What is a deacon?

The word deacon is derived from the Greek word diakonos, which means “servant.” The New Testament mentions this term frequently, though perhaps its clearest usage can be found in Acts 6, where it appears the first deacons were appointed in the church at Jerusalem. This passage makes clear that the office of deacon was established to serve the church’s physical needs so that those who hold the office of pastor might focus on meeting the spiritual needs of the church through the ministry of the Word. Thus, a deacon is one set apart to lead in serving and ministering to the needs of the local church.

What are the qualifications of a deacon?

The Apostle Paul makes clear in 1 Timothy 3:8–13 a list of qualifications a person must meet in order to be appointed as a deacon. It is important to note that these qualifications are indicative of how every Christian should live. Since pastors and deacons are ones who lead by example, it is clear why the Scripture delineates several qualifications. According to 1 Timothy 3, a deacon must demonstrate great reverence for the Word, be dependable and honest, be temperate in living, be without greed, hold to the faith with a clear conscience, be tested and found faithful, be above reproach in the community, be the husband of one wife who herself is above reproach, and be one who manages and cares well for his family. Perhaps the most succinct summary of the kind of person a deacon should be can, once again, be found in Acts 6. Upon appointing the first deacons in Jerusalem, the twelve disciples made clear in Acts 6:3 that these men ought to be of good repute, known to be full of the Holy Spirit, and full of wisdom.

What is ordination?

When members of the church are nominated by the congregation to the office of deacon and are found to meet the qualifications as outlined in the Scripture, the church elects them to serve and publicly recognizes them in a special service, whereby they are “ordained” or are officially appointed and set apart as one who is called of God and qualified for the deacon ministry. Following the precedent set by the apostles in Acts 6:6, the pastor and other ordained men will lay their hands upon these men and pray for them. The ordination service is very special and helpful, not only for the ones being ordained but also for the congregation as a whole, as they get to celebrate God’s provision of faithful, servant leadership.