Current Blog Series : Biblical Vision Explanation
"Deacons are the warrior servers of the church."
I have already discussed the elder’s responsibilities in the two “Elders
are a Gift to the Church” articles. Today I want to cover the hot button topic
of deacon responsibilities. I’ve seen churches fall apart or succeed because of
the relationship between the pastor and the deacons. Often times a fight over
power arises between the elders and the deacons. I believe that our American
churches are split over power due to a lack of Biblical understanding.
According
to the New Testament, a deacon is a servant. The name deacon means servant, and
their precursors in Acts 6 were chosen to handle the practical needs of the
church. The purpose of passing on practical needs was so that, the apostles
could devote themselves to leading the church through prayer and the ministry
of the Word.
The
elders are called to “direct the affairs of the church,” (1 Timothy 5:17) and teach
the Word, deacons are called to support that direction. There is no Biblical grounds
for deacons to “share power” with elders. There’s often a desire for the office
of deacon so that they may control the church, which is Biblically wrong. The
deacon should be full of the Spirit and gifted in the area of “doing gifts.” At
my home church Cross Point the men who are nominated to be deacon, are men that
must already exude the attributes of service among the body. This is not a
biblically mandated way to pick deacons, but it is a great way to ensure that
these men are truly gifted for the office.
When
considering nomination and “new deacons” there is a responsibility for all
offices of the church to train up younger men to one day fill any office
needed. (Titus 2) I believe that elders and
deacon’s should both have a “younger” learning their job. At Cross Point my
father has several men that he has befriended who help in his activities as a
deacon. Little do these guys know, dad is preparing them for the office of
deacon when the body needs a new man. Deacon service doesn’t stop at serving
tables, it is a service that follows through to the next generation of the
church. May we both elders and deacon’s desire to serve in our specific
Biblical roles.
Elders
lead ministry, deacons facilitate ministry, the congregation does ministry.
That, I believe, is the New Testament model, and that biblical clarity in
deacons’ role and function is invaluable for promoting peace and unity in our congregations.
