The Role of Deacons

 

This is Multiply, a podcast to encourage church planters and Christian leaders and I am your host today, Daneille Snowden.

Setting up leaders in the church is a meticulous, intentional task that must be done by the leading of the Holy Spirit, coupled with prayer and fasting. As we do this, the Lord clearly leads and orchestrates by aligning it all to His Word. 

Today, we will look into the role of a deacon. Let us read the historical beginnings of this vital ministry in Acts 6:1-7 

“Now in these days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a murmuring of the Grecian Jews against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 2 And the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not fit that we should forsake the word of God, and serve tables. 3 Look ye out therefore, brethren, from among you seven men of good report, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4 But we will continue steadfastly in prayer, and in the ministry of the word. 5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose ‘the 7’ [see the list in scripture]; 6 whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands upon them.

7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.”

The deacons were to meet the practical needs of this new and fast-growing church. I love how they prayed first and sought out men that had a good reputation (who were trustworthy), and full of the Spirit plus, have wisdom. May I incorporate, that one of the many attributes of being full of the Spirit is that the Spirit will guide and give created ways to serve the body of Christ. A Deacon may ask, where is the need? How and when should it be accomplished? Also, for God to lead him to those he should partner with to achieve these needs. One of the last things mentioned, when they were seeking out men to serve as deacons, was for them to have wisdom, which is a gift of the Holy Spirit. This is a crucial gift that has a deep insight into matters and situations, which will give clarity on how to serve. 

The word deacon means servant, this is what they are doing in this passage of scripture! By serving others, it shall speak to the heart of men, women, and children. Are they hungry? Feed them! How? By teaching them how to farm, walking along side them as you do? Another question may be asked; how to serve the widows, the orphans, the sick and the list is long and continuous. 

Serving as missionaries and pastors, we would feel overwhelmed when we had to fill-in the gaps that normally a deacon would do. It would drain our strength as we then were to preach the Word and pray for those who were in need. Deacons are incredible pillars to the strength of God’s Church. 

We had many deacons throughout our pastoral years, some hold a special place within our heart. Two of them are: Steve Devall and Charles Lee (both served at different churches); we never had to tell them to do anything. They would seek the Lord and simply gather others and serve. When they did, we would see them praying for those they did service for. It greatly strengthened our churches. 

We need our deacons to help our elders and pastors; in so doing strengthening the church. 

This has been Multiply! Please share this podcast today with others! Also, you can locate us on our website vcpencouragement.org, we are on Facebook, YouTube and PodBean. 

Thank you and may our Lord bless you abundantly today!