ to please stand and answer aloud the following questions by simply saying, “I DO.”

Pastor: Do you trust in Jesus Christ as your Savior and acknowledge Him as Lord and Head of the Church?