While the book of Acts of the Apostles was not written primarily for this, we can glean something about the roles and work of the deacons. Deacons are also very important in the church.
By Bishop Pride Sibiya(Gleaning From Archbishop Asa Gurupira)
What is a deacon?
It comes from the Greek word "diakonia" meaning servant. He/She is a member of the church who serves other members of the church on a practical level. While elders do more of the spiritual work, the deacons do the practical work.
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| Roles Of The Deacon In The Local Church |
As the early church grew there were many problems and much disorder in the church. As the church grows, the disorder is inevitable unless you have prepared amply to curtail this: "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. And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. And the word of God increased, and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly, and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith."
Philippians 1:1 is the first time deacons are clearly mentioned: "Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons."
In both the scriptures, it is abundantly clear that the deacons or the practical (servants) are being separated from the eldership or the spiritual (pastors and elders) initially by function then by titles.
Qualifications Of Deacons (1 Timothy 3:8-13)
In terms of the character of the bishop/elder the qualifications are the same, they just differ in their calling and giftings.
1. Respectable.
2. Not double-tongued.
3. Not a drunkard.
4. Not greedy, not those who are corrupt.
5. Sound in faith and life. Holding the gospel with seriousness.
6. Proven first. Someone can operate serving but not ordained because they must be proved. Someone must
7. Blameless in their overall character.
8. Godly woman deaconess or godly wife of the deacon. Titus 1:6, 1 Timothy 5:10
9. Not polygamous.
Responsibilities Of Deacons
These are not well spelled-out in scripture but from Acts 6 and a few others, we can deduce one responsibility though they can take up many roles or duties: to take care of the physical and logistical needs of the local church, that is serving tables.
Duties That Can be Done By Deacons
1. In the executive board.
2. Different ministries as ministry heads, heads of departments, youth, boys fellowship, family, women, men, singles, building, hospital, prison, parenting, hosting, ushering, decorations, security, innovation, boys, intercession, couples, hospital ministry, praise and worship, sound engineering, auditorium management, service management, choir, the media department, social media and marketing, cleaning, service conveners, health department, arts, business department, special services, helps, events taskforce, cell groups, testimonies, arts, etc though it is also important to put more mature people and elders in ministries.
When deacons are faithful they are lifted up by God to great heights. Just serve faithfully and you will arise: "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 3:13). People like Phillip and Stephen ended up being great servants of the Lord.
Receive Jesus Christ today and go to church for spiritual fellowship.
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