The Deacon's Story

The Story of Deacon hood

This should be a short story, a very short story of the title of deacons in the local church, and this is the total story, are it should be the total story.  “And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.” (Acts 6:2-3 ESV)

When the term disciples is being used the writer is referring to the church, to those who by faith have put their hope in Jesus Christ, not the original 12 followers of Christ, they are referred to by the writer as the apostles.  It is clear that the apostle’s time is being consumed by passing out food to widows and those in need.  In that it was taking from their time in prayer, and the proclaiming of the gospel, they told the church to pick seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, who they will appoint to serve the church.  That it the story and the Scriptures did not add an addendum, the deacons were set aside to serve the church under the authority of the pastor, (bishop, elder).

So how did we go so far off course?  Could it be that we looked to who was considered successful by our world standards, and did not check to see if they were men of good repute?  Probably not, for surly we would expect them to meet that standard, in that many of the men who do not attend church meet that level of acceptance.  But what about full of the Spirit and of wisdom, men who have shown these fruits in their homes and business life, and are men who are submissive to authority.

In that we understand that all men battle with the flesh against the Spirit, we are directed in Scripture not to but a novice or recent convert in the office of overseer, and that is found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7, and it is not talking about deacons, but pastors, (bishops and elders).  Now it would be very wise to also take this as a guide line on deacons in that we are instructed in 1 Timothy 3:10, “And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.”  Folks, in no way can a new believer be tested, and when we error in doing this we set the young convert up to fall under the traps of the devil.  To many men have been put in as deacons because of their titles or position in the world, and they are very capable in those roles, but if they do not meet the main requirement of  “full of the Spirit and of wisdom,” they will want to do what they do in the world system, and that is run the show.  Could that be where we as Baptists came up with two officers in a church, one being the pastor (elder or bishop) and the other a deacon?   I have not found the office of deacon in Scripture, I’ve only found this: “Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 3:8-13 ESV)  The short story is deacons are called to serve the local body of believers, and are first accountable to God and them to the pastor over them.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice