Branches of Service: Deacon

First let’s remember where we find the origin of Deacons. We find the institution of Deacons in the New Testament in Acts 6:1-4: “And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.” Let’s take a closer look at what this means for Deacons.

The Importance and Necessity of the Office

The Diaconate allows the Elders to “give themselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.” Caring for the spiritual needs of God’s people in the local congregation is the responsibility of the Elders. Deacons are responsible for everything else that might distract Elders from this task. In this way, Deacons guard the Elders from being pulled away from their primary calling.

The Apostles found themselves overwhelmed by the physical needs of the new found believers and were taken from their ministry of prayer and teaching. In His wisdom, God provided the office of Deacon to care for His people's financial, physical, and other temporal needs. In a sense, Deacons are the guardians of the Church’s primary calling: the ministry of the Word. 

The Responsibilities and Tasks of Deacons

Sadly it is often the case that many churchgoers often think of Deacons simply as those who collect the offering, direct the collected funds to the appropriate accounts, and make sure everything is paid for. While financial stewardship is part of the role, the demands of the Deacon go much deeper than this. The service aspect is often overlooked.

There are many temporal needs that require not just money but time and effort. For example, in our congregation we have identified numerous widows. As Deacons, we are working to meet with them regularly to pray with them and to help keep them from loneliness and also seek other areas in their lives where we can serve them.

In my view, a Deacon should be more active than passive. We should be watching for those who might be suffering or in need. Sometimes that may be as simple as offering a word of encouragement or involving your wife in bringing a meal to someone going through a difficult time.

Since this is a leadership role - and all believers are called to be servants of Christ -  Deacons should also recruit and encourage others to help. For example, when visiting pastors come to preach, we set up a sign-up sheet so anyone can volunteer for airport pickups, hosting over the weekend, and serving meals. This effort helps spur other believers to serve in different capacities. Whether or not you are called to this ministry, there are many ways in which you can serve your local congregation. Just ask a Deacon, I’m sure he will find some way you can help!

The Joys and the Hardships

Like many areas of life, serving as a deacon brings its own difficulties but also joys. We are more aware of and have more insight into the lives of congregants, meaning we see difficulties some face that others may not. This is not alway easy. We are regularly reminded of our own weakness, especially when we don’t have the power to help in the ways we wish we could, like bringing a loved one back to life or healing someone from an illness, etc.

Caring for the physical needs of the congregation requires time and energy which we sometimes wish could be spent towards our own lives. This is not only selfish, but sinful knowing that God will give us what we need in order to fulfill the duties He has given us.

It is also a great joy and privilege to serve the Lord in this capacity. There is joy to be found in helping others in need, encouraging each other in the Lord, and seeing His flock taken care of by His grace and provision.

I encourage you to pray for your Pastors, Elders, and Deacons that God would give them strength, wisdom, and his Holy Spirit.

I have leaned heavily on Nathan Trice in his article found here: https://opc.org/os.html?article_id=409

Kevin Tanis (New Jersey HRC)