What are the responsibilities of deacons in the church?

Answer

In the New Testament, the term commonly translated as “serve” is the Greek word diakoneo, which literally translates to “through the dirt.” It denotes an attendant, a waiter, or one who serves another. This term is the origin of the English word “deacon.” The first instance of the term “deacon” used in this manner is found in the book of Acts. “And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables” «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. », (Acts 6:2). The men who were dedicated to tending to the flock through preaching and teaching recognized that it was inappropriate for them to abandon those duties to wait on tables. Therefore, they selected other men who were willing to serve and appointed them to attend to the physical needs of the church while the elders or pastors attended to their spiritual needs. This was a more effective utilization of the resources they had been given and a better deployment of everyone’s talents. It also engaged more individuals in serving and assisting one another.

Today, within the biblical church, these roles remain fundamentally unchanged. Elders and pastors are tasked with “preaching the word…reproving, rebuking, and exhorting, with complete patience and teaching” «preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. », (2 Timothy 4:2), while deacons are appointed to oversee all other matters. In a contemporary church setting, this could involve assuming administrative or organizational responsibilities, ushering, overseeing building maintenance, or volunteering as the church treasurer. The specific tasks depend on the requirements and the abilities of the individuals available.

The responsibilities of a deacon are not clearly listed or outlined; they are assumed to be everything that does not include the duties of an elder or pastor, which is to preach, teach, and exhort. However, qualifications for a deacon’s character are clearly outlined in Scripture. They are to be blameless, the husband of one wife, a good household manager, respectable, honest, not addicted to alcohol, and not greedy (1 Timothy 3:8-12). According to the Word, the office of deacon is an honor and a blessing. “For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus” «For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. », (1 Timothy 3:13).