The Role and Responsibilities of Deacons/Deaconesses

The word “deacon” means to serve or minister (coming from the Greek term diakonos). In the early church, the deacons were appointed to take care of the physical needs of those who made up the body of Christ. After the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended on the early believers, the church grew very quickly. Among them were a group of women, the Greek widows, who felt that they were being discriminated against, and thus were overlooked in the daily distribution of food and alms. With increase in numbers in the church, the problem of logistics arose. The Apostles who took care of the spiritual needs, namely, teaching and preaching, and thus decided to appoint 7 deacons to care for the needs of the rest of the body of Christ. (Acts 6:1-7).

The 12 Apostles felt that they should not neglect the teaching of the Word when they themselves take charge of caring for the physical needs of church members. Thus, 7 men were selected; those who were well-respected, full of the Spirit and had wisdom. One of them was Philip the evangelist, and the other was Stephen, who became the first Christian martyr.

The Apostle Paul mentions the “deacon” in Phil 1:1. Their title implies service or servanthood, providing practical help for those in need, ministering through hospitality and welcoming others. The deacons take care of the physical and logistical needs whereas the elders take care of the spiritual needs.

Qualifications of deacons/deaconesses

In 1 Timothy 3:8–13, the Apostle Paul gives a list of the requirements for deacons. They seem to be similar to those of elders: not being an addict (vs 3), not greedy for any dishonest gains (vs 3), must be blameless (vs 2), husband of one wife (vs 2), and able to manage the children and those in their family (vv 4-5).

In other words, to Paul, the deacons need to be people who take their roles seriously. They must be honourable and respectable people, not prone to gossip, trustworthy in speech, not drunkards who lack self-control and discipline. They must be firm in Christ, not wavering in their faith or doctrine, blameless in overall character. Deacons must be faithful husbands to one wife, and the wife too must be an honourable lady. They must be men who manage their households well since they will be needed to take care of church matters.

Though there was no mention of deaconesses in the early church, the need for these must have arisen from the fact that there are more women than men in the church. Thus, it would be practical to also have women minister to the needs of the women.

Responsibilities of deacons

Though there is no recommended list of duties for deacons in the Bible. The Apostles, as teaching elders, delegated the administrative duties to the 7 deacons.

What would be the duties of the modern deacons?

The early church deacons took care of things which the elders were not supposed to do. The elders taught and preached, while the deacons looked after the physical needs of the church. In modern terms, these would include taking care of the church facilities, arrangement of seats, sound system, the maintenance of the church property and other physical duties. However, many of these now come under the church warden or the administrative staff. The modern deacons seem to take on more responsibilities so that those who are teaching can concentrate on teaching. In some churches where pastors and elders are lacking, the deacons also teach and preach. But it would be good to remember that the true meaning of “deacon” is service-oriented; not to take over, but to assist the pastor or teaching elder.

The deacons would also be in charge of distributing of funds to those in need; taking care of finances, collecting and keeping records of monies in the church.

In many churches, they are usually the ones who take charge of collection and counting of offerings, welcome and usher worshippers, distribute the bulletins, welcome and befriending newcomers; preparing the elements for Holy Communion. In all, deacons take care of the practical areas of ministry in the church while the pastors and elders take charge of the spiritual aspects

Nominations for deaconship

Herald’s deacons and deaconesses have served faithfully for many years. A few remain while a few have stepped down after some years. We need younger ones to step up to learn how to serve, and in the future take on leadership roles. And if they are gifted with teaching and preaching abilities, God would call them to greater responsibilities, perhaps as teaching elders or pastors.

Beloved, I thank God that five of our members have agreed to be nominated for election at our ACM 25 March: Steven Neam , Steven Yeo, Teo Chew Hoon, Ken Horn and Andrew Phee. I believe that they have personally prayed about it. As the Lord has motivated them with His word, they are ready to take up the challenge. Let us pray that God will strengthen and bless them as they respond to the call to serve. Let us also encourage them by giving them our support.

May God’s name be praised, and the gospel work in Herald be multiplied with more willing hands and hearts.

Pastor Bob Phee