THE BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES ON DEACONSHIP Article by: Dave McCollum Deacon, Lancaster Baptist Church
Chapter 1 - The Biblical Responsibilities of a Deacon
Much of the confusion over the office of a deacon revolves around its purpose. We know that deacons are servants in the church, but exactly what are they supposed do? It has been said that necessity is the mother of invention. That was the case in the church at Jerusalem. A need arose that necessitated the establishment of what we now call the deacon ministry. “And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.” Acts 6:1-2 These verses reveal the dual responsibilities of the deacon ministry. We see that the deacons had the responsibility of meeting the needs of the people (their widows were neglected) and the pastors (it is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables). There are two distinct responsibilities of a deacon.
Responsibility to the Pastor of the Church
The primary responsibility of the deacon is to the pastor. The needs of the people could have been met by the pastors. They could have distributed to the widows. However, the pastors’ need to spend time in the Word of God and in prayer could not be met while they were meeting this particular need of the people. I guess you could say that there was a conflict of needs. The primary need of the two was for the man of God to continue to seek the face of God that he might lead the church of God to the glory of God. “But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4). The church at Jerusalem was being blessed with tremendous numerical and spiritual growth because of the ministry of these men. The problem was that the spiritual momentum of the whole church could have been stalled in order to meet the physical needs of a few. Therefore the primary responsibility of the deacon is to ensure that the pastor is able to spend time with the Lord in order to fulfill his role as the spiritual overseer and edifier within the church of God.
Physical Responsibility to the Pastor
This involves the time and wellness of the pastor. The deacon should always be looking for opportunities to free his pastor from tasks that could hinder his time with the Lord and his family. We have to understand the importance of the pastor’s time with the Lord. It is also very important that the pastor have time to nurture his relationship with his wife and children. The Bible is clear that his first ministry is to his family. “A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife…One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)” (1Timothy 3:2-5) The deacon should also be aware of the heavy spiritual and emotional load that the pastor carries, and make sure that he is given opportunities to get away for some rest and rejuvenation. The uniqueness of a pastor’s heart is sometimes hard for us to comprehend. He never truly “clocks out.” Whether he is at church, driving down the road, lying in bed, or on a family vacation, you and I are continually on his mind. Many of the burdens he is bearing can only be shared with the Lord. I have served with my pastor long enough that I am now able to discern when he is running on empty or dealing with a difficult situation. When deacons sense this in their pastor, it is imperative that they provide him with the opportunity to pull up to the pump and refuel his tank.
Fiscal Responsibility to the Pastor
It is also the responsibility of the deacons to make sure that the pastor has the resources to take care of himself and his family. “Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:14). I don’t know of any man that could give himself continually to prayer and the ministry of the Word when his family is lacking the necessities of life. Every year the deacons should evaluate the pastor’s compensation package and make sure that his needs are being met. This should minimally include salary, housing, and transportation, as well as health and life insurance. It always amazes me when I ask folks if their pastor has health insurance. More often than not I just receive a blank stare in reply. Yet they would never think of going into their workplaces tomorrow and canceling the health insurance plan for their families. The Lord will take care of those who take care of the man of God. The poor widow at Zarephath experienced this wonderful truth (see 1 Kings 17:8-16).
Responsibility to the People of the Church
A wonderful part of helping the pastor fulfill his ministry is the opportunity that deacons have to minister to people. These responsibilities should be identified and appointed by the pastor. Every church is different and every pastor’s needs in this area are different.
Below are four major areas that are often blessings to a pastor:
• Caring—meeting the physical and emotional needs of the widows and others within the church family • Counseling—assisting at the altar, front door, and other occasions as needed • Counting—taking care of the tithes and offerings of the church • Committees—Standing committees such as finance, building, missions, etc. that can be called into action to assist the pastor as needed The Word of God identifies the role and responsibilities of a deacon. Deacons are scripturally qualified men who are chosen by the church from among its membership and appointed by the pastor to serve specific needs within the church that would otherwise distract the pastor from prayer and the ministry of the word.
Chapter 2 - The Biblical Relationships of a Deacon
A relationship can be defined as a logical or natural association between two or more people. Relationships are very important in the business world. Corporations spend great effort and monies to develop and nurture relationships. They have entire departments dedicated to the task. They have HR (Human Resources) departments to take care of their employees. They also have PR (Public Relations) departments to develop and maintain relationships with those outside of the company. They do all of this just to sell a product. The church of the living God is in the “business” of preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16). It is not a product, it is the “power of God.” May we devote our efforts in developing our relationships to the furtherance of the Gospel of Christ.
The Deacon’s Relationship with the Lord
These men were to be, “full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom” (Acts 6:3b). The filling of the Holy Spirit and wisdom can only be attained by spending time with the Lord. There are no shortcuts or substitutes. “Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel… Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:8–13 There is hope for me! They were, “Unlearned and ignorant men.” It was spending time with Jesus that made the difference. Are you spending time alone with Him each day?
The Deacon’s Relationship with His Family
“Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.” 1 Timothy 3:12 I suppose one of the “dangers” of ministering to people is that of forgetting that your family members are people too. Be careful about rushing to the aid of a church member, and then complaining about a shopping spree with your wife or a school event for your children. Make sure that you are continually developing your family relationships. How are your HR (home relations)? “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;” Ephesians 5:25 “Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.” 1 Peter 3:7 “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4
The Deacon’s Relationship with His Pastor “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” Hebrews 13:17 The relationship of a deacon to his pastor might be likened to that of a soldier to his commanding officer. Many soldiers develop great respect, and even affection, for those that lead them well. The deacon should sense and meet the needs of the leader that God has given him. “And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate! And the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the LORD.” 2 Samuel 23:15–16 The deacon should also display loyalty and obedience to the man of God. When Jonathan exhibited great faith in God by approaching the garrison of the Philistines the Word of God tells us that, “His armourbearer said unto him, Do all that is in thine heart: turn thee; behold, I am with thee according to thy heart”(1 Samuel 14:7b). Are you with your pastor according to his heart? Stonewall Jackson was a deacon in his local church. In the book Christ in the Camp it is revealed that, “He frequently sought the counsel and instruction of his pastor, upon whom he looked as his ‘superior officer,’ and to whom he would sometimes ‘report for orders.’” It’s no wonder that these words of his pastor were recorded in the same book “Oh, sir, when Jackson fell I lost not only a warm personal friend, a consistent, active church-member, but the best deacon I ever saw!” How are your PR (pastor relations)?
The Deacon’s Relationship with the Deacons “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 The deacon’s relationship with other deacons should resemble a “band of brothers.” When soldiers go into battle a bond develops that is hard to explain. Though they come from various ethnic backgrounds, parts of the country, and have differing talents and abilities they become one to overcome the enemy. Make no mistake, the event we see in Acts chapter six was an attack by the enemy. The church was progressing and Satan hated it. He hates your church also. Don’t let him divide and conquer. Unite and overcome. The Deacon’s Relationship with Church Members Deacons should be godly examples to the church family. “Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.” 1Timothy 3:8-9 Church members are watching. What are they learning? Deacons should anticipate and respond to the needs of the church family.
The Deacon’s Relationship with the Community
Deacons should cultivate a good reputation in the community. “Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report.” Acts 6:3a “Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” 1 Peter 2:12 When co-workers and folks in the community call you “deacon” they may do it with a tongue and cheek mentality, but they know who you are, and who you represent. So “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 Deacons should be active in soulwinning. Serving the saints of God is no substitute for seeking the salvation of sinners. God has mandated that every saved individual should be involved in reaching others for Christ. “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15 “Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.” Acts 8:5 The relationships that we have on this earth can make a difference for eternity. Those who serve in the deacon ministry have the wonderful opportunity of being a servant of saints and sinners; just like Jesus. Wow!
Chapter 3 - The Rewards of a Deacon
The world recognizes those who give financially to causes. They call them philanthropists. They also recognize those who go to great lengths to meet the physical needs of others. They call them humanitarians. When the church of God needed some men who would selflessly love and serve those who serve the Lord, they called them deacons. What a blessing it is to be a servant of servants. It seems a bit awkward to even discuss rewards for doing something that is so gratifying. However, the Word of God does indicate some very specific rewards associated with the deacon ministry.
The Reward of Church Growth
“And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.” Acts 6:7 When the deacons in the church of Jerusalem got busy meeting the needs of the people and the pastors were able to spend time in the Word and prayer, then the church grew spiritually and numerically. What a blessing to be in a place where people are being saved and sanctified to the glory of God! The Reward of Personal Growth “For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 3:13 Nothing has stretched me more spiritually than serving the Lord in my church as a deacon. There have been great blessings and great burdens. There have been tears and cheers. There have been sleepless nights and nights of peace that passeth all understanding. There has been dread and delight. There have been mistakes and successes. Through them all there has been growth.
The Reward of a Granting God
When the phone rings at two in the morning and the deacon rushes to the hospital, the world is not impressed. As a deacon stands by the grave of a widow that he loved and ministered to for years, the world does not see. When the deacon spends hours helping the pastor deal with a difficult situation, the world just yawns. The efforts of a deacon may not be seen or understood by the world around them. But God sees and understands. “And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.” Matthew10:42 The accolades and glory of men are short lived and shallow. Trophies rust, plaques fade, and certificates crumble away. Some live for them, and die with them. Live and serve to please the Lord—the rewards are far greater than anything the world could imagine. “Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.” Matthew 6:1-4 I suppose that the deacon ministry is best accomplished and described as the secret service.