Deacons (Servants)

“When writing to Timothy and the problem-ridden congregation at Ephesus around the year A.D. 63, Paul found it necessary to give instructions about deacons. In 1 Timothy 3:8-13, he insists that deacons, like shepherds, be properly qualified and publicly examined before they serve. Since he did not want their position to be minimized by others or by themselves, Paul promises that deacons who serve well will acquire an honorable and influential standing in the local church. They will see their faith in Christ greatly increased (1 Timothy 3:13).

A serious, fundamental problem regarding the diaconate still exists: far too little in-depth consideration is being given to the biblical texts and the biblical parameters set for deacons. This problem is symptomatic of a much bigger problem among Christians today, which is a shameful lack of trust in God-breathed, Holy Scripture. But, as we shall see, the Scripture is perfectly sufficient to answer our questions about deacons. Indeed, the only diaconate worth discovering is the one found on the pages of the inspired New Testament. No matter how limited that information may at first appear, God, in His perfect wisdom, has given us all the information we need. If we don’t adequately consider the texts of holy Scripture or limit ourselves to biblical teaching on deacons, we invariably corrupt God’s design and invent a diaconate of our own imagination” (Minister of Mercy: The New Testament Deacon, Alexander Strauch, pp. 8,9).

In the denominational world deacons have been turned into a ruling board of the church, or are often placed into a competitive role with the elders. “While some churches wrongly elevate deacons to the position of executive board members, others mistakenly reduce deacons to building managers, glorified church janitors, or sanctified groundskeepers.

In response to this position, we must ask ourselves why God would demand that deacons meet specific moral and spiritual qualifications and undergo public examination, like the elders of the church (1 Timothy 3:10), if all deacons do is wax floors or mow lawns” (p. 11). “Exactly how the congregation in Jerusalem selected seven of its men is not recorded” (p. 37). Seven men were selected in Acts 6 because that is how many men were needed for this situation. “Thus a local church today has flexibility in how its deacons are chosen, how many are selected, and what they specifically are to do. As long as the deacons enable the shepherds of the church to carry out their primary duties, they are doing their job” (p. 43).”

“Since the role of elders is to shepherd the flock, they need to remain free of responsibilities that do not relate directly to “spiritual” matters (like assigning duties in worship services, building and grounds, education programs, among others). The book of Acts tells us that the early church appointed seven who were “known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom” (Acts 6: 1-4). Several men have been identified for their servitude and have been currently asked to serve the local congregations. The scriptures are clear on establishing the qualifications for deacons. Among them is that “They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience” (I Tim. 3: 9).”