The problem is often that churches use an unbiblical definition that involves deacons in authority of churches. THE ROLE OF A DEACON So what exactly is a deacon? A godly servant, who serves his fellow believers faithfully, is an asset to any local church and brings honor to the Lord. He is not to be the pastor-elder's supervisor but his helper. No other directions are given in Scripture concerning the work of the deacon. Number of Deacons They may assist as ushers, tend to benevolence, or count tithes and offerings. In the early church, the Deacon rationed any of the leftover elements to the poor of the church or locality. Ryrie, in his note on 1 Timothy 3:8, again sites the difference between the "servants" of Acts 6:1-7 and the "servants" (deacons) of 1 Timothy 3:8-13.8 In Acts 6:3, the Apostles stated the qualifications of these first appointed servants in the church as being, "men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom." 9. This material so collected was distributed to those in need by a committee . There is no precedent, rule in grammar or translation, that would support or validate the transliteration of the word, "diakonos," into the English word, "deacon." The congregation, placed under deacon leadership, often begins to look to them for guidance. There is a vast difference between knowing what you are (your role) and knowing what you are supposed to do (your responsibilities). Acts 6:1-7; 1 Timothy 3:8-13. For example, if a modern church elected someone as "grounds keeper" we would not be making an official authoritative office in the church, but rather be giving a job description of the position and responsibility to which that the person was elected. For example: The word translated "deacon" in 1 Timothy 3:13 is the verb diakoneo is found only in 1 Timothy 3:10, 13. (See the list at the end of this article which compares the qualifications of the bishop and those of an elected servant). He is one to be respected in the church. Phebe was a servant in her church in the same way any woman can be a servant in their church. This view says if it works, then do it. 6. This fund was called the tamhui or the tray.27 Often, instead of looking for men qualified to perform some specific task that needs to be done, men are chosen because of the social or economic status in the church or because the "earned" the honor. The first problem with the present-day misunderstanding of this position is caused by the transliteration (spelled in letters of another alphabet) of the Greek word "diakonos" into the word "deacon" instead of translating the word into the English equivalent. Deacons in the Church Today . responsibilities relating to the oversight of members, to the finances and properties of the church, and to its evangelistic, missionary, and educational programs. It was this practice that the first deacons inherited and performed. The word means servant, and the context tells you if the person has an elected position or simply one who served in the church. This is the reason the first deacons were chosen (Acts 6). As stated earlier, the phrase translated in our English Bibles, "use the office" is one word in the Greek, which is a verb and is, literally translated "ministry or service of a servant." Simply stated, when I need counsel or have matters to discuss with the men, I call all the men of the church together and discuss the matter with them. This unbiblical practice gives the false impression to the congregation that deacons hold a leadership or elevated position over the church. 6 It is best to discuss this issue in the larger context of the role of women in the church. The office of Deacon was established to free the Apostles (who functioned as the first Pastors) to pray and prepare to minister the Word. However, the word office can be used in another sense as "something that one ought to do or must do: an assigned or assumed duty, task, role, or the proper or customary action of something: FUNCTION: something done for another: SERVICE" (4.a-c, "office"). However, neither is later identified as or given the title of deacon. While I recognize that good people differ on church polity and governance issues – may I share what I believe the When asked do I believe in, "deaconesses in the church." They were not called deacons because no such a title is used in the New Testament. It is not God's will to appoint men as officers in a local church, call them "deacons," and purport that they hold a biblical position. give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word" (Acts 6:4). 3 Most other translators translate the word, "serve as deacons. In Acts 6:3, when the Twelve Disciples called the assembly together they asked the congregation to appoint "seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this "business." One place this can create a real problem is in giving deacons the position of locating and calling a new pastor. Deacons are not to form a board to rule the church; that is not their job description. I reply, "absolutely!" At least two of the seven in Acts, Stephen and Philip, were very active in preaching and evangelism (Acts 7-8). It was a very simple and appropriate act to show their fellowship with them. . There were both Jews. Arguing against interpreting "deacon’s wives" as "female deacons" is the fact that it would be unusual for Paul to give qualifications for deacons in verses 8-10 and 12-13, with qualifications for deaconesses in between. The word in the Greek text absolutely does not refer to an official ruling position. The requirements for a deacon are very demanding because God wants the church to be a "holy nation" (1 Pet. Just as the title bishop carries with it the job description of "overseer" and the title pastor means a "shepherd," one who takes care of the flock, the title deacon refers to one who serves. Many churches are hampered in their spiritual development because the pastor-elder has "laid down" the Word of God to do other things. In studying this matter, I have read the conclusions of dozens of commentators. I do not believe that God will or can bless a congregation that allows men to usurp their pastor's God-given position and take the rule over him and the congregation. The qualifications in 1 Timothy imply this supporting role for deacons in two ways. The deacon is not described as a "ruler" in the church. The single word "diakoneo" is translated into the phrase, "use the office of a deacon." Ibid p1711. Neither I, nor anyone else, have any authority to change in any way the church that He founded and built. Towns refers to 1 Timothy 3:1 and 3:11 as using the word "office" of a bishop and deacon respectively. relieve the pastor-elders of responsibilities that would keep them from doing their best in studying the Word, spending time alone with God in prayer, and teaching the Word effectively. In part one of this series we discovered that the biblical role of a deacon is that of an attendant, servant, waiter, or one who runs errands. It should be noted that when Paul sent Titus to the churches of Crete, to "set them in order" by instructing them in the appointing of pastors, he did not instruct him to also appoint "deacons" (Titus 1:5). The essential role of deacons is servanthood. Clearly, the word "diakoneo" would be better translated "let them serve (or minister) as servants. Often, if a pastor wants something done in the congregation, he first must go to his "deacon board" and get their counsel or approval on the matter. If there was a hierarchy recognized in the Jerusalem church why did they not just take the matter to them? . 1907, p914. One problem is that some churches appoint men to the position as a deacon for life. These qualifications were simply a generalization of the character of these men and Paul in 1 Timothy 3:8-13, made the earlier generalization more specific. In fact, “We have no description in the New Testament of deacons acting as deacons, with the single exception of Acts 6, which, while controverted, is still widely used as a model for the ministry of deacons. Tested and Found Beyond Reproach. The role of a deacon is one traditional area that has had seen many changes over the years. . Ryrie says, "The word here translated "servant" is often translated "deacon", which leads some to believe that Phebe was a deaconess. http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/office. The origin of the office is still being debated; however, the traditional view is that it had its beginning in the appointment of the seven (Acts 6), although they are not specifically called deacons.26 This view is widely held because the seven were elected to serve (diakoneo) tables (6:3), and were instructed to serve as deacons (1 Tim. Her position was of service not leadership. Deacons are not included because these are the official positions in an assembly that God "gave.". (Matt. The New Testament teaches in every case congregational rule, which means that all members of the church are equal in all matters concerning the church's business. All else which has been made of the laying on of hands is an invention. The Role of Deacons When it comes to the role of deacons in the local church, the Scriptures are surprisingly quiet. . 12:8). "3 This is strong evidence that the New Testament does not support the establishment of an "office" or "board" of deacons. When there is a need for some service a pastor can mention it in a service and get volunteers. When a pastor leaves, these men are elevated to a special leadership status in the congregation. Charles C. Ryrie,Ryrie Study Bible, Moody Press, Chicago, 1978, p1548 This fund . It states that a deacon has the The contention I believe was not founded. However, the word is more likely used here in an unofficial sense of helper. It is a poor leader who must go to his deacons and get them on his side before he attempts to bring a matter before his congregation. The Grecian widows, were looked down upon by the Jews of Judea, as being inferior thus the Grecian widows perceived they were being slighted. 3:10, diakoneo). There are those that view the role of deacons as a governing board over the affairs of the church. by Cooper P. Abrams III There is no biblical example of a pastor seeking the counsel of his deacons in the overseeing of a local church. I believe the reason they were not listed is that there was no such "office." *All Rights Reserved. Surely, it was not an oversight on God's part to omit deacons. The word ministry used in Acts 6:4, is interestingly "diakonia" or "service." . Gain a better understanding of the role of a deacon or deaconess by reading about the biblical understanding of the role and personal characteristics they should possess. Philip and Steven are examples of men who were appointed servants (deacons) in the church who were also preachers. The congregation was not appointing them to an office, but giving them a responsibility or duty to take care of the widows. However, Phebe, not being a man and not the "husband of one wife" could not hold the position of a deacon as the word is popularly used. The Biblical Role of Deacons. Merrill F. Unger, The New Unger's Bible Dictionary, Moody Press:Chicago, 1988, p534. The verse says, "Phebe, our sister, which is a "servant" of the church which is at Cenchrea." By taking this course, I am acknowledging that the Head of the congregation, that I pastor is the Lord Jesus Christ who died for it (Eph. The use of appointed servants in the church is a part of the Lord's stated organization of a local church. 3:8-12). Two of the men appointed in Acts 6, Philip and Stephen, achieved prominence as preachers. (Acts 15:6) The apostles, elders and the whole church recognized that this was the proper way to seek counsel in a church. The poor of the community were given enough food for fourteen meals, that is for two meals a day for the week. 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