The New Testament Deacon

Servant Leadership: Understanding the Biblical Role of Deacons

Have you ever been part of a rapidly growing organization where the leadership faced a critical moment of decision? Imagine being in a church that’s expanding so quickly that the needs of its members are outpacing the leaders’ ability to manage them. Picture the frustration building as some people’s needs go unmet, threatening to divide the congregation. This scenario isn’t just a modern-day church growth problem – it’s exactly what happened in Acts chapter 6, and it led to the establishment of an essential role in the church: the deacon.

As we dive into this topic, let’s explore three key points about deacons in the New Testament church:

1. Deacons and Pastors: Distinct Offices with Unique Roles

First and foremost, it’s crucial to understand that deacons and pastors (also called elders or overseers) are two distinct offices in the New Testament church. This isn’t a hierarchy where deacons are second-class servants and pastors are first-class. Each role has its own responsibilities and qualifications.

In Philippians 1:1, we see a clear picture of who comprises a New Testament church: “Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons.” We have saints (that’s all believers), overseers (pastors/elders), and deacons. This structure isn’t just organizational – it’s God-ordained for the health and effectiveness of His church.

2. Deacons are Servants, Not Managers

The word “deacon” comes from the Greek word “diakonos,” which literally means servant or minister. This role isn’t about power or control – it’s about service. In Acts 6, we see the first deacons appointed to solve a practical problem in the early church, allowing the apostles to focus on prayer and teaching the Word.

There’s a common misconception that deacons are the church managers or that they run the church. Let me be clear: deacons don’t run the church, and neither do pastors. We have one head of the church, and that’s Jesus Christ. As I often say, “I don’t run this church. We have one head of this church, and He runs this church.”

The role of deacons is to serve the Lord by serving God’s people, thereby serving the pastors so that they may give themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word. When deacons serve as they ought, it allows pastors to stay focused on their primary responsibilities and helps the church stay unified.

3. Deacons are Men of Character

In both Acts 6 and 1 Timothy 3, we see clear qualifications for deacons. These aren’t just skills or abilities – they’re character traits. Deacons must be of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. They should be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, and not greedy for dishonest gain.

The spiritual life of a deacon is crucial. As 1 Timothy 3:9 states, “They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.” This means they must be grounded in Scripture, defending the fundamentals of the faith, and living out what they believe.

It’s important to note that these qualifications aren’t meant to discourage potential deacons. Rather, they’re a call to growth in Christ-likeness for all believers. As one of your pastors, I want to encourage you: don’t look at these qualifications and think, “I could never be a deacon.” Instead, view them as goals for spiritual growth, areas where God wants to work in your life.

Putting It Into Practice

So how can we apply these truths about servant leadership in our daily lives? Here are some practical steps:

1. Look for opportunities to serve others this week. Ask God, “Lord, how can you use me to serve someone else?”
2. Be attentive to the needs of others. Whether it’s learning your waiter’s name at lunch or noticing a single mom who could use some help, open your eyes to the needs around you.
3. Practice serving without recognition. Don’t serve for the applause of others, but for the “Amen” from the Lord.
4. Step out of your comfort zone in service. Jesus ministered to those others avoided – can you do the same?
5. If you’re not already serving in a church ministry, find a place to engage. I promise you, there’s a place for you to serve.
6. Adopt a ministry of generosity with your time. Ask God daily, “How can you use me today?”

Remember, Jesus himself said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). As we seek to understand and apply the Biblical role of deacons, let’s all strive to embody this spirit of servant leadership in our daily lives.