What are Deacons?

For they that have served well as deacons gain to themselves a good standing, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 3:13  

    I am grateful for our two deacons and their willingness to serve this congregation. These two men work behind the scenes and take care of things that we do not all see. They do this while they raise their families and work their full-time jobs. Let us take time to recognize what Deacons are and also what deacons are not. 

Deacons are Not The Only Servants

    The Greek word used for the office of deacon is diakonos.  Its very basic meaning is servant, minister, or deacon. This term, in a general sense, is applied to all Christians (see Matthew 20:26; 1 Tim 4:6. Et al.) Not all Christians hold the office of deacon, for not all Christians are qualified according to the Scripture (see 1 Tim 3: 8-13). The Lord’s church cannot expect the men who hold the office to do all the work. Can you imagine if everything that needed to be done was done by two men? We are all called to work as fellow workers of the truth (3 John 8). 

Deacons are Not Elders in Waiting

    We sometimes view deacons as a rung in the ladder to elders. This is not the case scripturally. We do not see this in the New Testament as a sort of path to succession. Serving as a deacon is done because it must be done. There will always be a need for service that these special servants carry out. Deacons are necessary for the New Testament church to function according to the pattern God established. We must never look at deacons as if they are looking on to the next office. We must not look at them critically if they do not become elders. Read 1 Timothy 3:13 again and reflect on what the Spirit says. 

Deacons Have to Work, and We All Play a Role in That Work. 

    These men are committed to a service in a special way that goes beyond what many Christians do. These men are scripturally required to carry out the function of the office. There are souls that are on the line with their work. Their work helps the elders to focus on the tasks for which they are responsible. Their work helps the congregation  The congregation must support these men, helping them carry out the tasks that need to be done when they need assistance. The congregation must support them by praying for them and their work. The congregation must encourage them to do their work, as we all must do with reverence for the Lord. 

Grace and Peace, 

R.D. Beavers