Deacon and the Deacon Board

The role of the deacon has been a source of much debate.
Many churches have deacons, some allow women deacons too,
Still others have reacted to the problems that are inherent in relationships among people and have eliminated the office of deacon, choosing to have only pastors/elders.

They reason, “deacons are just servants and every believer is a servant.
‘No deacons’ means ‘no deacon problems’.
And of course those deacon boards are unbiblical and generally a bad idea.”

What is the proper role of a deacon?

OPINION 1: The role of the deacon in the NT is not well defined and appears to have expanded during the time of writing of the NT Scriptures.

Classically a deacon, (diakonos - Strongs 1249 /GGK 1356) is a person who renders service—a servant or waiter.
The first use of the word “diakonos” in the NT Scriptures is in Matthew 20:26.

But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (vss 25-28 NAS95)

A deacon can be defined as a servant or one who serves, without necessarily having the office of deacon (Matthew 20:26; Ephesians 6:21). Pheobe may have fit in this role (Romans 16:1).

First use of the office of deacon mentioned is arguably in Acts 6:1-7.

”…select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. (vs.3, NAS95).

The word is not transliterated as “deacon” until Philippians 1:1.

Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons: (NAS95)

The definitive passage regarding deacons is found in 1 Timothy 3:8-13 where a list of the characteristics or qualifications of the deacon are provided, along with those of the overseer/bishop.

Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, gives a good definition of one who serves in the office of a deacon as someone given the “responsibility to care for the needs of believers—‘deacon, one who helps the believers.’” (53.67)

1) Deacons are not just ordinary servants in the church but serve in a specific office (1 Timothy 3).

2) Deacons are not just ordinary servants in the church; they are specially recognized servants that have been called out for service by the congregation (Acts 6:3,7).

3) Deacons were specifically distinguished (along with the elders) from the general population of saints (Phil. 1:1).

What is the role of the office of deacon? Some have suggested that it concerns the physical needs of the church and it’s body. That covers almost every aspect of ministry.

SO WHAT ABOUT DEACON BOARDS? Are deacon boards unbiblical?

There have been abuses of power within the office of deacon! It may even be common. Some therefore say, “Deacon boards are bad”.
Perhaps this opinion is appropriate. Some Deacon Boards have been structured along the lines of the American government system. This is inappropriate and unbiblical.

The pastor(s) and deacon board DO NOT have equal authority. There is a hierarchy of power and the deacons are under the authority of the pastor(s). An interesting observation in studying 1 Timothy is that the qualifications of an overseer and deacon are placed within an outline describing the proper order of the church. Overseers have authority over the deacons. It’s a headship issue.

The office of deacon was originated to allow the pastors of the church to have more time to devote to prayer and the study for the word (Acts 6). Pastors need to teach the congregation about the proper role and purpose of a deacon (and pastor/overseer for that matter).

OPINION 2: Concerning deacon boards, I believe they are not un-biblical, they are extra-biblical; they are an expansion of the biblical doctrines presented in the Scriptures.

Deacon boards can serve a good purpose if properly used by the elders.

A deacon board encourages communication within the congregation by recognized leaders of the church.
These are men that have been recognized and distinguished within the church as worthy of performing a special work. The congregation respects them and listens to them.

A deacon board increases the availability of wise counsel (Proverbs 15:22).
Deacons should be as diverse as the congregation, rich, poor, white, black, younger and elder, each provides a different viewpoint that can prove invaluable to the pastoral leadership.

A deacon board encourages growth within the congregation (Proverbs 27:14).
Younger deacons observe the more experienced deacons and gain experience and wisdom in various ministry opportunities.

A deacon board is vital for full integration of various ministries.
As congregations grow so does the complexity of the ministry. Excellence in ministry requires integration of various aspects of service.

Deacons assume authority and decision making authority in their position of responsibility.
A deacon performs his role under the authority of the pastors. In many instances the deacon may have more expertise than a pastor in his specialty area. This doesn’t mean that the deacon presides over the pastor.
Just as a wife has authority over the home without being head over the family, so deacons can be given authority in particular areas without usurping pastoral authority (see Matthew 8:5-13).

The tasks of a deacon are not defined in Scripture. I can’t imagine Paul knowing that sometime in the future a Sound and Media deacon would be helpful. But serving tables and helping widows, that was a task that was immediate to the times.

Deacons in the church I attend serve in a variety of ministries; finance teams, education boards, personnel committees, building committees and maintenance teams, helps ministries and many others. Each team is given authority to act by the pastors and congregation. Annual or semi-annual Budgets are worked out and members must work within its confines. In many instances the team members have far more experience in their field of expertise than the pastors. Deacons perform their tasks and allow the pastor to have much more time to devote to prayer and the Scriptures. The pastor provides vision and purpose and provides accountability to assure each task is done well.

Just a personal note: I currently do not serve as a deacon within the church I attend.
My BaptistBoard name “Deacon” shows that I’m a servant: I’m saved and I’m serving my Lord.

Rob

 

Ray, I personally minimize my use of the term “deacon board” for the very reasons you mention.

The NT says little about the precise duties of a deacon but we can infer that "service" is the positions main task.
Well what does a servant do?
Servants serve;
deacons deak!

Acts 6 does not call “the seven” deacons, yet they perform the role. It’s interesting that the word deacon isn’t mentioned by anyone but Paul, who was probably well versed in Hebrew leadership structure.

Central to my point about deacon boards was my first opinion that the position of deacon was not instituted by God upon the founding of the church but was developed and molded by the church and its leadership during the early stages of church growth in response to its needs.

Rob

 

Delegation of responsibility is not unbiblical.
Pity the pastor that must have his hand in every project to maintain his authority.
Mark that church as one that will have problems!

Remember Jethro’s advice to Moses:

How closely the qualifications to those given for deacons.
Exodus 18
(able men)
(who fear God)
(men of truth)
(those who hate dishonest gain)

1 Timothy 3
(These men must also first be tested)
(men of dignity)
(not double-tongued; beyond reproach)
(not fond of sordid gain)

Rob

 

Opps double post

 

God knew all along that the deacons would be a problem.

If you search the book of Revelations you will find that there are no deacons in heaven.

Rob