Deacons
When Jesus built
the church, he had a definite organization in mind. Each local congregation is to be led by
a selected group of men called elders. While these men have the role of
spiritual shepherds leading the flock of God, they cannot, and should
not, do it all.
The scriptures
provide another role, deacon, to work under the leadership of elders. The
word deacon literally means “servant”. Deacons are men who lead a specific
work in the church such as benevolence or youth education and ensure
specific jobs get done. There are qualifications listed in scripture to
guide us in appointing men to this important work.
“Likewise
deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not
greedy for money, {9} holding the mystery of the faith with a pure
conscience. {10} But let these also first be tested; then let them serve
as deacons, being found blameless. {11} Likewise their wives must be
reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. {12} Let
deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own
houses well. {13} For those who have served well as deacons obtain for
themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in
Christ Jesus”, 1 Timothy 3:8-13.
While not
mentioned as deacons specifically, the first mention of the type of work
deacons do is found in Acts 6 in the description of the care of the
widows in Jerusalem. The role of a deacon is not honorary; it is an active working
component of each local congregation.
The men who serve in this role deserve our assistance in the work
they undertake, and our great thanks.
“Paul and
Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus
who are in Philippi, with the bishops (elders) and deacons: {2} Grace to you and
peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ”, Philippians
1:1-2.
Church Office:
803-548-7762 Update Line: 803-548-5521
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