The answer to that question depends on which church (and sometimes which church member) you ask. Deacons and deacon ministry are defined in as many ways as there are churches. While our next article will cover what deacons specifically do at FBC Midlothian, this article will look at New Testament instruction concerning the selection of deacons and what it records concerning the activity of deacons in the first century.

But as the believers^[a] rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food. ² So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. ³ And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. ⁴ Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.” ⁵ Everyone liked this idea, and they chose the following: Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch (an earlier convert to the Jewish faith). ⁶ These seven were presented to the apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them.

Acts 6:1-6

The word deacon means servant or one who serves. While some suggest the setting apart of seven men in Acts 6 as no more than selecting a food service committee, the traditional view is that these individuals are the original deacons. They are selected by the church. They are known to be submitted to the Holy Spirit. They have demonstrated wisdom. They were fair and discerning and handled a practical problem so that the Apostles could continue to devote themselves to praying for the church and preaching/teaching God’s word. The result of the work of these seven men was continued church growth.

It would be natural to assume from this passage that deacons were to handle the practical matters of the church, while Apostles were to address spiritual matters. However, in the very next chapter (Acts 7), Stephen (one of the seven original deacons) stands toe to toe with the same men who condemned Jesus to death and preaches a fiery sermon that earns him the title of the first Christian martyr. Stephen was willing to serve widows and make sure they had enough to eat. Stephen also knew the scriptures and preached the truth boldly, knowing that it could cost him his life. And it did.

We see from the very introduction of deacons that they were selected to help meet the needs of the church and relieve the other church leaders of some of the burden that might otherwise distract them. However, these men not only handled practical matters but also addressed spiritual ones, as well. They were servants. They were leaders. And many churches today embrace the model of ‘servant-leader’ when describing deacon ministry.

As the church expanded and more servant-leaders were needed, qualifications needed to be clarified. The Apostle Paul laid out these qualifications for deacons in 1 Timothy.

⁸ In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have integrity. They must not be heavy drinkers or dishonest with money. ⁹ They must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed and must live with a clear conscience. ¹⁰ Before they are appointed as deacons, let them be closely examined. If they pass the test, then let them serve as deacons.¹¹ In the same way, their wives^[a] must be respected and must not slander others. They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do. ¹² A deacon must be faithful to his wife, and he must manage his children and household well. ¹³ Those who do well as deacons will be rewarded with respect from others and will have increased confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.

1 Timothy 3:8-13

It is fitting for the Lord and his church to have certain expectations of their leaders. That includes those in the role of overseer/pastor and those who serve as deacons. If we combine the description of the men in Acts 6 with the instruction in 1 Timothy 3, we find that the expectations of deacons fall into three categories:

Category 1: Moral Character

A deacon must be dignified – respected by others and demonstrate respect for others. He is morally sound, honest, and consistent. He shows evidence of following God’s wisdom. He is also sober-minded – not reckless and not intoxicated by substances, greed, or status.

Category 2: Family Relationships

A deacon gives ample time, attention, and energy to his family, leading them by example and by instruction. A deacon is a “one woman man,” so he must be faithful to love and cherish his wife and must seek to make his home a place where God is honored. If he is married, his wife should be a woman of maturity and godly character.

Category 3: Ministry Preparedness

A deacon must have a working knowledge of the Scriptures so that he may be able to teach or explain Biblical truths when called upon to do so. He must desire to serve others more than to impress or rule over them. Before he is selected, there must be a period of time where the deacon demonstrates these qualities, as well as his diligence and reliability.

Time of Testing and Tasks

The New Testament does not specify exactly how deacons are to serve in every church. It is obvious that deacons assist church leaders who occupy higher offices (the Apostles in Acts 6 and the Overseers in 1Timothy 3). Each church and each pastoral staff must determine the work of deacons for their local congregation. It is noted that a deacon candidate should have a proven track record in the areas mentioned above. The length of that time of testing is, again, decided by the local church. Some responsibilities of deacons may seem a bit mundane (taking care of church property, cleaning up after events, helping widows with yardwork, etc.). Other duties may seem monumental (counseling prospects, responding to families in crisis, teaching classes). Regardless of the task, a deacon will do what his church asks or assigns with enthusiasm and diligence.