The Office of Deacons in the Scriptures

The introduction to the office of deacon comes in the New Testament in the 6th chapter of Acts. In this passage, we find a dilemma in the early church for which deacons were chosen as the solution. The early days of growth through the ministry of the apostles were accompanied by many demands of service that they could not adequately perform. Thus, the appointment of deacons provided support and expansion for the ministry of the gospel. The focus of the deacon ministry is always centered upon the fellowship of the local church.

The term “deacon” comes from the Greek work diakinos. This word simply means “one who serves”. The picture of the servant we receive from the New Testament includes supporting, sharing and sacrificing for the ministry of the gospel.

The focus of the deacon ministry is always centered upon the fellowship of the local church. The scriptural references to deacons may be found on both the 6th chapter of Acts and the 3rd chapter of 1st Timothy. The letters to Timothy and Titus are known as Pastoral Epistles. The priority focus on the content of these letters is that of the qualifications for leadership and order and structure of the church. The appointment to the role of deacon is to be viewed primarily as the role of co-worker and fellow servant in the gospel.

Contact our deacon ministry - deaconministry@fbcbradenton.org