Church Organization – Gifted Leaders (Part Four)

A leader that Paul does not mention in Ephesians 4 that he does mention in 1 Timothy 3 is the deacon:

⁸ In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. ⁹ They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. ¹⁰ They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. ¹¹ In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. ¹² A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. ¹³ Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus. (1 Timothy 3:8-13)

The term deacon means servant. And that seems to be the function of deacons. They serve, in whatever way they are gifted. Most believe that the seven men chosen by the Jerusalem congregation to serve the needs of the widows (Acts 6) were basically doing the service of deacons, though they are not called that. Deacons apparently serve at the direction of the elders. And their service may be varied depending on the needs and their gifting. So, for example, Philip becomes an evangelist to the Samaritans and to an Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8).

Women may be deacons. Paul’s direction for the women (some translations say “wives”) cannot be for wives of deacons when there are no similar instructions for wives of elders. Deaconesses can serve in ways men cannot, especially ministering to women. It is likely that Phoebe, who delivers the epistle to the Romans from Paul, is a deaconess, Paul terming her a diaconos. Historically there were deaconesses in the churches.

Deacons might be the pool from which elders are chosen. They have many of the same qualifications and do many of the same services.