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What is a deacon?

Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by Gina B, Aug 28, 2009.

  1. Gina B

    Gina B Active Member

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    The job description varies in different churches, but my understanding is that the Biblical definition is different than many Baptists seem to interpret it.

    It seems that women are performing the role of deacons, but the job description is simply labeled different when a woman does it.

    So...what's the biblical definition of a deacon?
     
  2. Johnv

    Johnv New Member

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    The word we translate "deacon" (diakonos) simply means servant. In 1st Timothy 3, the deacon qualifications are outlined in verse 8-13.




    It says that deacons:
    • Must be of good respect, and sincerity
    • Must refrain from abusing alcohol
    • Be honest in thier business dealings
    • Must keep hold to their faith honestly and with clear conscience
    • Must be faithful to their wives, and their wives must be persons of honor
    • Must have a manageable handle on his household
    It also requires deacons to be vetted prior to being a deacon.

    If these things sound a bit general, and are things that any church member of good standing should adhere to, it's because you're right. The long and short of it is, being a deacon doesn't require any special characteristics (unlike the role of bishop outlined in v1-7), but should instead be a model member of the congregation.
     
    #2 Johnv, Aug 28, 2009
    Last edited by a moderator: Aug 28, 2009
  3. Tom Bryant

    Tom Bryant Well-Known Member

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    JohnV gave a good answer. In each church, how that servant role is played out looks differently depending on what the church wants.
     
  4. Revmitchell

    Revmitchell Well-Known Member
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    Really? And where in scripture do you find that?
     
  5. Johnv

    Johnv New Member

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    1 Tim 3, vs 8-13 gives the minimum requirements. It doesn't list the duties. A deacon's duties are decided by the church.
     
  6. rdwhite

    rdwhite New Member

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    By way of further discussion, I know a church in Georgia that does not have "deacons" by such a title. They did this because the title "deacon", in many churches (especially out east) has evolved from the role of a servant to that of dictator. Some churches even have a board of dictators (I mean deacons) that make all the decisions and determine policy for the church. Many times the pastors of these churches are hirelings of the deacons. Instead of risking this stereotypical abuse in the church they do not and will not have deacons. They have rather what they call "Ministers in the Body", or MiBs.

    I understand why they have taken this route. However, I disagree with them, because now they have removed any biblical qualifications. I believe a better option would have been to teach the biblical role of deacon, and to denounce those who usurp authority.
     
  7. Revmitchell

    Revmitchell Well-Known Member
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    And where do you find that in scripture.
     
  8. Johnv

    Johnv New Member

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    Scripture doesn't say what the duties of a deacon are. Are you saying a church can't decide what it wants the duties of its deacons to be?
     
  9. Revmitchell

    Revmitchell Well-Known Member
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    I didn't make any attempt to assert anything. I only asked a question. Not sure how you missed that. You gave scriptural reference with regards to the deacon early and the made an assertion about their role with no scripture.

    I am trying to understand how you came to your position.
     
  10. Johnv

    Johnv New Member

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    Simple. Not sure how you missed it. If scripture doesn't define the dutues, then it's reasonable that the privilege of defining the duties fall to the local church.
     
  11. Revmitchell

    Revmitchell Well-Known Member
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    So why were Deacons called in the first place?
     
  12. Johnv

    Johnv New Member

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    The role of deacons is not defined in 1 Tim 3.
     
  13. Revmitchell

    Revmitchell Well-Known Member
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    Why were the Deacons called in the first place?
     
  14. webdog

    webdog Active Member
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    To serve the church. Since each church has different needs and functions, I concur with JohnV, it is at the local church's discretion the role they serve.
     
  15. gb93433

    gb93433 Active Member
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    Replace toilet paper and mop floors.
     
  16. Revmitchell

    Revmitchell Well-Known Member
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    Why were they called in the first place.
     
  17. Revmitchell

    Revmitchell Well-Known Member
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    In Acts chapter 6 in the first 3 verses what duty was assigned and to whom was it assigned to?
     
  18. Trotter

    Trotter <img src =/6412.jpg>

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    The first deacons were called to take care of the menial tasks so that the disciples could attend to spiritual matters instead of "waiting tables."
     
  19. Revmitchell

    Revmitchell Well-Known Member
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    What menial tasks?
     
  20. Tom Bryant

    Tom Bryant Well-Known Member

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    To me the first situation was in Acts 6. The deacons were to wait on tables and over see the feeding ministry of the church. We don't have widows who need to be fed. So our deacons serve in other areas where we have need.

    For me and our church, we ask the Deacons to do specific kinds of service related ministry so that the pastors are able to continue to pray and teach.
     
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